karriereveien

Karriereveien is a Norwegian term used to describe the planned progression of education, training, and work activities through which a person develops professionally. The word combines karriere (career) with veien (the road or path). In Norwegian usage, the concept is central to career guidance, school counseling, and human resources planning, and it is often invoked when discussing how students and job seekers can connect qualifications to occupations.

A karriereveien typically starts with self-assessment of interests, values, and skills, followed by goal setting and mapping of required qualifications. It includes education and training steps, such as secondary schooling, higher education, vocational programs, apprenticeships, or certifications, as well as opportunities for practical experience like internships and part-time work. Networking, mentoring, and ongoing skill development are common elements, and many pathways are designed to be flexible, allowing adjustments as interests and the labor market evolve. Some pathways are linear, guiding a clear sequence toward a chosen field; others are nonlinear or modular, supporting portfolio careers and mid-career changes.

In practice, karriereveien is used by schools, universities, employers, and public agencies to provide guidance, design programs, and support lifelong learning. While helpful for planning, its successful realization depends on access to opportunities and changing labor-market conditions. Related concepts include career guidance, vocational education, and lifelong learning.