What Is a Career? Definition and Examples

Some people use the word “career” to describe what they do for a living. For example, you might say you're a mechanic, nurse, pilot, or fashion designer for your career. But, for many, a career also involves all the steps to achieve various professional goals. It could include every job you've had throughout your life that led you to your current position. Explore the full definition of a career and get some tips for your professional life.

Career definition

To understand the definition of a career, consider it a job or category of jobs you want to pursue long-term. Choosing the right career can give you a greater sense of purpose and boost your chances for personal happiness and professional success.  

Various reasons people choose to pursue certain careers include:

• Good work-life balance

• Interests and passions

• Financial stability 

• Desire to work in a field that allows you to help others 

• Meeting lifelong goals and ambitions 

• Desirable work environments 

• Time required for education and training

• Availability of jobs and resources  

How does a career differ from a job?

One way to think of how jobs and careers differ is that a job can turn into a career, but a career typically doesn’t turn into a job. A job involves anything that you receive pay to do. It can be temporary or long-term. You might earn an hourly or yearly salary, and your job can come with or without benefits. On the other hand, your career encompasses a variety of activities carried out to advance professionally, including jobs. 

You can also think of jobs and careers in terms of mindset. For instance, you may think of a job you’re not passionate about simply as a way to meet your basic needs. However, once a job becomes part of a career path, it takes on a new sense of value and meaning.

What is a career path?

A career path involves a sequence of steps taken to advance professionally. This sequence of steps might involve education or training, jobs, and experience.

Types of career paths

Generally, career paths are divided into two types: vertical and lateral. The two paths have some overlapping qualities, but they also have distinct features. 

Vertical career path

When envisioning career success, many people think of a vertical career path. This path involves making a series of moves to more advanced or leadership positions with greater responsibility and more pay, also known as moving up the career ladder. You may also need additional training or education. 

These types of moves might include:  

• Accepting a more advanced position at another company 

• Staying with your company or department but taking on a management or leadership position with more responsibility

Benefits of a vertical career path include:

• Higher salary

• Ability to acquire new skills and experience

• Opportunity for leadership roles

• Clear path and job options 

Example of a vertical career path beginning with a position as HR Manager: 

• HR Manager ↗ HR Director ↗ Chief HR Officer

Lateral career path

You can progress in your career without moving up. Many people make lateral (also called horizontal) career moves to find a fulfilling job. These might include:

• Accepting the same position at another company

• Staying with a company but moving to an equal position in a different department

• Staying with a company and department but moving to a newly created position that is similar in status to your current position  

While lateral moves do not typically come with increased pay or responsibility, they have many benefits. Benefits of a lateral career path include:

• An ability to acquire new skills on the job

• A chance to experience different department roles that may suit you better

• Greater value within a company

• Prepare yourself better for promotions and vertical moves in the future

Example of a horizontal career path beginning with a position as HR Manager: 

• HR Manager → Training and Development Manager → Training and Development Manager at another company

Is a career for life?

Although many workers maintain a single career until they retire, people can change careers for many reasons, from personal decisions to reasons beyond their control. For example, The Future of Learning Report published in 2022 reveals that 19 percent of respondents surveyed changed career paths during the pandemic [1]. More than 76 percent of the respondents reported ongoing learning as an important reason for a career change [1]. People might change careers for other reasons like following a new passion, desiring a challenge, and earning more money. 

How to choose the right career path for you

Several strategies can help you choose the most satisfying career path for you. To develop your own strategy, take advantage of the following tips.

Identify your strengths.

Knowing where your strengths lie can help ensure your career success. For instance, having great math skills can translate to a career in accounting, auditing, data science, economics, finance, or statistics.

Do what you love.

Many people recommend following your passions when choosing a career path. Consider listing activities you love to do and exploring related career options. For instance, a passion for cooking might result in a culinary career, and a love of travel might lead to a career in tourism or writing. 

To find a career path you’re passionate about, consider your answers to the following questions:

• Would I rather work indoors or outdoors?

• What activities am I most comfortable doing?

• Do I enjoy working with other people, or do I prefer working alone?

• Do I like being a leader or a follower?

• What career choices can I eliminate?

• What is my definition of success?

Consider the benefits.

A variety of benefits can make some career choices more appealing than others. Some of these include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Flexible work schedules

• Options to work from home

• Family leave following the birth of a baby

• Professional development 

Know your deal breakers.

Knowing what you will and will not accept can help narrow your career options. To identify deal breakers, ask yourself questions like:

• Do I want to work in a particular city or geographical location?

• Do I want to work for a large corporation or a small company?

• Does salary matter?

• Is a positive workplace and work culture important?

• Do I care about diversity in the workplace?

How to advance in your career

To grow and develop in your career, it helps to have a plan. Remember, a career plan doesn’t require a fixed set of steps. You can change your plan at any time. To make your plan, consider these strategies for career advancement:

• Create career goals and remain accountable for them by creating a timeline. If necessary, break goals into small chunks for easier attainability. 

• Contact your supervisor and other department heads for information on career advancement opportunities. 

• Get feedback from your supervisor, peers, or employees. Ask them to assess what they think you’re doing right and what you could improve at work. 

• Take advantage of career-related training or educational opportunities.

Getting started with Coursera

Your career will likely be a major part of your future. It will help you pay for your basic needs, fulfill your goals, and enrich your life, especially if you choose something you're passionate about. For additional valuable career-oriented information, consider taking the Adapting: Career Development Specialization on Coursera offered by Macquarie University. Blending personal development and career advice, this four-course series shows you how to build resilience for handling career stress and be a better global citizen by enhancing your cultural intelligence. You’ll also get tips for planning and managing your career and boosting your leadership skills. When you’re finished, you’ll receive a shareable certificate.