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Will this help me with deciding a career goal?
I am confused on what to write on my career goal. I don’t know what kind of information to put.
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35 answers
Updated
Sean’s Answer
In my opinion, there are two approaches: specific and general. If you are applying for a job that has specific responsibilities that align with the field of interest or area of expertise you are pursuing, you should make sure you address this with your goal statement. It will show the hiring managers and recruiters that you and the employer are in alignment. Don't go too far into details and use a lot of jargon, but make sure you write it in such a way as to clearly align the job and where you hope to be currently and in the next 3 to 5 years.
For generalities, if you're applying for a general position, then you want to focus in on qualities and traits vs. job specifics. You don't want it to be bland and cliché, and you don't want to be too verbose. For example, for an entry level position, you'll want to use words like energetic, optimistic, engaged, quick to learn, teachable, coachable, eager, etc. Hiring managers want to get a sense that the candidate will be focused and engaged when learning a new task/job and integrating themselves with the company and their colleagues.
For generalities, if you're applying for a general position, then you want to focus in on qualities and traits vs. job specifics. You don't want it to be bland and cliché, and you don't want to be too verbose. For example, for an entry level position, you'll want to use words like energetic, optimistic, engaged, quick to learn, teachable, coachable, eager, etc. Hiring managers want to get a sense that the candidate will be focused and engaged when learning a new task/job and integrating themselves with the company and their colleagues.
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Kishan’s Answer
Certainly! It all hinges on your personal interests. Remember, there's no need to hurry when selecting a career, as picking one that doesn't bring you joy isn't ideal. Take me, for example – I'm a Software Developer. Growing up, my family had just one laptop, and whenever I had the opportunity to use it, I was fascinated by its inner workings. This curiosity led me to study computer engineering, and now I have a fulfilling career in software.
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Anuradha’s Answer
It's a great idea to choose a subject that truly captures your interest, as this will motivate you to research and develop new skills to achieve your career objectives. I recommend establishing a goal for the initial five years, during which you can acquire new knowledge and grow your expertise. This experience will ultimately guide you along your professional journey.
Leanna, I wish you nothing but the absolute best!
Leanna, I wish you nothing but the absolute best!
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Trung’s Answer
Deciding on a career goal is a big decision, and it's crucial to think it through carefully. Here are some friendly steps to help you choose a career goal:
1. Self-assessment: Begin by evaluating your interests, values, strengths, and abilities. Think about what you love doing, what inspires you, and what you're naturally good at. Keep in mind your personality traits and the work settings where you flourish.
2. Explore options: Look into various career paths and sectors that match your interests and skills. Find information on job duties, necessary qualifications, growth potential, and work-life balance. Connect with people working in fields you're curious about and ask about their experiences.
3. Consider your values and goals: Reflect on what matters to you in a career. Think about aspects like work-life balance, salary expectations, chances for growth and progress, the ability to make a positive difference, and how well it aligns with your personal values and beliefs.
4. Gain experience: If you're uncertain about a specific career path, try getting hands-on experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering. This will expose you to different industries and help you determine if a particular field is the right fit for you.
5. Seek guidance: Speak with professionals, mentors, career advisors, or trusted individuals who can offer guidance and insights based on their experience and expertise. They may provide valuable advice and help you gain clarity.
6. Set goals and create a plan: After exploring various options and getting a sense of what you want, set clear goals and make a plan to achieve them. Break your larger career goal into smaller, manageable steps and set a timeline for yourself.
7. Stay open to change: Keep in mind that your career goal might change over time as you gain more experience and grow both personally and professionally. Be open to new possibilities and be ready to adjust your goals as needed.
Remember, selecting a career goal is a personal choice, and it's vital to think about your own interests, values, and dreams. Take your time, gather information, and trust your gut as you go through this process.
1. Self-assessment: Begin by evaluating your interests, values, strengths, and abilities. Think about what you love doing, what inspires you, and what you're naturally good at. Keep in mind your personality traits and the work settings where you flourish.
2. Explore options: Look into various career paths and sectors that match your interests and skills. Find information on job duties, necessary qualifications, growth potential, and work-life balance. Connect with people working in fields you're curious about and ask about their experiences.
3. Consider your values and goals: Reflect on what matters to you in a career. Think about aspects like work-life balance, salary expectations, chances for growth and progress, the ability to make a positive difference, and how well it aligns with your personal values and beliefs.
4. Gain experience: If you're uncertain about a specific career path, try getting hands-on experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering. This will expose you to different industries and help you determine if a particular field is the right fit for you.
5. Seek guidance: Speak with professionals, mentors, career advisors, or trusted individuals who can offer guidance and insights based on their experience and expertise. They may provide valuable advice and help you gain clarity.
6. Set goals and create a plan: After exploring various options and getting a sense of what you want, set clear goals and make a plan to achieve them. Break your larger career goal into smaller, manageable steps and set a timeline for yourself.
7. Stay open to change: Keep in mind that your career goal might change over time as you gain more experience and grow both personally and professionally. Be open to new possibilities and be ready to adjust your goals as needed.
Remember, selecting a career goal is a personal choice, and it's vital to think about your own interests, values, and dreams. Take your time, gather information, and trust your gut as you go through this process.
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Rosanne’s Answer
Leanna,
Congratulations on having a Career Choice, as that is an essential step for your future. As for career goals, I can give you my journey and the personal goals that I took for career development and growth.
I started off as a college student, who decided that Accounting was going to be my career path (Love it!).
Based on my individual research and advice from my mentor, I understand that these tools were essential for my career development and growth, so I set these career goals for myself while in college.
I wanted to improve on my public speaking, so I volunteered to be in leadership roles. I go involved in my local NABA chapter as the president, served as a VP for the Accounting club.
I wanted to make an impact to my communities, so our club got involved in visiting high schools to touch on questions that anyone who wanted to pursue a career in accounting, and we also got involved in giving back to the community by visiting food banks.
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While currently working in the field that I love, I set up short term career goals for myself.
1. Becoming a Certified Public Accountant
2. Involvement by being a Peer group leader
3. Being a part of the Deloitte MADE program, to add knowledge to high schools and even elementary schools on the different career opportunities that are available in the accounting field.
So to conclude, my tips are to research on your chosen career.
What skills do you need to carry to be successful in the fields? Make your list, plan and execute!
Congratulations on having a Career Choice, as that is an essential step for your future. As for career goals, I can give you my journey and the personal goals that I took for career development and growth.
I started off as a college student, who decided that Accounting was going to be my career path (Love it!).
Based on my individual research and advice from my mentor, I understand that these tools were essential for my career development and growth, so I set these career goals for myself while in college.
I wanted to improve on my public speaking, so I volunteered to be in leadership roles. I go involved in my local NABA chapter as the president, served as a VP for the Accounting club.
I wanted to make an impact to my communities, so our club got involved in visiting high schools to touch on questions that anyone who wanted to pursue a career in accounting, and we also got involved in giving back to the community by visiting food banks.
.
While currently working in the field that I love, I set up short term career goals for myself.
1. Becoming a Certified Public Accountant
2. Involvement by being a Peer group leader
3. Being a part of the Deloitte MADE program, to add knowledge to high schools and even elementary schools on the different career opportunities that are available in the accounting field.
So to conclude, my tips are to research on your chosen career.
What skills do you need to carry to be successful in the fields? Make your list, plan and execute!
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v’s Answer
Hi there!
It's comforting to know I'm not alone in asking this question, and I'm glad to share a couple of insights that have helped me:
1. Consider whether you're content in your current position and if there are any senior colleagues you admire – this can guide your career aspirations.
2. If there's a particular field that piques your interest, go ahead and delve deeper into it, following your passion and exploring new opportunities.
Both of these points can assist you in determining the direction of your career goals.
Wishing you the best of luck, and I hope you find this helpful!
It's comforting to know I'm not alone in asking this question, and I'm glad to share a couple of insights that have helped me:
1. Consider whether you're content in your current position and if there are any senior colleagues you admire – this can guide your career aspirations.
2. If there's a particular field that piques your interest, go ahead and delve deeper into it, following your passion and exploring new opportunities.
Both of these points can assist you in determining the direction of your career goals.
Wishing you the best of luck, and I hope you find this helpful!
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Luis’s Answer
Hey Leanna - I was also unsure about what career to pursue when I was graduating high school.
I started out at a community college nearby where I lived..
When you first start college, you will have to take requirement courses that all students must take.
you will have to do some English Classes, some Math Classes, some Science Classes, amongst others and then some electives in different areas.
these are designed to give you flavors of different what fields you could end up.
as long as you start and enroll in college, you can slowly begin to explore your interest!
I started out at a community college nearby where I lived..
When you first start college, you will have to take requirement courses that all students must take.
you will have to do some English Classes, some Math Classes, some Science Classes, amongst others and then some electives in different areas.
these are designed to give you flavors of different what fields you could end up.
as long as you start and enroll in college, you can slowly begin to explore your interest!
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Krishma’s Answer
It's crazy to know what kind of field you want to be in - however, there are a few things you need to do before you narrow down what career path you want to be in.
Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. What do people go to you for advice? What are things that you know how to do that's different and special than anyone else?
The next thing you need to consider is what are your passions, likes, and dislikes? Sometimes those aren't the same as your strengths and weaknesses. I know I am good at Microsoft Excel, but is it my passion? No! So, you have to take time and reflect on what you think you enjoy doing and what you're good at.
Next would be some practical advice - RESEARCH CAREER OPPORTUNITIES! This means talking to new people, doing informational interviews, ask your aunts and uncles what they do for their career, or people in your community.
Then envision the life you want in your future. Find a career that would help support that. For example, if you want to travel, find a job that allows you to travel.
Once you finalize that job and research what that job entails, then, ideally find a degree or course that would help you land that particular job.
Krishma recommends the following next steps:
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Tapan’s Answer
Excellent question! I've often faced the same challenge, whether it's during college applications or job interviews. The advice I've received and followed throughout my career is to always be honest about my thoughts at that moment. It's fine to have short-term goals and mention them as well. Just make sure to keep your explanation brief and easy to understand, so others can grasp your career aspirations. Stay away from unnecessary details; instead, be concise, clear, and provide just enough information to convey your interests and future plans.
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Craig’s Answer
When I was younger and thinking about career plans, it was not clear to me at that time that it isn't important WHAT career goals you set for yourself. Goals can, will, and likely should change over time as you learn more and accumulate experience. What is important is having a goal that you can use as a motivator to achieve something that takes time and effort. Feel free to revise your goals and realign the steps you plan to take to achieve them!
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Grady’s Answer
Hi Leanna, great question! My advice to this would be to write, "Find a career in something I am passionate about." When you enjoy what you do, it doesn't feel like work. Being a young student, you should explore all of your interests. Find what it is that you are really passionate about. In doing this, not only will be happier, but your quality of work will be higher as well. Always remember that you never know until you try, so don't be afraid to try something new. Hope this helps!
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Missy’s Answer
The short answer is, look at other resumes online to get ideas and inspiration. When I was seeking a good summary for my profile on LinkedIn, I looked at people by role (similar to mine) to see what kinds of things they said. It really helped a lot. But also, you need to be honest and use words that convey what you are about and what you are seeking.
Wishing you the best of luck! The sky's the limit. :)
Wishing you the best of luck! The sky's the limit. :)
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Rose’s Answer
Great question! To determine what information is needed, first you will need to identify what you want to achieve in your career. Goals can be defined into four sections: productivity, efficiency, education and personal development. Once you've indentified which category that you truly want to focus on, then you will be able to then figure out your short term goals to meet long term goals. This process will help you to identify your career ambitions and develop the right structure to write your career goal.
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Danielle’s Answer
Hello Leanna,
I have to agree with Kishan's answer. Most of the time our career goals coincide with our personal interests. Start by thinking about the activities you enjoy doing or topics that intrigue you to learn more. I personally had many interests. I started in the medical field and after 12 years pivoted into a career as a financial analyst. I also enjoy tech, so of course I still take free courses online for different tech-based roles also just because I want to continue learning. Eventually, you will find something that you love doing overall without rushing yourself, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with having multiple options.
I have to agree with Kishan's answer. Most of the time our career goals coincide with our personal interests. Start by thinking about the activities you enjoy doing or topics that intrigue you to learn more. I personally had many interests. I started in the medical field and after 12 years pivoted into a career as a financial analyst. I also enjoy tech, so of course I still take free courses online for different tech-based roles also just because I want to continue learning. Eventually, you will find something that you love doing overall without rushing yourself, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with having multiple options.
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Chris’s Answer
When trying to navigate your career goals, I would focus on the "hows" of your career, rather than the "whats."
How are you going to be spending your hours working during the day? Are they going to be in front of the computer? Or are they going to be in front of clients in person? Or in front of a crowd of people?
Figuring out how you are going to be working, and accomplishing your goals, I think is more important than focusing on exactly what you are working on/towards. The "what" you will be working on will figure itself out in the long run. Just focus on figuring out where your strengths are in terms of communicating with people, and leverage that in how you operate in your career.
And be patient, developing these goals, and identifying the skills associated with them takes time. There is no deadline by which you need them figured out either. Everyone has their own unique career paths. You can define what success means for you in terms of your career goals!
You got this!
How are you going to be spending your hours working during the day? Are they going to be in front of the computer? Or are they going to be in front of clients in person? Or in front of a crowd of people?
Figuring out how you are going to be working, and accomplishing your goals, I think is more important than focusing on exactly what you are working on/towards. The "what" you will be working on will figure itself out in the long run. Just focus on figuring out where your strengths are in terms of communicating with people, and leverage that in how you operate in your career.
And be patient, developing these goals, and identifying the skills associated with them takes time. There is no deadline by which you need them figured out either. Everyone has their own unique career paths. You can define what success means for you in terms of your career goals!
You got this!
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Lydia’s Answer
Don't worry about choosing the perfect "career" right away. Many people discover their path as they move forward – it's not usually something they know from the beginning. Begin by listing your hobbies, what motivates you, and the kind of job you might want to do. This will help you gradually pinpoint a more specific career that interests you.
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Joseph’s Answer
Hi Leanna! To all the great answers here, let me add that you're already on the right track since you're thinking about this and asking. My biggest advice would be: take your time.
I would start high level by asking yourself to list certain preferences: what types of activities do you enjoy? what roles are interesting to you? how do you like to spend your days? Just as important: what do you not enjoy? Really spend some time identifying what you enjoy doing on a personal level.
Next, you can tie in your skills: what are you good at? what would you like to learn? This can help you identify patterns or trends, which will help solidify your goals.
Lastly, increasing your experience and exposure to various activities and industries (including asking questions here!) will help you work towards identifying your top goals.
I would start high level by asking yourself to list certain preferences: what types of activities do you enjoy? what roles are interesting to you? how do you like to spend your days? Just as important: what do you not enjoy? Really spend some time identifying what you enjoy doing on a personal level.
Next, you can tie in your skills: what are you good at? what would you like to learn? This can help you identify patterns or trends, which will help solidify your goals.
Lastly, increasing your experience and exposure to various activities and industries (including asking questions here!) will help you work towards identifying your top goals.
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