How to Write Long-Term Career Goals

Identifying your long-term career goals is important in planning your education and a career path that will lead to the fulfillment of them. Take the process slowly and seriously so that your goals are as accurate and well thought out as possible. Taking a career test can help you get started in writing your career goals. It will give you some material to think about and use as you develop and focus your career goals.

Instructions

1. Take a couple of free online career tests. These tests can help you identify what type of work you enjoy, what makes you actually want to work and in what types of work environments you thrive. Some free tests are available at the Quest Career Services and Career Path websites.

2. Read through your career test results. Look not only at the personality results that discuss what type of worker you are and what types of work you are likely to enjoy, but also at the list of possible careers in which you would be successful and that you would like.

3. Write down the aspects of your work-related personality with which you agree. Also write down any of the possible careers you find interesting and about which you want to know more.

4. Write your first goals for your career to incorporate finding a job that accommodates your personality traits and that you would enjoy. Think about those careers that the career tests suggested. Move on to write about other goals you have as far as work/life balance, salary, promotion potential and other considerations important to you. Write your goals and rank them in order of importance to you.

5. Write your goals to be attainable and realistic. This helps you not feel overwhelmed by not being able to reach your goals.

6. Write your goals to be specific and measurable. Include numbers in them. For example, state that you want reach sales of a certain amount for XYZ Company within five years. This gives you something for which to strive. Include a time constraint when possible to give you extra motivation to complete your career goals. Try to write your goals in such a way that you are the only one responsible for achieving them.

Tips & Warnings

• Recognize that no matter how carefully you plan, many factors will be beyond your control, from changes in the economy to unexpected opportunities that may be offered to you. Review your plan regularly to make changes dictated by circumstances and your experiences.

References

• Goal Setting Guide: SMART Goal Setting: A Surefire Way to Achieve Your Goals
• Wisconsin 4-H Community Clubs: Designing 4-H Project Experiences -- Setting Project Goals

Resources

• Quest Career Services
• Career Path: Career Tests