Are you ready to plan your career goals and objectives? Previously we discussed about the importance of self-assessment then we proceeded to help you in listing down your career options. Whatever the career choices you have chosen to include in your list, most important thing you should have is a PLAN.
You simply cannot build a successful career without even having a plan. It would be like building a house without a blueprint- it just would not work. It may get you somewhere in three to five years but eventually you will come to realize that you just aren’t going anywhere and you will start to feel frustrated about your career. We do not want that to happen, do we? In order to avoid this problem, I will go ahead and help you draft out your career goals and objectives.
Setting Career Goals
If you have ever set goals for yourself, then you know the general idea of setting career goals. The only difference is that we are not just going to write a list of things we want to achieve but instead, we want to make it into a complete package. Here are the most basic yet essential things you need to focus on when setting your career goals.
- Put it in writing – The first and foremost thing to do is to write down each goal that you have and define them as clearly as you can.
- Know the benefits of each – The next thing for you to do is to list down as many benefits (and advantages) of each goal that you have. Make sure to spend a good amount of time thinking about this because these will ultimately become your source of motivation.
- Set a timeline – A big problem with majority of individuals is that they forget to set a timeline for their goals. They would put to become a manager but they don’t exactly know when they should become one. Be clear about your timeline, and indicate if it’s one month, one year, five years, or even ten years.
- Consider where to get help – Another very important aspect of goal setting is to know whom to turn to in order to help materialize your goals. For example, if one of your goals is to become a manager in three years then you should know who or what would help you get there. You can include Attend leadership training at XYZ Leadership Development Center if you think that will help you.
Setting Your Career Objective
This section of our training program wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t help you make a career objective. Quite similar to the one you would put in your resume (which we would discuss in the latter part of this training), a career objective is a statement that will clearly tell you what you want to achieve. This coincides with your career goals because it will serve as the overview of your career plans.
In making a career objective, here are tips to keep in mind:
- Keep it short and straightforward. Mention the career you want to embark on. Leave the details in the career goal setting output you have made.
- Make it stand out and make it inspiring. Your career objective/statement will serve as your reminder so make it count.
- Ensure that it fits your plans exactly. You don’t make a career objective just because it is your own statement and no one else.
In the next article, I will talk to you about how to write a career action plan. This will serve as your road-map to building a successful career. Don’t miss it!
Chandra Vennapoosa, B.S Arch Graduate, Managing Director – Exforsys Inc, Founder of exforsys.com and geekinterview.com. Chandra’s mission is “to provide quality career coaching and interview advice for aspiring candidates”.
Chandra Vennapoosa – who has written 7 posts on Online Learning.
