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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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Subject: Career question for you

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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.
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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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Michael’s Answer

Self-reflection: Set aside some time to think about your hobbies, abilities, principles, and enthusiasms. Contemplate what activities bring you joy, what you excel at, and what gives you a feeling of accomplishment. This self-examination will assist you in aligning your professional objectives with your individual strengths and desires.

Establish your long-term vision: Begin by picturing your perfect future career. What position or function would you want to have in the long run? What difference do you want to create? Take into account factors such as job title, sector, degree of responsibility, location, and work-life equilibrium. Be precise and imagine your preferred result.

Create SMART objectives: SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Utilize this structure to develop goals that are well-defined, actionable, and practical. For instance, rather than stating "I want to be successful," a SMART objective would be "I want to become a senior software engineer within the next five years by mastering two additional programming languages and earning relevant certifications."

Break it down: After you've established your long-term vision, divide it into shorter-term objectives. These objectives should serve as stepping stones toward your ultimate career goal. Consider what abilities, knowledge, or experiences you need to gain in order to advance. Divide each objective into smaller, more manageable tasks or milestones.

Prioritize and arrange: Figure out the sequence in which you need to accomplish your objectives. Some goals might rely on others, so it's crucial to prioritize them accordingly. This will assist you in creating a logical order and preventing feelings of being overwhelmed.

Stay adaptable: Remember that your career objectives may change over time as you acquire new experiences and insights.

Wishing you the best,
Michael P.
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Alexis’s Answer

Hello Leanna!

There's absolutely no problem if you're unsure about your future career path. It's natural to take some time to truly grasp what you'd like to pursue after completing your college education. My suggestion is to begin reflecting on what genuinely excites you and consistently draws your attention. Remember, it's never too late to explore and find your passions, regardless of your age!
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Kavita’s Answer

I encourage you to listen to your heart. Throughout my life, I've had various career aspirations, and others have offered their opinions on what I should pursue. However, you won't find the right path unless you genuinely feel passionate about it. I once considered becoming a doctor, but my true interests lay in computers and fixing things around the house. Today, I'm a software professional, but I'd like to share a piece of advice: always maintain a secondary passion, whether it's painting or playing professional games. To select a career goal, trust your heart and make a list of all the fields that captivate your interest.
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Preeti’s Answer

First and foremost, remember that it's okay not to have the perfect career goal right away. Your interests and circumstances change over time, and you learn from each experience. During this journey, you'll gradually find answers to many of your questions. Career goals often emerge from considering these factors:

1. Long-term interests: Pursuing what truly satisfies you is crucial because when you're satisfied, you won't settle for less, and your passion will remain fresh. To enhance your skills, explore online courses and seek advice from professionals in the field.

2. Feasibility: Sometimes, personal or physical limitations might prevent you from pursuing a specific career goal. It's essential to consider what's realistically achievable for you.

Wishing you the best of luck!
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Divya’s Answer

Certainly this serves as a very good platform to know what career you would want to choose. You need not really be in a rush to make your career choice soon. It's always better to take time and gauge what is your area of interest and the facilities you have handy to support your career goal. Choosing a career is one thing and sticking to it and enjoying it is a completely different ballgame. So you need to be clear on what exactly is your area of interest , its sustainability and your future prospects in that area. Hope this helps!
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Divya’s Answer

Undoubtedly, this provides an excellent foundation for discovering the ideal career path for you. There's no need to hurry in making your career decision quickly. It's always wise to invest time in assessing your interests and the resources available to support your career objectives. Selecting a career is one aspect, but committing to it and finding joy in it is an entirely different experience. Thus, it's crucial to be certain about your area of interest, its long-term viability, and the potential prospects it holds for your future. Wishing you the best on your journey!
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Quip’s Answer

Love this question!
Four things to think about:
1) What interests you most? Think about your career goals in terms of your interests - and a great way to think about your interests is: "What gives me energy when I do it (vs. what drains my energy)?"
2) Remember that our experiences define our interests. As you try to find out what interests you, keep an open mind and try as many different things as you can.
3) As much as you think about your "career", think AT LEAST as much about "what kind of person do I want to be?" For example, will you be generous? How will you respond to challenges or failures (because we all fail some times)? Will you do what you know is right, even when it's hard, or even when no one sees you do it?
4) Most importantly - enjoy the journey!

Quip recommends the following next steps:

Make a list of activities and subjects that energize and/or excite you.
Make a list of activities and subjects that you want to explore.
Once you have a goal, write it down. ("It's only a dream until you write it down." - Emmitt Smith)
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Josh’s Answer

Deciding on a career goal is not an easy task! This really depends on what you find interesting as well as what you hope to achieve. I would suggest thinking about what you enjoy doing and then searching for relevant careers on Google!
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Iris’s Answer

I would say do not feel like you have to have the "perfect" answer now and do not think we have the perfect answers when we were trying to figure out what to do. I would suggest to start from certain classes you like in school, and do some research around potential career paths that might utilize the knowledge background you have learned. Or start from your interest if you are particularly interested in doing something, lots of times our hobbies will not become our future career, but you never know.

Do not be afraid to try a field that might be new to you, because you might discover yourself with great potential in that field. I would say, the "goal" does not have to be very specific at this point, unless you have specific ideas, it can be a direction that you are willing to put in your effort, time and knowledge to continue to develop yourself.
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Grace’s Answer

You don't have to know what your career will be at this moment in time. You may even get into your career and realize you don't like it as much as you thought! People are constantly evolving and their interests are changing. The important thing to do at this stage is explore your passions. Once you've identified your interests, get involved and set small goals for yourself then see how they can evolve into bigger ones. Research the particular industry and see what jobs involve your interest. Follow whatever you are passionate about and build long term goals from there!
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Vaibhav’s Answer

Agree with all that's been answered previously on this. Your goals can certainly change as you progress through your career so don't overthink it :) As someone once said - "Even a 10,000 mile journey starts with a single step", so see what interests you, excites you... and go for it. Find out what you can and it's more easier than ever today with so many learning and training websites like LinkedIn learning, Udemy etc. Browse and explore which areas interest you. These websites also show you learning paths so that can be quite helpful when you're not entirely sure which role you want to target. What are your strengths? Is there a destination you envision for yourself? Often it's in our heads but hard to put it down on paper so get your ideas flowing freely without making it 'perfect'. :) Key - don't overthink because there's no perfect answer.
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Eria’s Answer

When decided on choosing a career, ask yourself what motivates you, what brings you joy, and passion? If you’re still not sure, that’s okay too… but start out with making a list of your interests and narrowing it down from there. It also might be helpful to look into different careers by expiring job responsibilities and even interviewing folks already in the field for a “closer look.” A teacher once mentioned to me, “you’ll know you landed on your dream job when you don’t see it as work because you enjoy and love what you do.”
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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.
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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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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!
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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.
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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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Ann’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. :)
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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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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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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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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.

Krishma recommends the following next steps:

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.
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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.
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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!
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Lucas’s Answer

No matter your age, don't stress too much about picking a career early on. Throughout my life, my interests have often changed, leading to shifts in my career goals. If you're uncertain about your future career, my suggestion is to stay open to learning new skills and focus on the ones that bring you joy and that you want to improve. As you become more confident in a specific area, start connecting with professionals in that field to see if it's truly the right fit for you. The main takeaway is that you have time to make a decision. Personally, I didn't choose a career path until college, and I believe I'm better off for it.
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Kalyan’s Answer

Choose an area that sparks your curiosity, and dedicate yourself to learning the necessary abilities while embracing the obstacles that come with it. Stay determined and tenacious, and you'll find a solution eventually. Connect with individuals who are already experts in your chosen field. Additionally, explore various online forums where you'll discover both pros and cons; make sure to inquire and evaluate each perspective until you are completely satisfied.
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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!
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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!
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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!
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Mohammed’s Answer

Just be honest before trying to be perfect in your writing. nothing better than simplicity.
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Jessica’s Answer

Think about your goals in different ways, like considering specific achievements. These could include earning a degree, building certain skills, or obtaining a particular job title. I suggest using a creative approach by viewing your journey as a series of ongoing steps. Test your ideas often, learn from each experience, and keep moving forward.

Here are a few simple steps to help you begin:

1. Spend some time reflecting on what excites you, what motivates you, and what interests you.
2. Break your goals down into smaller parts. For example, if your long-term career goal is to "become a project manager," a short-term goal might be to "get a certification in project management" or "find an internship on a project management team."
3. Make a plan by setting timeframes, identifying the resources and support you'll need, and considering any potential challenges.
4. Stay flexible, as it's okay to change your mind along the way. Set up checkpoints where you can pause and assess if you're still on track toward your goal, or if you need to adjust your direction.

Remember, the key to success is learning from every experience and applying those lessons to the next thing you do.
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Paul E.’s Answer

Hi there! When choosing a career goal, start with what you are passionate about. What excites and motivates you? Then think about what you are good at. What subject do you love? What is something that you do in school that doesn't feel like a drag when you have to study or read about?
At the end of the day, self-reflection is key.

After you reflect on all of the above, then set goals for achievement. Once you do that, then research what it will take to achieve your goals. Once you achieve them, set more. Never stop pushing yourself.

There is no such thing as instant gratification. Anything worth achieving takes work. You can do it! Believe in yourself! You will do great things!
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Aparna’s Answer

Hello! Choosing a career path can be quite challenging. It's important to consider your interests and aspirations. Start by reflecting on the activities and subjects you enjoy in school. Next, identify the areas that intrigue you and explore careers related to those interests.
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