Some of us know exactly where we are going, other’s spend time worrying about our career. When you’re thinking about your professional life, you can make a start by setting a few career goals. To help you set some productive goals right now, you may like a few of these tricks and tips.
1 . Identify your ideal career
Setting career goals starts with identifying your ideal career. To figure this out, you’ll need to assess your experience so far, and your current role. For some people, their ideal is progressing to a senior role within their industry. For others, this step might involve pursuing a new direction all together.
Identifying your ideal career is about determining your passions, your strengths, and what motivates you. Once you’ve figured out your best case scenario, you’ll be ready to break down your pursuit into smaller goals.
2. Research each step
Once you’ve identified your ideal career, you can create short-term goals, based on this path. Your path might involve educational courses and exams, it might involve networking, or going after that promotion. Purchase a career journal, and write down each step you’ll need to take.
Use online articles and books to gain the info you need, take notes, and reach out to industry thought leaders. The more info you have, the easier your pursuit will become.
3. Use the smart framework
The smart framework is a useful tool to help you with goal setting. According to the smart framework:
- Keep It Specific: When you set goals make sure they are specific, each short-term goal should be simple, and clear.
- Create Measurable Goals: Set goals that you can measure, (meaning that you can easily assess your progress).
- Goals Should Be Achievable: You’ll want to be ambitious, however, you’ll need to ensure that your goals are actually attainable.
- Keep It Relevant: Ensure that your goals can be based on results, and that they are reasonable.
- Set A Time Frame: Set workable deadlines for your goals, including time-frames and dates that work for you.
4. Get a little support
To help you set career goals, try working with a career’s counselor. Career’s counselling is particularly helpful if you’re not sure which type of work suits you. A counselor can help you with personality tests, research, ideas, your resume, and interview prep. Your career’s counsellor can assess your current experience, and help you to weigh up your options.
5. Look for inspiration
When you’re setting career goals it can be helpful to look at motivational material. To make a start, tune in to podcasts like Career Cloud Radio, Career Talk and Side Hustle Pro.
You might even be interested in setting up your own business? If so, look for success stories from those who’ve been there and done that. In 2013, Shawn Meaike started an insurance business called Family First Life. It’s an Independent Marketing Organization, offering training and business opportunities for ambitious people. For more info about Shawn and his company, take a look at the Family First Life website.