steppingstone
Path to advancement
A steppingstone is a flat stone providing a place to step when crossing a stream or wet ground.
The figurative meaning dominates: something that serves as a means of advancement or progress toward a goal.
She saw the internship as a steppingstone to a permanent position.
Also spelled stepping-stone or stepping stone.
Foundational preparation for something
- baseSupporting bottom structure
- cornerstoneFoundational building block
- bedrockSolid stone underground
- footingSecure ground position
platform · underpinning · preparation · building block · starting point · prerequisite · precursor · foundation
Stream-tumbled stone
- fordWalkable river crossing
- creek crossingTraversing a small stream
- bridgeStructure spanning an obstacle
- footholdStable position for advancement
path · trail · walkway · paver · flagstone · water feature · landscape · traverse
Gap or start
- chanceLikelihood of occurrence
- breakInterrupt continuity
- doorHinged room barrier
- entry pointWhere access begins
foot in the door · springboard · catalyst · leverage · advantage · boost · leg up · connection
Forward movement or promotion
- progressMovement toward improvement
- developmentProgress toward maturity
- headwayForward progress achieved
- growthIncrease in size
breakthrough · achievement · accomplishment · benchmark · goal · phase · stage · pathway
Rank increase or publicity
- entry-levelRequiring minimal prior experience
- lateral movePosition change, same rank
- resume builderSoftware for employment documents
- experiencePractical knowledge from life
qualification · credential · training · mentorship · climb · ladder · role · position
groundwork
Foundational preparation for something
- baseSupporting bottom structure
- cornerstoneFoundational building block
- bedrockSolid stone underground
footing · platform · underpinning · preparation · building block · starting point · prerequisite · precursor · foundation · framework
river rock
Stream-tumbled stone
- fordWalkable river crossing
- creek crossingTraversing a small stream
- bridgeStructure spanning an obstacle
foothold · path · trail · walkway · paver · flagstone · water feature · landscape · traverse
opening
Gap or start
entry point · foot in the door · springboard · catalyst · leverage · advantage · boost · leg up · connection · networking
advancement
Forward movement or promotion
- progressMovement toward improvement
- developmentProgress toward maturity
- headwayForward progress achieved
growth · breakthrough · achievement · accomplishment · benchmark · goal · phase · stage · pathway · journey
promotion
Rank increase or publicity
- entry-levelRequiring minimal prior experience
- lateral movePosition change, same rank
- resume builderSoftware for employment documents
experience · qualification · credential · training · mentorship · climb · ladder · role · position · job
steppingstonedestination
Intended arrival point
end point · terminus · goal · finish line · culmination
steppingstonecareer goal
Intended professional achievement
pinnacle · dream job · crowning achievement · life's work · capstone
steppingstonestumbling block
Obstacle causing difficulty
obstacle · barrier · hindrance · impediment · roadblock