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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What to Do When You're Laid Off

What it means to be laid off and how you can start to move forward after experiencing a layoff.

September 14, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] Someone in red glasses looks out a window in thought.

What Job Should I Have? Careers Based on Personality, Strengths, and Interests

Explore careers you might enjoy based on your personality traits, strengths, and preferences.

September 7, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A young Asian woman holding a tablet stands in an empty office.

Cyclical Unemployment: How to Stay Relevant During an Economic Downturn

Learn what you can do when a company begins reducing hiring or instituting layoffs as a result of a slowing economy.

August 22, 2022

Article

[Featured image] Close-up image of someone's hands typing on an open laptop that sits on a wooden table.

What to Do When You're Laid Off

What it means to be laid off and how you can start to move forward after experiencing a layoff.

September 14, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] Someone in red glasses looks out a window in thought.

What Job Should I Have? Careers Based on Personality, Strengths, and Interests

Explore careers you might enjoy based on your personality traits, strengths, and preferences.

September 7, 2022

Article

Explore career possibilities with these popular programs

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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
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
41K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

IBM

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

Build toward a degree

4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
59K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Meta

Skills you'll gain: HTML and CSS, Javascript, Front-End Web Development, React (web framework), Web Development, User Experience, Algorithms, Computer Science, Web Design, Application Development, Computer Programming, Software Engineering, Web Development Tools, Collaboration, Communication, Data Structures, Human Computer Interaction, Interactive Design, Linux, Problem Solving, Product Design, Software Engineering Tools, Software Testing

Build toward a degree

4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
20K reviews

Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

[Featured image] A white man stares concernedly at his laptop while a woman with a baby sits in the background.

Rescinded Job Offers: What They Are and What You Can Do

While rare, there may be times when a company withdraws its offer of employment before you begin a new role. Learn more about rescinded offers and what you can do if it happens to you.

August 22, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A young white man with glasses works on a circuit board.

SpaceX Careers: Working in the Commercial Space Industry

The commercial space industry is growing in significant ways. Learn more about in-demand roles at Elon Musk's private, California-based company SpaceX.

August 2, 2022

Article

[Featured image] Woman in an open office space smiles as she leans over a desk to share her new data findings with her colleague.

Career Advancement Guide: Growth Tips to Achieve Your Goals

Looking to advance your career? Use these tips, strategies, and resources to help you achieve your career goals.

July 21, 2022

Article

[Featured image] An employee fulfills a long-term career goal by presenting a talk to their colleagues, standing in front of a whiteboard in an uncluttered meeting room while their coworkers listen around a conference table.

Setting and Achieving Long-Term Career Goals (+ Examples)

Long-term career goals are the things you’d like to achieve in your professional life in the future. Learn about long-term career goals and how to create and pursue your own goals.

July 13, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A professional businesswoman wearing headphones works on her computer on upskilling.

Upskilling: What It Means and How It Can Help Your Career

Through upskilling, you'll build on skills you already have and fortify your expertise.

July 13, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A person wearing decorative earrings stands in a workplace where they're starting a new job.

Starting a New Job: 18 Tips for Early and Ongoing Success

Set yourself up for success in your new role with goals that focus on learning, visibility, and growth.

June 7, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A person in a dark shirt sits at a long brown table reviewing his resume as he thinks about changing his career.

Career Change at 30: Building on Your Skills

Sometimes a career that was once fulfilling and inspiring may no longer be the career you are interested in. Learn more about how to plan a career change in your 30s.

May 31, 2022

Article

[Featured image] Three women stand together in an office planning a project.

Career Change at 50: Entering Your Next Career Phase

It doesn't matter how old you are. It matters what energy you have to continue learning and developing your career, whether that means consulting, going part-time, or leveling up into a leadership role.

May 19, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A man with short dark hair and a beard wearing a blue shirt sits at a desk looking over his resume.

Career Change at 40: Moving Into Your Next Stage

If you’re in your forties, you’ll likely be coming into your new career with a set of established skills. You can use your work and life experiences up until this point as guidance toward your next steps.

May 19, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A young Asian woman holding a tablet stands in an empty office.

Cyclical Unemployment: How to Stay Relevant During an Economic Downturn

Learn what you can do when a company begins reducing hiring or instituting layoffs as a result of a slowing economy.

August 22, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A white man stares concernedly at his laptop while a woman with a baby sits in the background.

Rescinded Job Offers: What They Are and What You Can Do

While rare, there may be times when a company withdraws its offer of employment before you begin a new role. Learn more about rescinded offers and what you can do if it happens to you.

August 22, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A young white man with glasses works on a circuit board.

SpaceX Careers: Working in the Commercial Space Industry

The commercial space industry is growing in significant ways. Learn more about in-demand roles at Elon Musk's private, California-based company SpaceX.

August 2, 2022

Article

[Featured image] Woman in an open office space smiles as she leans over a desk to share her new data findings with her colleague.

Career Advancement Guide: Growth Tips to Achieve Your Goals

Looking to advance your career? Use these tips, strategies, and resources to help you achieve your career goals.

July 21, 2022

Article

[Featured image] An employee fulfills a long-term career goal by presenting a talk to their colleagues, standing in front of a whiteboard in an uncluttered meeting room while their coworkers listen around a conference table.

Setting and Achieving Long-Term Career Goals (+ Examples)

Long-term career goals are the things you’d like to achieve in your professional life in the future. Learn about long-term career goals and how to create and pursue your own goals.

July 13, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A professional businesswoman wearing headphones works on her computer on upskilling.

Upskilling: What It Means and How It Can Help Your Career

Through upskilling, you'll build on skills you already have and fortify your expertise.

July 13, 2022

Article

[Featured image] A person wearing decorative earrings stands in a workplace where they're starting a new job.

Starting a New Job: 18 Tips for Early and Ongoing Success

Set yourself up for success in your new role with goals that focus on learning, visibility, and growth.

June 7, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A person in a dark shirt sits at a long brown table reviewing his resume as he thinks about changing his career.

Career Change at 30: Building on Your Skills

Sometimes a career that was once fulfilling and inspiring may no longer be the career you are interested in. Learn more about how to plan a career change in your 30s.

May 31, 2022

Article

[Featured image] Three women stand together in an office planning a project.

Career Change at 50: Entering Your Next Career Phase

It doesn't matter how old you are. It matters what energy you have to continue learning and developing your career, whether that means consulting, going part-time, or leveling up into a leadership role.

May 19, 2022

Article

[Featured Image] A man with short dark hair and a beard wearing a blue shirt sits at a desk looking over his resume.

Career Change at 40: Moving Into Your Next Stage

If you’re in your forties, you’ll likely be coming into your new career with a set of established skills. You can use your work and life experiences up until this point as guidance toward your next steps.

May 19, 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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