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.

Coursera Logo
[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 woman researches career counseling on a desktop computer.

What Is Career Counseling? And How to Know When You Need It

Gain an understanding of how career counseling can benefit your career and take steps to decide if career counseling is right for you.

February 25, 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

Explore career possibilities with these popular programs

Microsoft

Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Azure, Cloud Computing, Cloud Applications, Cloud Management, Cloud Platforms, Cloud Storage, Cloud Engineering, Cloud-Based Integration, Application Development, Computer Programming, Software Security, Web Development, Cloud API, Data Management, DevOps, System Security, Databases, Software Engineering, Computer Networking, Data Model, Data Structures, Network Architecture, Network Security, Linux, Communication

4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
213 reviews

Intermediate · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

ISC2

Skills you'll gain: Computer Security Incident Management, Risk Management, Leadership and Management, Network Security, Cryptography, Cyberattacks, Operations Management

4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
784 reviews

Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP)

Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis

4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
128 reviews

Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

[Featured Image] A stay-at-home dad holding his newborn works for his entry-level remote job.

5 High-Paying Entry-Level Remote Jobs (and How to Apply)

Want to work remotely? Get to know these high-paying entry-level remote jobs and how to land them (with little or no experience).

February 23, 2022

Article

[Featured image] Red text on a white background that reads "Women's History Month" with a photo of a woman speaking into a microphone

10 Career Tips from Women in Leadership

What does it take to be successful in your career? Read these tips from 10 leaders in business, community, nonprofit, and more.

February 22, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] Person looks out the window.

How to Quit Your Job

Are you looking for a career swap and want to know how to quit your job? Here are a few tips on how to quit your job professionally so that you can maintain a good relationship with your former employer.

February 17, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] Close up of someone's feet with sneakers walking up stairs

What Is an Exit Interview?

Exit interviews are a specific type of interview that happens when you leave a job. Read to learn more about what it is and some commonly asked questions.

February 16, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A man is talking to two other coworkers.

What Is an Entry-Level Job?

An entry-level job can look different depending on your industry, but in general, they are the first job that you get when starting out on a career path.

February 16, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A woman is outside working.

15 Jobs that Allow You to Travel

Explore the exciting career possibilities that let you travel while earning an income.

February 11, 2022

Article

[Featured image] Monochrome graphic in yellow showing a pile of notebooks, sunglasses, laptop, alarm clock, and a cup of coffee on a desk.

Job Search Guide: Resources for Your Next Career Move

Take control of your job search with these tips, strategies, and resources for each stage of your career move.

February 3, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A man and woman in business casual clothing are having an interview.

What Is an Informational Interview? And How to Make the Most of It

Learn what an informational interview is, and how you can use this method to gain industry insights and build connections.

February 3, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A smiling woman wearing headphones sits at her home office desk with a computer, journal, and papers, working at a job she's gotten after majoring in English.

10 High-Paying Jobs for English Majors

Majoring in English can translate to important skills that matter to employers, from writing compelling copy and analyzing textual meaning to empathizing with others.

February 2, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A woman researches career counseling on a desktop computer.

What Is Career Counseling? And How to Know When You Need It

Gain an understanding of how career counseling can benefit your career and take steps to decide if career counseling is right for you.

February 25, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A stay-at-home dad holding his newborn works for his entry-level remote job.

5 High-Paying Entry-Level Remote Jobs (and How to Apply)

Want to work remotely? Get to know these high-paying entry-level remote jobs and how to land them (with little or no experience).

February 23, 2022

Article

[Featured image] Red text on a white background that reads "Women's History Month" with a photo of a woman speaking into a microphone

10 Career Tips from Women in Leadership

What does it take to be successful in your career? Read these tips from 10 leaders in business, community, nonprofit, and more.

February 22, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] Person looks out the window.

How to Quit Your Job

Are you looking for a career swap and want to know how to quit your job? Here are a few tips on how to quit your job professionally so that you can maintain a good relationship with your former employer.

February 17, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] Close up of someone's feet with sneakers walking up stairs

What Is an Exit Interview?

Exit interviews are a specific type of interview that happens when you leave a job. Read to learn more about what it is and some commonly asked questions.

February 16, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A man is talking to two other coworkers.

What Is an Entry-Level Job?

An entry-level job can look different depending on your industry, but in general, they are the first job that you get when starting out on a career path.

February 16, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A woman is outside working.

15 Jobs that Allow You to Travel

Explore the exciting career possibilities that let you travel while earning an income.

February 11, 2022

Article

[Featured image] Monochrome graphic in yellow showing a pile of notebooks, sunglasses, laptop, alarm clock, and a cup of coffee on a desk.

Job Search Guide: Resources for Your Next Career Move

Take control of your job search with these tips, strategies, and resources for each stage of your career move.

February 3, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A man and woman in business casual clothing are having an interview.

What Is an Informational Interview? And How to Make the Most of It

Learn what an informational interview is, and how you can use this method to gain industry insights and build connections.

February 3, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A smiling woman wearing headphones sits at her home office desk with a computer, journal, and papers, working at a job she's gotten after majoring in English.

10 High-Paying Jobs for English Majors

Majoring in English can translate to important skills that matter to employers, from writing compelling copy and analyzing textual meaning to empathizing with others.

February 2, 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)

Coursera Plus
Build job-ready skills with a Coursera Plus subscription
  • Get access to 7,000+ learning programs from world-class universities and companies, including Google, Yale, Salesforce, and more
  • Try different courses and find your best fit at no additional cost
  • Earn certificates for learning programs you complete
  • A subscription price of $59/month, cancel anytime