Strong language skills can open new doors in your career. This Career Development vocabulary list gives you the right Business English words and phrases to talk about goals, performance, and professional growth with confidence.
You’ll find 60 practical terms and expressions, divided into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. Use them to discuss promotions, achievements, and personal development in meetings, interviews, or training sessions.
👉 Beginner
👉 Intermediate
👉 Advanced
Beginner English for Career Development
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Job | A paid position of regular employment. | I have a new job as a teacher. |
| Work | Activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result. | I need to work hard to succeed. |
| Learn | Gain or acquire knowledge of or skill in (something) by study, experience, or being taught. | I want to learn new skills. |
| Skill | The ability to do something well; expertise. | Communication is an important skill. |
| Grow | Increase in size or develop. | I want to grow in my career. |
| Help | Make it easier or possible for (someone) to do something by offering them assistance. | My mentor helps me with my career goals. |
| Goal | The object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result. | My goal is to get promoted. |
| Plan | An intention or decision about what one is going to do. | I have a plan for my career development. |
| Change | Make or become different. | I want to change my career path. |
| Apply | Make a formal application or request. | I will apply for the new position. |
Intermediate English for Career Development
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Development | The process of growing or developing. | Career development is crucial for long-term success. |
| Networking | Interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional contacts. | Networking is important for finding new opportunities. |
| Promotion | Advancement in rank or position. | I received a promotion to senior manager. |
| Mentor | An experienced and trusted adviser. | My mentor provides valuable career advice. |
| Training | The action of teaching a person or animal a particular skill or type of behavior. | I attended a training session on leadership. |
| Resume | A brief account of a person’s education, qualifications, and previous experience. | I updated my resume for the job application. |
| Interview | A formal meeting in which one or more persons question, consult, or evaluate another person. | The job interview went well. |
| Portfolio | A collection of work samples intended to showcase your skills and abilities. | My design portfolio helped me get the job. |
| Feedback | Information about reactions to a product, a person’s performance of a task, etc. | I received positive feedback on my presentation. |
| Progression | The process of moving or developing gradually towards a more advanced state. | I am happy with my career progression. |
Advanced English for Career Development
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Strategic Career Planning | Developing a long-term, proactive approach to career growth. | Strategic career planning involves setting clear objectives and milestones. |
| Professional Development Plan (PDP) | A document outlining specific actions to enhance skills and knowledge. | My PDP includes attending industry conferences and completing online courses. |
| Competency Mapping | Identifying and defining the skills and knowledge required for specific roles. | Competency mapping helps organizations align employee development with business goals. |
| Succession Planning | Identifying and developing potential successors for key leadership positions. | Succession planning ensures smooth transitions in leadership. |
| Talent Management | The process of attracting, developing, and retaining high-performing employees. | Effective talent management is essential for organizational success. |
| Executive Coaching | One-on-one guidance for senior leaders to improve performance and leadership skills. | Executive coaching helped me develop my strategic thinking abilities. |
| Cross-Functional Experience | Gaining experience in different departments or areas of an organization. | Cross-functional experience broadens your skill set and perspective. |
| Continuous Learning | Ongoing pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout one’s career. | Continuous learning is essential in today’s rapidly changing work environment. |
| Career Trajectory | The path or direction of one’s professional career. | I am focused on maintaining a positive career trajectory. |
| Self-Efficacy | Belief in one’s ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task. | Developing self-efficacy is crucial for career advancement. |
ℹ️ Other Useful Pages
📚 Learning Resources
👉 Business English Vocabulary List
👉 Business English Idioms List
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👉 Student Space
👉 Tutor Toolkit
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We hope you enjoyed our English for Career Development. You can get that promotion after all.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker.
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