Building a successful career is more than just about climbing the corporate ladder. It’s about creating a path that aligns with your personal and professional goals, staying adaptable in the face of challenges, and continuously developing the skills necessary to thrive in a constantly changing job market. The path to career success may not always be linear, but with the right strategies in place, you can create a fulfilling and rewarding professional journey.

Step 1: Define What Success Means to You

The first step in building a successful career path is defining what success means to you. Success can look different for everyone. For some, it might mean reaching the top of their industry, while for others, it may be about achieving work-life balance, pursuing meaningful work, or contributing to a cause they care about.

According to Forbes, understanding your own values and long-term goals is critical to making decisions that will ultimately lead to career satisfaction. It’s important to reflect on what truly motivates you—whether it’s autonomy, recognition, opportunities to learn, or financial rewards. Clarifying your definition of success will guide your decisions, including job changes, skill development, and networking efforts.

Once you have a clearer vision of your career goals, you can align your current and future opportunities to your definition of success. Take the time to write down what success looks like for you, and refer to it regularly to ensure you’re staying on track.

Step 2: Set Clear, Achievable Goals

Once you have defined your version of success, break it down into smaller, actionable goals. Setting clear, measurable goals allows you to track your progress and stay motivated. The SMART framework—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—is an excellent tool for goal-setting.

According to Harvard Business Review, setting SMART goals helps you focus your efforts on what matters most, avoid distractions, and measure your progress in a concrete way. For example, instead of saying, “I want to get promoted,” a SMART goal would be, “I want to be promoted to senior project manager within 18 months by improving my leadership skills and completing the PMP certification.”

Your goals should also reflect both short-term and long-term ambitions. Short-term goals could include mastering a new software tool or attending a leadership workshop, while long-term goals could focus on advancing to a director role or launching your own business. Make sure to revisit your goals periodically and adjust them based on any changes in your career or personal life.

Step 3: Build Your Skill Set

In today’s competitive job market, continuous learning is essential to career advancement. Building a diverse set of skills not only makes you more versatile in your current role, but it also opens doors to new opportunities. According to LinkedIn Learning, the top skills in demand for 2024 are related to data analysis, project management, and leadership. The rise of AI and automation means that being tech-savvy is more important than ever.

Consider developing both hard skills (like mastering a specific software or programming language) and soft skills (like communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence). While hard skills can be more technical and measurable, soft skills are often what set great employees apart from good ones.

For instance, if you’re working in marketing and want to progress into a management role, gaining proficiency in data analytics tools such as Google Analytics or Tableau would enhance your hard skills. Simultaneously, improving your leadership and team collaboration skills would boost your soft skills, making you a well-rounded candidate for promotion.

Don’t wait for your employer to provide training opportunities—take the initiative to seek out resources. Websites like Coursera or Udemy offer affordable online courses on a variety of topics that can help you acquire new skills or deepen your expertise. Even just dedicating 30 minutes a day to learning something new can have a significant impact on your career growth over time.

Step 4: Network Strategically

Networking is often described as the “hidden job market” because many job opportunities are never advertised and are instead filled through personal connections. Building and nurturing relationships with others in your industry can open doors to these hidden opportunities and provide valuable career advice.

According to LinkedIn, over 85% of jobs are filled through networking. That statistic underscores how essential it is to develop a strong network of contacts. But networking isn’t just about asking for a job; it’s about building genuine relationships with people who can provide guidance, mentorship, and even referrals down the line.

One of the most effective ways to network is through industry events—whether conferences, meetups, or workshops. Eventbrite is an excellent tool for discovering networking events relevant to your career. You can also leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field, comment on their posts, and even offer your expertise or assistance when appropriate.

Networking should be a two-way street. As you seek guidance or mentorship, make sure you’re also offering something valuable in return. Whether it’s sharing a helpful resource, offering to collaborate on a project, or providing advice from your own experiences, reciprocal relationships create stronger and more lasting connections.