early on in her career.    From Wordnet, Princeton University. 

Adverb : early in the year. ,to get up early. ,They came early and found their hosts still dressing. ,The Greeks early learned to sail and navigate.    From Dictionary.com. 

Adjective : an early hour of the day. ,an early dinner. ,early French architecture. ,I look forward to an early reply. ,early apples.    From Dictionary.com.