Not sure what you want to do after high school ends? Start planning the future by thinking about how to prepare for a job versus career.

The words “job” and “career” are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. A job is a single position that someone works in, whether for a short or long period of time. A career is long term and consists of all the jobs a person had over the years. A career is often built by working in the same industry over many years and taking on more important jobs in a certain area as experience is gained.

Job Versus Career: Growth

Growth within a single job is often limited by how much you can learn doing that job. When you work within a single company, there are a limited number of promotions you can earn before you reach the top of your department or the highest job for which you are qualified. Those different positions and job titles are all important parts of your career.

Growing in both a job and career are possible, but you need success in one to get it in the other. When you succeed in a job and have learned all you can in that position, the time might be right to move on to find one that challenges you in a new. By learning in a job and moving onto one that is more challenging and continuing to do this throughout your life, you will build a career.