Career Path Definition With Examples

Career Path Definition With ExamplesCareer Path Definition With ExamplesA career path is composed of a sequence of jobs that make up your career plan. Career paths and career plans may sound like the same thing, but theyre not. Acareer planincludes short-term or long-term goals leading to an ideal career, while a career path specifically includes the jobs that step an individual towards his or her goals and objectives. Curious about how a career path works? The first thing to know is that while it includes the jobs, youll need to hit your ultimate career goal, a career path doesnt need to be a straight line. Theres no blueprint or timetable for climbing the career ladder. Your career path will be as individual as you are. You may take a very different route than your colleagues and wind up in the same spot. Whats Included in a Career Path Career paths traditionally imply vertical growth or advancement to higher level positions, but they can also entail zur seite hin gelegen movem ent within or across industries. And each path can be slightly different for each person, depending on how long you need to take to get to your goals, or if you change your goals along the way. At the heart of a career path is the fact that youll be changing jobs from time to time. The average personchanges jobs 10 to 15 times during their careerand sometimes those changes will involve different types of positions in different industries. Some career paths have a few ups and downs and, in fact, some people even plan a move down the career ladder. For example, people who are midlife-career changers may need to go down a level or two from where they were, so they can get the training and experience they need to move back up the ladder. Whichever way a career path takes someone, its designed to provide increased satisfaction of a workerscareer valuesand needs by targeting a series of jobs designed to get them to his or her career goal. Job satisfaction is one major key to a happy and l ong career. Organizational Career paths are sometimes part of the employee development processes within organizations. In this case, an employee and a supervisor or Human Resources representative discuss the career development of the worker within the context of their organization. It may occur as part of theperformance appraisalprocess and takes into account the interests, knowledge, and skills of the employee. Additional education, training or work assignments may be planned as mechanisms to qualify employees for subsequent roles within their career path. In many cases, an individual will develop and actualize a career path without the cooperation of their employer. These workers will engage in the career exploration process independently or with the assistance of a career counselor, mentor or personal advisor. Examples It can help to review examples of career paths for a variety of different career fields. Keep in mind that some career paths are direct and include specifi c jobs that move an individual up the career ladder and are typically followed in order. Other career paths are indirect and may involve work in different industries or types of jobs, such as when someone isworking on a career change. AdministrationAdministrative Assistant - Executive Assistant - Office ManagerAdvertisingAdvertising Account Coordinator - Assistant Account Executive - Account Executive - Major Account ExecutiveCommunicationsPublic Relations Assistant - Public Relations Representative - Assistant Director of Public Relations - Director of CommunicationsCustomer Services / SalesCustomer Service Representative - Inside Salesperson - Outside Salesperson - Major Account Salesperson - Regional Sales ManagerDevelopmentDevelopment Assistant - Annual Giving Officer - Development Associate - Major Gift Officer - Leadership Giving Officer - Associate Director of Leadership Gifts EditorialEditorial Assistant - Assistant Editor - Associate Editor - Editor - Senior Editor - Editor ial DirectorEducationTeacher - Master Teacher - Curriculum Coordinator - Assistant Principal - PrincipalEducation to TrainingTeacher - Insurance Salesperson - Trainer for New AgentsEngineeringJunior Engineer - Senior Engineer - Project Manager - Engineering ConsultantEntrepreneurSalesperson - Sales Manager - geschftliches miteinander OwnerHuman ResourcesHuman Resources Assistant - Interviewer - Benefits Assistant - Benefits Specialist - Assistant Director of Human Resources - Director of Human Resources RetailRetail Sales Clerk - Assistant Manager - Department Manager - Store Manager - Regional ManagerSales to MarketingSalesperson - MBA - Assistant Brand Manager - Brand Manager - Group Manager - Marketing Director Tips for Finding Your Career Path Always Be LearningTodays job market moves quickly. To keep up, you need to be prepared to add to yourskill set constantly. Not sure which skills are most in demand in your industry? Take a look at the LinkedIn profiles of your peers e specially those who have the next job above yours. Youll learn whichhardandsoft skillsyoull need to advance.Pay Attention to Industry NewsWhat will your job be like in five years or 10? No one knows for sure, but if you keep up with the news, youll get a sense of theoccupational outlookfor your job and which employers are likely to remain in the game. Network, Network, NetworkNetworkingisnt just for job seekers. Connecting with your peers can help you identify whole new directions for your career even if youre not interested in job hopping at the moment.Make Plans (But Be Flexible)Dont hold too tightly to your career plan when developing your career path. Be open to opportunity and keep your ultimate goals in mind. Whats important to you? What do you enjoy about your job and career and what would you prefer to minimize at your next gig? Be Ready for a Career Shift. Perhaps your working in a declining industry or simple tired of working at the same old thing for what seems like a long time. It may be time to considering making over your career, and moving in a different direction.Dont Be Afraid of a Lateral MoveSometimes, you need to move sideways (or even backward) to get ahead. If a job offers you a chance to develop skills or connections that will be valuable later on, feel free to consider a lateral move.