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A career path is the journey someone takes in their work life. It can involve different jobs, industries, and companies, based on what they enjoy, what they’re good at, and what matters to them.
For example, a software engineer might grow in their career by taking on new roles in their company and learning new skills. Or, they might decide to switch to management or project management, changing the direction of their career.
A career ladder, on the other hand, is the process of moving up within the same field or company. It’s a step-by-step rise, where people get promoted to higher positions with more responsibility and higher pay. It’s like a clear path in a company, where you move up if you meet the right qualifications and perform well.
For instance, in an accounting firm, the career ladder might involve a junior accountant being promoted to a senior accountant, then to a manager, and eventually reaching the position of partner.

The main differences between a career path and a career ladder are:

• Flexibility: Career paths are more flexible, allowing you to explore different jobs, industries, or companies. Career ladders are more fixed, showing a clear path to move up within a specific field or company.
• Direction: Career paths can go sideways or upward, while career ladders move only upward, focusing on getting higher positions.
• Control: Career paths give you more freedom to choose based on your skills, interests, and values. Career ladders are usually set by companies, giving you a clear but more limited way to move up in a specific field.

Article By: Mujeebulla K.M
CIGI Career Team