Are you in dire need of inspiration for achieving your career goals? If yes, take a look at the following ideas or examples to help you kick start and reach your target.
Many people believe that growing professionally is the most effective way to achieve success, feel contented, and elevate their standard of living. However, that is easier said than done- most don’t know how to form a strategic and achievable career plan.
You should develop your career goals with the aim of enhancing and supporting your professional goals. It is crucial to consider carefully the things you wish to accomplish.
Here is a list of 13 realistic goals that aren’t hard to achieve. By the end of this post, you’ll also learn about the various career goal types, which will aid you in developing your personal career objectives.
Examples of Career Goals
There are two types of career goals in terms of timeframe – short-term and medium/long-term. The two go hand in hand as you set your short-term career goals to benefit the long-term ones.
Short-term Goals
Below are the achievable short-term goals that you can set:
1. Completing a professional course or degree
It is crucial never to stop learning lest you want to become obsolete. Continuing your education or taking new courses, like MBA, helps you remain up-to-date in aspects of your profession. You also become more valuable by growing your skill set.
If you’re considering continuing to study or learning a new set of skills, ensure that you’re making the right investment. Invest your time and money in something that will be beneficial for your career.
2. Networking
Keeping some important contacts in your directory is also essential to achieve long-term career targets. If not anything else, you will get valuable feedback from them and find new doors opening in the future. Networking skills are essential for every ambitious person.
3. Changing jobs
It isn’t always easy to change jobs. But sometimes, it’s necessary to do it so that you can acquire fresh skills and build your career further. Sticking to the same job for years without rewards can get frustrating and detrimental. Don’t remain stagnant or stay in your comfort zone if you want to reach heights.
4. Enhancing performance metrics
Your work efficiency is determined by your metrics, among other aspects. It could be about helping the company cut costs, making sure the customers are satisfied with its services or delivering projects before deadlines. Accessing your metrics and improving them helps you become more reputable in your company and makes it easy to reach long-term objectives like getting a promotion.
5. Improving communication skills
Good communication skills will benefit you in every aspect of your career. It forms the key facet of other skills like cultural awareness, teamwork, and soft skills. Improving communication skills also helps in personal development. Whether you’re instilling a new hobby, volunteering in an organization, or taking a new course, communication skills will take you a long way.
6. Establishing a personal site
There’s no better opportunity to show your skills than investing in and creating a brand; build a personal website to achieve your goals. It will double as your portfolio when you’re attempting to change careers, get a job, or do anything to reach your career goal.
Long Term Goals
“Where do you see yourself in a few years?” is a question interviewers love to ask! But that’s how they try to know about your long-term career goals. Below are a few examples of long-term objectives:
7. Changing Careers
It is normal for many people to think they have chosen the wrong career path and become unhappy. Career change has become a common thing and looks easy. Well, it should be if you’re able to use your skills. Not doing anything about it and regretting it later is the only thing one should avoid.
8. Becoming an expert on a subject
Becoming an expert/influencer is possible if you’re confident about the knowledge and skills you have to reach your career objective. You will need to develop a pioneering quality, become brand-aware and authoritative, and should be able to build networks. There is a lot of scopes once you’ve established yourself as a go-to expert in your industry.
9. Developing joy at work
It isn’t uncommon to feel stressed, pressured, and dissatisfied with your performance at work. Try and come up with ways to improve the work scenario so that you can be more productive and content – being happy at work is crucial to enhance productivity and overall well-being!
10.Getting promoted at work
Many working people classify getting promoted at work as a long-term objective. It is fitting to say that this target is realistic as long as you have a strategy. Remember that getting a promotion depends on your soft and vocational skills. Ensure to show all the essential qualities that your workplace values. Don’t fret about being vocal to your boss when you feel inspired.
11.Starting a business
If you’re an entrepreneurial person and aspire to start a business, do it. Many people wish to be their own boss in the long run and create something they can call their own. However, ensure to research thoroughly before taking this huge step.
12.Breaking into management
Many people aim for power; but not everyone has the capacity and ability to lead and pioneer. If you know and feel that you’d be a successful manager, then nothing should stop you from being one. All you have to know is that you’re only as triumphant as your working team. Being a good boss isn’t as easy as it sounds, but that shouldn’t be an issue if you remember where you come from.
13.Creating a personal brand
Creating your own brand is important to make yourself known in your field. It also helps you earn power and respect. Being unique and having a personal brand is becoming crucial for professionals as that’s one of the most important ways to gain exposure and followers.
Types of Career Goals
If you’re just realized your potential and are starting to develop a career goal, you might want to know about the types of goals. Not everyone has the same goal and the same set of skills; therefore, learning about the types is important to make an informed decision.
· Efficiency
It refers to how much you can achieve and how productive you can be in your workplace. Efficiency is a crucial aspect that helps your career progress – this goal has to do with your accuracy, speed, and consistency in producing high-standard results.
· Productivity
Keeping a productivity goal can help you perform well. It is an important step for professionals to identify targets that help in producing results for the long term. A productivity goal is simply the ability to produce standard results consistently before deadlines set by your boss or client.
· Personal Development
Developing your personality is crucial to achieve success. Therefore you should look for goals that meet this category. You can keep a goal to improve your leadership skills, communication, contributing strategies, and managing conflicts. These skills are as essential as vocational proficiencies, and will help you develop short-term objectives that ultimately make your long-term goals more achievable.
· Education
Education, here, means your potential to develop in your workplace. With industries and companies exploring newer technologies, it is important to look for opportunities to update your knowledge. Developing skills, studying new theories relating to your field, and keeping yourself informed about the latest things come under educational development. You will be able to stay ahead of your competitors when you meet your educational goals.
The Takeaway
Setting goals for your career doesn’t need to be as challenging as it sounds if you have a proper strategy to achieve them; you should prioritize your goals to ensure that you’re determined to reach them.
Despite all efforts, meeting your objectives isn’t achievable unless you’re motivated enough. Implement the strategies mentioned above and keep the motivation alive – you’ll see yourself at the end line very soon!
FAQs
How do I set career goals?
To set career goals, start by writing down your long-term and short-term career desires – be specific in what you want, and think about the skills and experience you need to get there. Break down your goals into manageable steps, and put a plan in place to achieve them. Lastly, stay motivated by tracking your progress and celebrating your accomplishments.
How can I achieve my career goals?
There are a few things you can do to achieve your career goals:
- Set realistic goals and make a plan of action to achieve them.
- Take advantage of the resources available to you, including online resources, books, and career counseling.
- Network with people in your field and get feedback on your work.
- Stay positive and persistent in your efforts to reach your goals.
Why should I set career goals?
Setting career goals is important because it gives you a roadmap to follow and something to strive for; it also allows you to measure your progress over time and make necessary adjustments. Having clear career goals will help keep you motivated and focused – it is essential for any long-term goal. Lastly, having career goals will help ensure that you’re making the most of your time and energy in pursuit of your professional dreams.
How do I know if my career goals are realistic?
There are a few ways to know if your career goals are realistic. One way is to look at your passions and see if there is a way to combine them with a career. Another way is to speak with people in the field you are interested in and get their advice on whether or not it is realistic for you to achieve that goal. Finally, do some research on what it takes to achieve that goal and make sure you are willing to put in the work required.
What happens if I don’t achieve my career goals?
If you don’t achieve your career goals, you may find yourself struggling to make ends meet; you may also find that you’re not as happy in your job or career. Achieving your career goals is important for finding fulfillment and happiness in life.
Who can help me achieve my career goals?
There are many people who can help you achieve your career goals. One of the best ways to find someone who can help you is to ask around – talk to your family, friends, and colleagues and see if they know anyone who can help you. You can also search for career coaches or mentors online or in your local area!
What are some common mistakes people make when setting career goals?
People often make the mistake of not setting any career goals at all, or they set unrealistic goals that are impossible to achieve. Making a plan and taking small steps will help you reach your goal! Other mistakes include not being specific enough, not planning for obstacles and not staying motivated.