iSpeaktu
⚡ 0 XP
Login

Conversation Advance · Module 22 · Unit 107

Planning a Career Path

C2 Proficient Upper

Learning Objectives

In this lesson, you will discuss planning a career path and learn practical vocabulary for daily communication.

Discussion

Direction: Answer these questions.
  1. What was your dream job when you were younger?
  2. How have your career goals changed over the last five years?
  3. Do you prefer a stable job or a challenging one?

New Words & Expressions

Direction: Listen and repeat these words with your teacher.

  • Trajectory

    noun

    /trəˈdʒektəri/

    Meaning:The path followed by a projectile or object moving under the action of given forces.

    My career trajectory changed after I learned new skills.

    Real Life Tip:

    Used in professional settings to describe growth.

  • Initiative

    noun

    /ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/

    Meaning:The power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do.

    Taking the initiative helped me get a promotion.

    Real Life Tip:

    Highly valued quality in modern American workplaces.

  • Move up

    phrasal verb

    /muːv ʌp/

    Meaning:To advance to a higher position or rank.

    She wants to move up within the company.

    Real Life Tip:

    Describes career advancement.

  • Get a foot in the door

    idiom

    /ɡet ə fʊt ɪn ðə dɔːr/

    Meaning:To take a small first step toward a larger goal.

    This internship helped me get a foot in the door.

    Real Life Tip:

    A very common phrase regarding job searching.

  • Side gig

    slang

    /saɪd ɡɪɡ/

    Meaning:A secondary job or project for extra income.

    He has a side gig as a freelance designer.

    Real Life Tip:

    Very common in today"s gig-based economy.

Conversation

Direction:

  • Listen carefully as your teacher reads the conversation aloud.
  • Role-play the conversation with your teacher
Kevin and Jennifer are at a coffee shop discussing their career ambitions.
  • Kevin
    I am thinking about taking more initiative at work.
  • Jennifer
    That is a great idea if you want to move up.
  • Kevin
    True. I just want a better career trajectory.

Q&A

Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
  1. Why does Kevin want to take more initiative?
  2. What does Jennifer suggest Kevin use to help his career?
  3. What is Kevin"s first step?

Exercise

Direction: Choose the correct answer to complete each sentence, then read it aloud. Each question gives you 5 Points.

  1. What is a trajectory?

  2. What is an initiative?

  3. I want to move ____ in my firm.

  4. He has a side ____ for extra cash.

  5. door / the / foot / get / in / a

  6. is / path / my / career / changing

Ask Your Teacher

Direction: Ask your teacher these questions.
  1. How do you plan your career trajectory?
  2. When was the last time you took the initiative?
  3. What is the best way to get a foot in the door?

Your Time To Speak

Direction: Answer using the language you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
  1. How do I know if I should move up or change jobs?
  2. Why is initiative so important for promotions?
  3. How do I balance a side gig with a full-time job?
  4. What if my career path is not clear?
  5. How do I improve my professional trajectory?
  6. Is it ever too late to change careers?
  7. How do I network to get a foot in the door?
  8. What is the biggest challenge in career planning?
  9. How do I make my resume stand out?
  10. Why is professional growth so difficult?
Jennifer
What about your side gig? Could that help?
  • Kevin
    Maybe. It is a good way to get a foot in the door in that industry.
  • Jennifer
    Exactly. You never know where it might lead.
  • Kevin
    I guess I will start by updating my portfolio.
  • Jennifer
    Sounds like a solid plan. Good luck!