Then, after years of preparation, of longing to talk on the phone, go out with my friends, and wear mascara, I finally became a teenager. (bookbrowse.com)
You've put years of preparation and study into this degree, but you aren't done yet. (livecareer.com)
Usually, a party leader comes to power with years of preparation, a firm base of parliamentary support, wide media experience and a trusted cohort of advisers. (newstatesman.com)