Career Path Planning

A career path can be defined as a series of jobs that lead you closer to your career goals and vision for life. Define your career path, explore your career potential, and begin charting a career path that aligns with your goals with these resources.

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11 Jobs for Former Teachers

Former teachers who are ready to explore new non-teaching jobs have options both inside and outside the field of education.

March 31, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A job coach sits in a chair in his office leaning toward the camera and ready to learn about his new client.

What Is a Job Coach? And Who Might Hire One

Job coaches support people with disabilities as they get ready to enter the workforce, working with them to secure employment, learn job tasks, and adjust to their new role.

March 31, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A scientist works toward his career goals while writing out formulas on a glass panel.

6 Common Career Goals (And Examples)

Use these examples of career goals to practice how you might answer the interview question, "What are your career goals?"

March 28, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A woman of color carries a laptop and some papers. She stands in front of an office window smiling.

11 Jobs for Former Teachers

Former teachers who are ready to explore new non-teaching jobs have options both inside and outside the field of education.

March 31, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A job coach sits in a chair in his office leaning toward the camera and ready to learn about his new client.

What Is a Job Coach? And Who Might Hire One

Job coaches support people with disabilities as they get ready to enter the workforce, working with them to secure employment, learn job tasks, and adjust to their new role.

March 31, 2022

Article

Explore career possibilities with these popular programs

Google

Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis, R Programming, SQL, Spreadsheet Software, Business Analysis, Business Communication, Data Visualization, Data Management, General Statistics, Big Data, Communication, Computer Programming, Data Science, Data Visualization Software, Databases, Exploratory Data Analysis, Extract, Transform, Load, Leadership and Management, Microsoft Excel, Problem Solving, Small Data, Statistical Programming, Tableau Software

Build toward a degree

4.8 stars

(155K reviews)

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Google

Skills you'll gain: Network Security, Python Programming, Linux, Cloud Computing, Audit, Computer Programming, Computer Security Incident Management, Cryptography, Databases, Leadership and Management, Network Architecture, Risk Management, SQL

Build toward a degree

4.8 stars

(40K reviews)

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

IBM

Skills you'll gain: Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, Artificial Neural Networks, Natural Language Processing, Cloud Computing, Computer Vision, Human Learning, IBM Cloud, Algorithms, Applied Machine Learning, Cloud API, Machine Learning Software, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Cloud Applications, Computer Programming Tools, Human Computer Interaction, Application Development, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Critical Thinking, Software Engineering Tools, Software As A Service, Communication, Software Engineering, Data Analysis, Programming Principles, Software Architecture, Agile Software Development, Full-Stack Web Development, Product Management, Software Testing, Web Development, Javascript, Data Science

Build toward a degree

4.6 stars

(57K reviews)

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

[Featured image] An employee rejoices, smiling and leaning toward the camera after completing one of their long-term career goals.

What Are Your Career Goals? Tips for Setting Your Goals

Long-term and short-term career goals can help you stay on track as you work toward your ultimate aspirations.

March 28, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A woman is sitting at a desk pondering into the distance while holding a pen to her mouth.

How to Create a Goal-Oriented Career Development Plan (Template + Tips)

With a career development plan, you can organize your career goals and identify your individual pathway toward success.

March 25, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] Three people are in business casual clothing. Two coworkers are looking at a blackboard with notes while one person faces forward and smiles.

What Are Professional Development Goals? 10 Examples + How to Set Them

Professional development goals can help you achieve your short- and long-term objectives in your career.

March 25, 2022

Article

[Featured image] Three young professionals consult in the stairwell of a bright, glass office building.

10 Recession-Proof Job Fields for All Skill Levels

Though not completely recession-proof, these jobs tend to be in demand across economic shifts.

March 18, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A man and a woman are placing post-it notes on a whiteboard.

12 Jobs in High Demand

Learn which jobs are estimated to exceed the average growth rate in the next decade.

March 16, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A man discusses his resume with a hiring manager.

Reasons for Leaving a Job and How to Talk About Them

Framing your reasons for leaving a job around growth can add confidence and positivity into conversations about career changes.

March 15, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A man is sitting at his desk using a desktop.

5 Jobs That Help Fight Climate Change

If you're concerned about climate change and what it's doing to the planet, you may consider a related career, like an environmental engineer. Discover five climate change jobs and learn about job growth, top skills, and certifications.

March 11, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A man in a blue button-up is sitting down in a conference room holding pieces of paper.

How to Write a Cover Letter When You’re Changing Careers (Sample + Tips)

As a career changer, you need to help recruiters understand why you’re moving away from your former line of work and what you want to achieve in your new career path..

March 9, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A Woman sits at her desk using a laptop.

When Is It Time to Quit Your Job?

It’s sometimes hard to know when to quit your job and when to stay. These tips may help make that decision a little simpler with five signs that you’re ready for a new opportunity, and what to do next.

March 8, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A scientist works toward his career goals while writing out formulas on a glass panel.

6 Common Career Goals (And Examples)

Use these examples of career goals to practice how you might answer the interview question, "What are your career goals?"

March 28, 2022

Article

[Featured image] An employee rejoices, smiling and leaning toward the camera after completing one of their long-term career goals.

What Are Your Career Goals? Tips for Setting Your Goals

Long-term and short-term career goals can help you stay on track as you work toward your ultimate aspirations.

March 28, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A woman is sitting at a desk pondering into the distance while holding a pen to her mouth.

How to Create a Goal-Oriented Career Development Plan (Template + Tips)

With a career development plan, you can organize your career goals and identify your individual pathway toward success.

March 25, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] Three people are in business casual clothing. Two coworkers are looking at a blackboard with notes while one person faces forward and smiles.

What Are Professional Development Goals? 10 Examples + How to Set Them

Professional development goals can help you achieve your short- and long-term objectives in your career.

March 25, 2022

Article

[Featured image] Three young professionals consult in the stairwell of a bright, glass office building.

10 Recession-Proof Job Fields for All Skill Levels

Though not completely recession-proof, these jobs tend to be in demand across economic shifts.

March 18, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A man and a woman are placing post-it notes on a whiteboard.

12 Jobs in High Demand

Learn which jobs are estimated to exceed the average growth rate in the next decade.

March 16, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A man discusses his resume with a hiring manager.

Reasons for Leaving a Job and How to Talk About Them

Framing your reasons for leaving a job around growth can add confidence and positivity into conversations about career changes.

March 15, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A man is sitting at his desk using a desktop.

5 Jobs That Help Fight Climate Change

If you're concerned about climate change and what it's doing to the planet, you may consider a related career, like an environmental engineer. Discover five climate change jobs and learn about job growth, top skills, and certifications.

March 11, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A man in a blue button-up is sitting down in a conference room holding pieces of paper.

How to Write a Cover Letter When You’re Changing Careers (Sample + Tips)

As a career changer, you need to help recruiters understand why you’re moving away from your former line of work and what you want to achieve in your new career path..

March 9, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A Woman sits at her desk using a laptop.

When Is It Time to Quit Your Job?

It’s sometimes hard to know when to quit your job and when to stay. These tips may help make that decision a little simpler with five signs that you’re ready for a new opportunity, and what to do next.

March 8, 2022

Article

A career path can be defined as a series of jobs that lead you closer to your career goals and vision for life. Some people follow a linear path through one field, advancing into roles with more responsibilities and higher salaries. Others shift companies, industries, or roles more frequently, and accumulate experience in a variety of roles.

You might be wondering what you can do to steer your career in the direction you desire. Should you stick to a linear path and seek advancement in a single field, or should you take on diverse roles and explore multiple paths? 

Both approaches can lead to fulfillment when you clarify your vision for the future. A linear career path could mean gaining deeper understanding of a field and becoming a leader or specialist, while a multi-directional career path could mean accumulating diverse knowledge and being able to adapt quickly to an ever-changing professional landscape.

We have resources and articles for every step along your unique career path, including:

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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