Karriert

Karriert is a term used in career studies and human resources to describe a deliberate, structured approach to building a professional life. It encompasses goal setting, skill development, strategic work experiences, and mobility across roles or geographies to advance an individual’s long-term career objectives.

Etymology: The word appears to be a neologism formed from the English word career, with influence from European languages where the suffix -t can denote a state or action. It is not uniformly defined and is mainly encountered in contemporary HR discourse and coaching literature rather than in formal dictionaries.

Practice: In practice, karriert involves mapping a career trajectory, performing regular skills audits, creating learning plans, seeking mentorship, and pursuing job rotations or projects that broaden exposure. It emphasizes measurable progress toward defined milestones rather than passive advancement.

Relation to other concepts: Karriert overlaps with career planning, talent development, and professional development. It differs from generic career advice by stressing explicit planning, accountability, and mobility as strategic levers.

Criticism and limitations: Because karriert is not yet standardized, its definition varies and may be used inconsistently. Critics warn that excessive focus on mobility can overlook job satisfaction, stability, and person-job fit.

See also: Career, Career development, Talent management, Professional development.