steppingstone

Some situation, circumstance, or experience that serves to assist one in reaching or progressing toward a goal or desired outcome. While I wasn't paid during my internship with the law firm, it acted as a superb steppingstone to getting hired as a full-time legal assistant at another firm.

See also:

it is what it is
pot luck
in the same boat as, to be
be in the same boat
be in the same boat (as someone)
troubled waters
in a sticky situation
come full circle
come/go full circle
full circle, come/go

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