Career Path

Meaning & Definition

The career path defines how an employee can advance and enhance themselves during their career through the use of a prescribed pathway. Within a career path, there are different categories of jobs available, skill expectations, primary responsibilities, and various advancement opportunities.

Why does Career Path matter?

• Increases staff satisfaction and retention.
• Clarifies what is available for growth and advancement.
• Allows for specific skill and learning needs to be identified.
• Increases the ability to effectively plan for succession and staffing.
• Aligns personal goals with business goals.

Governance & Policy Alignment

The term does not reference anything in legislation directly. 

There are various ways to govern an individual’s career path:

• Talent management and development framework. 
• Policies surrounding performance, promotion, and movement within the company.
• Learning, developing talent, and succession planning. 

The use of transparency in how to meet these goals promotes fairness and encourages staff to strive for these objectives.