career

A career refers to the series of work-related experiences a person accumulates over their life, including jobs, training, and other activities that contribute to economic and personal development. It is distinct from a single job and encompasses planning, progression, and change over time. Careers occur across sectors and occupations and are influenced by education, skill development, opportunity, and choice.

Career planning and development involve self-assessment of interests, values, and skills; exploration of options; setting goals; pursuing education or training; gaining work experience; building networks; and periodically reassessing direction. A career path describes expected steps within an occupation or field, while a career ladder implies formal progression.

Labor market and outcomes explain how career choices are affected by market conditions, geographical mobility, and economic cycles. Transitions between jobs or sectors can require additional qualifications or retraining. Outcomes include earnings, job satisfaction, security, and personal fulfillment; there can also be risks of underemployment or misalignment with interests.

Skills and trends emphasize that successful careers rely on a mix of technical capabilities and soft skills, with emphasis on adaptability and lifelong learning. Trends such as automation, remote work, freelancing, and changing organizational structures influence how careers are planned, managed, and pursued over time.