Setting goals for the new year is something many people do. Every year you evolve. Your career goals and other personal goals should change with you. As the new year approaches, it is a great time to reevaluate where you’ve set your sights. After all, you want your annual goals to help you meet any aspirations you may have for your career. Here are some tips for evaluating your career and goals for the next 12 months.
A Professionals Guide to Setting Career Goals in 2022
Evaluate Your Career Goals
Sit down and write down your goals for your career. Take note of where you would like to be in five years, ten years, and beyond. If you are considering switching career paths, think about where you would like your new career to take you.
You should also take time to reflect on your current job and whether or not it will help you reach your long-term goals. Most people will change their job 10 to 15 times within their career. So, if the position just isn’t a good fit or doesn’t contribute to your goals, make a move. Before you do, be sure you do these things.
Review Your Experience and Skills
Consider all of the things you’ve done in your career thus far and take note of what you’ve enjoyed. Include volunteer work, internships, and projects. All of this information should help guide your overall career goals.
Make a list of the top preferred skills for the career you are thinking about pursuing then compare it to the list of skills you enjoy using. Comparing what is necessary for your career aspiration to what you already have will help you identify what skills you lack. It can also help you choose a position that will allow you to build the skills you need to succeed in your career goals.
Research Different Careers
After you have taken the time to review your experience and skills, research careers or jobs that interest you. Google and LinkedIn are both great resources for performing research on career paths, job requirements, and employers. You can typically find out what you need to know from those sources. You can also use O*NET, which is a government website. O*NET includes information about more than 900 different careers and even has a number of self-assessments available.
Network
Don’t spend all your time researching and looking for jobs though. Put some time into building and reconnecting with your network too. They can be a great resource when you are trying to pursue a new career path. Ask colleagues, friends, and family for tips and advice when it comes to your career goals. Regularly nourishing these connections can help you continue growing in your career as well.
Get a Mentor
Networking can help put you in touch with a potential mentor. First-hand experience from someone who has worked a job you want or led a successful career is priceless. Schedule a time to shadow them while they work or get time to chat on the calendar. Having someone to talk to that has first-hand knowledge can help you gain a true understanding of the career in its entirety. They can also give you a good idea of what it takes to be successful in the industry and lead you in the right direction. Mentors are a valuable asset when it comes to evaluating your career goals and reaching them.
Consider Additional Education
Having a mentor can help you get a feel for what you need to be successful in the industry. In some cases, you may find you need additional education or training to pursue the career you desire. If that’s the case, take the next step and find out what you need to do to become competitive. Search for free online courses or volunteer opportunities that will help you expand your skillset. Some employers offer financial assistance for continued education. Check with your employer about whether that is something they provide or not.
Get Professional Help
Mentors and networking are great tools when it comes to reaching your career goals. Sometimes professional help is needed though. That is where recruiters at staffing agencies come in. They can sit down and discuss your goals. Once they’ve heard what you’d like to accomplish, professional recruiters can help you come up with a plan to get there.
Working with a staffing agency like Burnett Specialists can help you find a job that fits your career goals. Our professional recruiters can discuss your goals and identify what path you need to take to get there. Then we can tap into our employer network and find a position that suits your aspirations. Learn about the opportunities you can access when working with Burnett Specialists.
