successful career — good job path
collocationB2IELTS 5.5+neutralcommon
A period of working life where someone achieves their goals, earns respect, and feels satisfied with their job and progress.
Say it like a native
Textbook He has enjoyed a highly accomplished professional trajectory.
Native He's had a successful career.
Natural; 'accomplished professional trajectory' is CV-speak.
Pattern: have/build/pursue a successful career (in something)
In use
- She has built a successful career in engineering over the past ten years.work
- In my opinion, education is the key to having a successful career, because it opens up more opportunities.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ He did a successful career in law.
✓ He had a successful career in law.
You HAVE a career, not 'do' one.
Common collocations
a successful career in— in, have, build, pursue
Don't confuse it
A 'successful career' is about long-term achievement, not just having a job or getting a promotion.