ca·reer \k?-'rir\ n [fr. ML carraria road for vehicles]

1 a: speed in a course <ran at full ~ >

b: COURSE, PASSAGE

2: ENCOUNTER, CHARGE

3: a field for or pursuit of consecutive progressive achievement

4: a profession for which one trains and which is undertaken as a permanent calling <a ~ in medicine><a ~ diplomat>

The word “career” has undergone an impressive transformation in the past 700 years. Initially used in military endeavors (i.e., “after three careers we successfully captured the castle”), the English language now invokes the term to designate employment and even vocation.

Yet the two meanings bear rather striking similarities and help us reflect on the “why of work.”

In the next 15 years, nearly 50% of the current working population will retire. How will this impact you and your colleagues? What might you do to enhance and animate your career? What skills might help position you for increased success in a rapidly changing world? How might literature, history, philosophy, and political science contribute to this conversation?