* Early Journalism: Dickens started as a journalist for a London newspaper called The Morning Chronicle in 1833. He was a young man, just 19 years old, and had previously worked as a shorthand writer in law courts.
* "Sketches by Boz": While working at The Morning Chronicle, Dickens started writing humorous sketches and stories under the pen name "Boz." These were published in various journals, including The Evening Chronicle.
* "Pickwick Papers": His breakthrough came in 1836 when he began writing the serialized novel "The Pickwick Papers" for the magazine "Bentley's Miscellany." This novel was a huge success, making him a literary star almost overnight.
* Serial Publication: Dickens continued to write novels in serialized format, published in monthly installments in magazines and journals. This allowed him to reach a wider audience and also gave him the flexibility to adapt his stories based on reader feedback.
In short, Dickens' career began with his ability to write engaging stories that appealed to a wide audience, coupled with his strategic use of the then-popular method of serial publication. He became a master storyteller and social commentator, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be admired and relevant today.