16 answers
1
Question
Asked
625 views
What is something you could do to make progress toward your career goals if you had just 30 minutes?
If I had just 30 minutes, I could research one career I’m interested in and learn what skills or education it requires. I could also watch a short video or read an article from CareerVillage to understand what people in that job do every day. This would help me be more clear about my career goals and what steps I should take next.
Login to comment
16 answers
Updated
Genesys’s Answer
Update my LinkedIn profile or skillset in my HR system. Already done that? Take the time to experiment with AI to see how it can be your collaborative teammate.
Donna Paige
Human Resources/Phlebotomist/Medical Assistant/Students entering into the workforce
12
Answers
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Hi, Zhuoneng!
If you have 30 minutes, try taking a short online course or joining a webinar about a career you're interested in. This can help you understand the skills and daily tasks involved. You could also read an article to get insights from professionals in the field. Spending even a little time can help you clarify your career goals and figure out your next steps.
Best!
Another good 30 min task is to update your resume to start aligning it with the career of interest.
Make a short list of skills, classes, or certifications commonly required for that career and decide which one to focus on first
If you have 30 minutes, try taking a short online course or joining a webinar about a career you're interested in. This can help you understand the skills and daily tasks involved. You could also read an article to get insights from professionals in the field. Spending even a little time can help you clarify your career goals and figure out your next steps.
Best!
Donna recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Srinivas Rao’s Answer
In just 30 minutes, you can make real progress toward your career goals by doing something small but focused.
You could:
Research one career you’re interested in and write down the top 3–5 skills it needs, plus the education or experience path.
Spend 10–15 minutes reading a career‑specific Q&A or article (like on CareerVillage, LinkedIn, or a job site) to see what professionals actually do every day.
Use the last 5–10 minutes to list 1–2 simple next steps for you (e.g., “start a short course in this skill” or “talk to one person in this field”).
You could:
Research one career you’re interested in and write down the top 3–5 skills it needs, plus the education or experience path.
Spend 10–15 minutes reading a career‑specific Q&A or article (like on CareerVillage, LinkedIn, or a job site) to see what professionals actually do every day.
Use the last 5–10 minutes to list 1–2 simple next steps for you (e.g., “start a short course in this skill” or “talk to one person in this field”).
Steward "Tony" Pacheco
Minister, USMC Vet, John C. Maxwell Cert. Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Teacher, Straight Shooter
200
Answers
Updated
Steward "Tony"’s Answer
Personal Development in your own mind, body, and belief system. Life is going to be stressfull in the adult workerbee/student spectrum. Your personal being must have a way to defuse, meditate as well as release what tensions that may develop on your journey forward.
During my career climb as well as my involved investment projects I have learned first hand that some situations will have instances that will bomb & bomb royaly (I wont sugar coat it).
Many who promoted themselves as leaders were at best only managers or overseerers refusing to admit that their teams would not rally behind them. Some situations where devestated to the sum of millions. The ROI lost belonged to a wide variety of peoples and organizations.
Myself as well, but I handled it with much more esae than my counterparts because of my faith, condition and family. Your career or business ventures will sucj up much of your time if you are not at ease an internally well managed.
Everyone will meet their maker in the end. No one will take it with them and no one on their deathbed ever ever said "I Should Have Spent More Time At The Office"
Take your 30 minute and run, play ball, practice martial arts, etc.
During my career climb as well as my involved investment projects I have learned first hand that some situations will have instances that will bomb & bomb royaly (I wont sugar coat it).
Many who promoted themselves as leaders were at best only managers or overseerers refusing to admit that their teams would not rally behind them. Some situations where devestated to the sum of millions. The ROI lost belonged to a wide variety of peoples and organizations.
Myself as well, but I handled it with much more esae than my counterparts because of my faith, condition and family. Your career or business ventures will sucj up much of your time if you are not at ease an internally well managed.
Everyone will meet their maker in the end. No one will take it with them and no one on their deathbed ever ever said "I Should Have Spent More Time At The Office"
Take your 30 minute and run, play ball, practice martial arts, etc.
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
I spent some time thinking about this today. Here’s what I learned works best for me when i only have 30 minutes:
* Update one section of my resume or LinkedIn profile. I pick the most outdated part, rewrite it with specific results and numbers. It makes me feel the progress immediately.
* I also tend to reach out to one person in my field of AI and Advance Analytics and send a genuine message asking one specific question about the work that they do. This is mainly to try and learn something new each day. I think people respond when you show real curiosity. I also find that this builds my network one conversation at a time.
* I am someone who wants to learn constantly. So, I try and learn one new skill relevant to my field. I may watch a tutorial on YouTube, complete one module of an online course, practice trying to solve one AI problem, or just read an industry article and take relevant notes that I can review in the future.
* I also know that some people will apply to a potential job or opportunity. They may not wait for the perfect moment. With that said you will want to tailor your cover letter to that specific role then hit submit before your 30 minutes ends.
* One thing I do find interesting sometimes is to research a company that I may want to work for. I will read news about them, study the products or services that they may offer, try to identify who makes hiring decisions, and then save this information for later when I may actually reach out to them.
* I want to keep myself relevant so I will try and practice one interview question out loud, then record myself answering. I will then watch it later to see what I could improve in my delivery. I think that this helps builds my confidence faster.
Honestly the key is picking one thing and finishing it. You create actual forward motion instead of planning to make progress. I’ve found that 30-minute blocks add up quickly over a week. You complete seven real tasks instead of waiting for a free afternoon that never comes. I believe that the reach-out option helps me the most. I sent a message to someone I admired in my field during a lunch break. We had coffee two weeks later. That conversation changed how I approached certain things in my job. Just start with whichever action feels most urgent for your situation right now. Then just set a timer and begin.
* Update one section of my resume or LinkedIn profile. I pick the most outdated part, rewrite it with specific results and numbers. It makes me feel the progress immediately.
* I also tend to reach out to one person in my field of AI and Advance Analytics and send a genuine message asking one specific question about the work that they do. This is mainly to try and learn something new each day. I think people respond when you show real curiosity. I also find that this builds my network one conversation at a time.
* I am someone who wants to learn constantly. So, I try and learn one new skill relevant to my field. I may watch a tutorial on YouTube, complete one module of an online course, practice trying to solve one AI problem, or just read an industry article and take relevant notes that I can review in the future.
* I also know that some people will apply to a potential job or opportunity. They may not wait for the perfect moment. With that said you will want to tailor your cover letter to that specific role then hit submit before your 30 minutes ends.
* One thing I do find interesting sometimes is to research a company that I may want to work for. I will read news about them, study the products or services that they may offer, try to identify who makes hiring decisions, and then save this information for later when I may actually reach out to them.
* I want to keep myself relevant so I will try and practice one interview question out loud, then record myself answering. I will then watch it later to see what I could improve in my delivery. I think that this helps builds my confidence faster.
Honestly the key is picking one thing and finishing it. You create actual forward motion instead of planning to make progress. I’ve found that 30-minute blocks add up quickly over a week. You complete seven real tasks instead of waiting for a free afternoon that never comes. I believe that the reach-out option helps me the most. I sent a message to someone I admired in my field during a lunch break. We had coffee two weeks later. That conversation changed how I approached certain things in my job. Just start with whichever action feels most urgent for your situation right now. Then just set a timer and begin.
Updated
Genesys’s Answer
It’s often overlooked, but I would spend 30 minutes and thank a few people that helped me get to where I am today. The relationships we make along the way are often the most important puzzle pieces when it comes to advancement or new opportunities. Take the time to personalize it, it doesn’t have to be a lot, but it needs to be authentic and real. That’s what I would recommend. I wouldn’t be where I am without the people I have built relationships with. And if you don’t have relationships yet, reach out to people on LinkedIn - maybe they live where you want to live, work at the company you want to work, or are doing the job you want someday. Year ago when I didn’t have business relationship, I went to my former colleges LinkedIn profile and scrolled thousands of people, then I would message a few where I felt called to. This act alone got me a job offer in college. In the world of AI and automation, while helpful for many things, don’t forget to be human and connect with those around you. That’s where you’ll really start to grow.
Updated
Genesys’s Answer
If I had just 30 minutes, I would use them intentionally. I’d quickly review my daily goals, make progress on a key task, and spend the remaining time learning something new or reading a chapter to support my professional growth.
Updated
Genesys’s Answer
I think I would sit down and make a list of all the different skills. I would then rate myself on a scale of 1 to 10 as to how developed I feel I am in the skill. I would also rate my prioritisation of how important having this skill. From there I would focus on skills that are important and that I don't have much aptitude for, and write out different ways that I could work on them. For example, I know that being confident in speaking about my job is important, but I am not great at, so I would volunteer for experiences like speaking to college, or school pupils about my role and build up confidence there.
Updated
Genesys’s Answer
First, you need to identify what goal/s you need to fulfill. Identifying your goal/s is the first step so you can move forward with the next steps.
For example: my goal is to learn how to use Excel.
Second, you need to learn the basics.
Third, you need to do the simple actual or hands on training so you can have the experience on how Excel works.
Lastly, take note of the things that you want to improve that will help you to achieve your goals.
For example: my goal is to learn how to use Excel.
Second, you need to learn the basics.
Third, you need to do the simple actual or hands on training so you can have the experience on how Excel works.
Lastly, take note of the things that you want to improve that will help you to achieve your goals.
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
It is so impressive that you are looking for ways to maximize even a small window of time, and your idea to research a specific role or watch a professional testimonial is a fantastic way to build momentum. With thirty minutes, you could also take a moment to update one small section of your resume or LinkedIn profile, reach out to someone currently working in your dream field with a short and polite question, or even sign up for a free introductory webinar or newsletter that focuses on industry trends. Another great option is to look up the job descriptions for roles you want in the future and make a list of the top three skills they all seem to require, which gives you a very clear roadmap for what to learn next. Taking these small, consistent steps is exactly how big dreams eventually become a reality, and you should be very proud of your proactive mindset. You are already demonstrating the discipline needed to succeed, and every little bit of effort you put in now is going to pay off in a big way. Good luck.
Updated
Genesys’s Answer
In 30 minutes, you could read about a career that you are curious about or practice a skill you wanna get better at. You could also try asking an adult a question about their job. Tiny steps, add up!
Updated
Genesys’s Answer
Learn something new towards your career goals. Lifelong learning and curiosity are important attributes for long-term career success. Set sometime every day (30 minutes, 1 hour, whatever is possible) to learn and practice in your area of interest. Try to be a little bit more knowledgeable every day, as 1% improvement on a continuous basis adds up over time, and will lead you to tremendous success.
All the best in your journey!
All the best in your journey!
Updated
Genesys’s Answer
Helping people. When you help whenever you can, without expecting anything in return, things automatically start to get better, relationships improve, and a cycle of cooperation begins that will quickly boost your career.
Updated
Genesys’s Answer
- Read out loud books. Good for increasing vocabulary, starting conversations, making connections, clear speech and improve speech modulation, public speaking
- Explore online courses that link to your chosen future career.
- Create a high level business plan focusing on what you like to do and your strengths
- Explore online courses that link to your chosen future career.
- Create a high level business plan focusing on what you like to do and your strengths
Updated
Genesys’s Answer
I would use the time to complete a learning course or item in Genesys Learning + LinkedIn Learning and build a series of steps (plan) to execute or practice that learning to become a better version of myself.
Updated
Genesys’s Answer
Explore additional ways to leverage technology—such as AI and Copilot—in my day-to-day work to save time and increase efficiency. This includes using AI to draft communications instead of typing them manually, leveraging voice features to capture notes, collect action items, and highlight key details. While I’m only scratching the surface today, investing more time in learning these capabilities could significantly streamline my workflows, freeing up time to focus on higher-value, strategic work.