personal statement of career goals example

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What is a career goal statement? (examples + tips)

Work backwards

Stay flexible.

Quite often during either a job interview or the employee review process, candidates face the classic question: What are your career goals? Another version of this is: Where do you see yourself in one year? Five years? Ten years?

Your answer may affect how a hiring manager or your current boss sees you and your career path. You may think that giving an over-the-top answer such as, “I want to be the CEO!” will show your ambition, and it may elicit a smile, but it doesn’t show you’ve thought about how you’re planning to get to the top – if that’s really where you want to be. That’s why you need to be prepared to answer this question with detailed, realistic goals or SMART goals.

Below you will find the following:

• The answer to the question: What are career goals?
• How to write excellent career goals

Using the SMART goal system

• Long-term career goals examples
• Short-term career goals examples

If you are prepared with true, realistic goals in your next interview, you will come off as thoughtful and about where you want your career to go and how you plan to get there.

What are career goals?

Simply put, career goals are skills or tasks you wish to complete in the future that may or may not lead to a lateral shift or promotion. Vague, dry professional goal statements such as “I want a raise” or “I want a promotion” tell your manager what you want; great professional goals tell the manager how you are going to learn new skills or take on new responsibilities that benefit your workplace.

You can take it a step further by identifying resources you may need to help you reach those goals.

How to set career goals

When you are asked what your goals at work are, your boss may be trying to suss out several different facts about you:

• How ambitious are you?
• What direction do you want to go in?
• Are you happy where you are?
• What new skills do you want to acquire that will benefit the group?
• Are you planning to leave?

Relate your goals in a way that they impart the information you want your boss to have about your plans. Let on that you are ambitious and someday want their job and maybe you will end up with a great mentor, but you may want to glide over your plan to move on from the company at the first opportunity, afterall, you don’t know when that might be or what the future will bring at your current position.

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Start by considering your ultimate career goal. Do you want to be the CEO? Where are you now? What steps do you envision on the path to the top? Are you going through marketing ? sales? IT? finance? The best career goals mark milestones along with concrete to-dos to get you there.

Be firm in your vision. If you don’t know where you want to go, you won’t be able to chart your course.

Make a skills list and an experience list

So you want to run the IT department some day. Excellent career goal! Make a checklist of the skills you need that you don’t have or haven’t demonstrated on the job. How will you acquire them? In what order?

Do the same for the experience you will need to add to your resume. Each of the items on those lists can now be written as a career goal.

You may be familiar with this method of creating goals. Some schools teach them to students and some employers use them as part of your performance review. This method helps develop career goals by requiring criteria to define them. SMART goals are:

• Specific : That means you need to say exactly what you want to achieve. A specific career goal example tells which class you are going to take to gain accounting skills, not just that you want to take an accounting class.
• Measurable: Obviously, if you’re taking a class, the measurement is its completion, but other work goals may be more amorphous. How will you know you have achieved this goal?
• Attainable : Is your goal realistic? Will you really be the CEO in the next five years?
• Relevant : So you want to learn photography. Amazing, but what does that have to do with your career? How does it help you take a step on your career path?
• Time-bound : When can you do this? How long will it take?

SMART goals benefit both your employer and you. They help you visualize your path, define the steps you need to take, measure your progress, and point out weaknesses you need to strengthen, according to MasterClass .

How do I describe my career goals?

Keep it streamlined. Choose one or two of your top-level goals and broadly explain how you will set about achieving them. Explain how your new skills or accomplishments will help your department or company and always be realistic.

Let’s get down to the nitty gritty. You know what goals are and you know the criteria to set them. Next, let’s look at some good examples of career goals.

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Long-term career goal examples

A long-term career goal is one that will take you more than a year to complete. They may or may not answer where you see yourself in five years, but they definitely outline your vision for how you will reach your ultimate career goal. 

Think along the lines of a nurse who wants to eventually supervise the cardiac care unit or a teacher who wants to run a school some day. They won’t get there overnight, but they need to start developing the skills, attributes and experience they will need to reach their loftiest career goals.

This is where you say: “I want to become sales manager of the IT department and here is a SMART goal to help me get there.”

Examples of work goals that fits this long-term career aspiration are:

I will complete two classes toward my MBA each semester beginning in the fall semester of 2023.

This goal is specific (two classes toward an MBA), measurable (are the classes complete?), attainable (two classes a semester may be a challenge for a full-time worker, but not out of reach), relevant (if you want to be a manager, an MBA may be a requirement), and time-bound (classes begin in the fall semester for 2023).

Here are other long-term career goals examples:

Long term-goal : I want to make a lateral move from the sales department to the marketing department.

SMART goal : I will write and distribute a weekly update blog to coordinate the message between sales and marketing with interviews and Q&As.

Long-term goal : I will grow my portfolio of clients to $20 million.

SMART goal : I will attend one networking event a week and gain at least one new client a month.

Long-term goal : I want to become a recognized expert in my field.

SMART goal : I will publish four articles a year in reputable industry journals.

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Short-term career goal examples

We’ve looked at the long range, but there are intermediate steps to take to get there. Short-term goals are actions such as earning a certificate, improving listening skills , learning a new application, or expanding your career network. They all lead to an increase in your value as an employee and your desirability as a candidate for a new position. 

Here are some great short-term career goals examples:

Short-term goal : I want to learn data analytics to expand my marketing knowledge.

SMART goal : I will earn a Google Data Analytics Certificate through Coursera within nine months.

Short-term goal : I want to become more comfortable speaking in groups.

SMART goal : I will volunteer to make at least one presentation to my group and at the corporate meeting within the next six months.

Short-term goal : I want to step-up my organizational skills.

SMART goal : I will spend the next few weeks investigating organizational apps, choose one and implement it by the end of the month.

Avoid negative language

Notice that the last short-term goal focuses on a shortcoming. Instead of saying, “I need to be more organized” or “I want to stop being late for meetings” the goal uses positive language to acknowledge an area ripe for improvement.

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Tips to achieve your goals

Now that you’ve set your job goals and announced them to your boss, how can you stay on track to reaching them?

• Choose goals you’re passionate about . Choose goals that you want to work on, not goals you think will help you get ahead at work. Sure, SEO is an important skill, but if you aren’t interested in analytics, you’re going to have a hard time sticking with it.
• Keep your work goals close . Put a reminder on your calendar that pops up weekly, or daily if you think that will help. Or do it the old-fashioned way with a sticky note on your workspace.
• Find an accountability partner . Everyone at work has performance goals of some kind. Ask a colleague to hold you accountable and do the same for them. You may find inspiration (or competition) spurs you on. Plus, it’s a little tougher to slack off when you have to face a coworker to tell them you didn’t follow through.
• Assess your progress regularly . Are you keeping up with the certification class you promised you’d finish within six months? Did you write those communication messages to foster collaboration? Don’t beat yourself up if you fall behind. Recommit to your goals and get moving!
• Pat yourself on the back . Give yourself a moment to celebrate when you take steps toward achieving your goals.

“Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans,” John Lennon wrote in his song “Beautiful Boy.” 

That doesn’t mean you should stop planning or looking forward five or ten years into your career, but be flexible.

You’ll be setting work goals for most of your career. If you start working out of college, at age 22, your goals, both long- and short-term are likely to change over time. If you achieve your goals, you may choose to reach farther. If your priorities change, the market for chosen career shifts , or you simply decide you want to move in a different direction, your career goals will change as well.

When that shift happens, be honest with yourself and your boss. Stubbornly sticking to goals that don’t speak to you or fit into your life plan is likely to lead to work dissatisfaction and that definitely won’t help you get where you want to be.

The bottom line here: The longer-term the goal, the more likely you will want to (or have to) rethink it.

Career goals: the wrapup

Envision your career in the future. What sparks your passion? What do you want in your professional and personal life? Maybe you’ve known since you were in preschool that you wanted to be an actor. Maybe you discovered you’re great at money management while you were in business school. Maybe you’re still figuring it out.

In any of those cases, there are concrete steps you can take to get into the movies, increase your clients’ financial growth, or research an internship opportunity that may turn into the career for you.

Start big and work your way toward the specifics. Ask yourself not only what your goals are, but what skills you will need and how you can acquire them. Be brutally honest with yourself about your shortcomings (but keep it positive when you relate your goal to the hiring manager or your boss). Instead of beating yourself up, find ways to bolster them and even turn them into assets.

Write SMART goals and check to make sure you have hit all five points. Your HR department may require a certain number of goals so try to balance short-term and long-term goals. Be realistic about time constraints and the feasibility of achieving your goals within the timeframe you set out, especially if you have multiple goals. Failing to achieve your goals may have negative consequences at work.

Choose goals that align with your passions and vision. Above all, be true to yourself and honest about what you want and how you want to get there. Good luck reaching the C-suite (or the red carpet or wherever your heart desires)!

A statement of qualifications may be a required part of your job application or a choice you make about how best to present your skills. What does it contain and how do you go about creating one? Read the blog below for tips and examples.

Key takeaway

• Career goal statements can help you focus on your bigger picture plans and the steps needed to get there.
• Career goals can be categorized as long-, medium-, or short-term.
• The SMART method can help you create achievable goals that are neither too easy or overly ambitious.
• Be confident when presenting your career goals to an employer, but make sure to consider their needs as well.

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What is a career statement, and should you write one?

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What is a career statement?

Why are career statements important, how to write a career statement, career statement examples.

Start writing

There’s value in living in the present. Checking off a list of to-dos. But when you take each moment as it comes, never turning your attention to the future, the days — and your career — grow stagnant.

Writing a career statement can help.

We know we’re throwing another assignment on your plate when it’s already full. But writing this statement isn’t time-consuming and will help you progress toward real growth.

And if you haven’t taken the time to write down your professional goals, a career goal statement is a good exercise to tackle before jumping in on your career statement.

This might sound like too much work, but it’s well worth it. Studies have shown people who write down their goals are 76% likely to achieve them versus 43% for those who don’t . Dedicating a little time to writing a goal statement today can go a long way toward bettering your tomorrow.

We’ll make it easier with a template. But first, let’s look at what exactly a career statement is — and why we think it’s a valuable tool for professionals.

Think of your career statement as an aspiration statement tailored to your professional goals. Aspiration statements express what you’re hoping to achieve in the future and describe your vision for the next chapter of your life. 

Think of them as the end of your life plan: your statement should highlight your dreams, encourage your ambitions, and provide an ideal outcome for your action plan. It’s a few sentences or a short paragraph outlining what you want to accomplish in the future.

Sounds simple enough, right? For career statements, you’re focusing those aspirations on your professional goals and intended career path. A career statement demands you to research what you need to accomplish those goals, as it depends on specific information. It needs specific dates, desired job titles or companies, locations, skills required, and more. 

Career statements keep your objectives top of mind. They never let you lose sight of your long-term goals and why you want to achieve them. Thanks to this focus, a career statement helps you visualize your career path, like a roadmap to success.

Writing a career statement can help you tackle three of the resources key to achieving your goals: 

• Motivation: What will make you spring out of bed and continue putting in a consistent effort? Increasing your motivation fuels your need to make your career aspirations a reality.
• Direction: How do you see yourself developing your career ? Do you need to go back to school, move to another city, or network more? Direction gives you a clear understanding of the moves you need to make to achieve your goals.
• Accountability: Goals are great, but who’s holding you to them? Fostering accountability will keep your professional development goals top of mind and help you stay dedicated to them. 

There’s beauty in this journey. Goal-setting can reveal things you didn’t know about yourself, teaching you new skills and helping your well-being along the way. It’s been linked to:

• Higher motivation and ambition to succeed
• Stronger resilience
• Higher self-esteem 
• Greater self-confidence
• More independence and autonomy

Career statements and goal setting go hand in hand. They build off each other to help you turn your dreams into your reality. 

You’re not likely to knock out your career statement in five minutes. It takes time — depending on how clearly defined your career goals are. Don’t rush the process.

If you run into writer's block or can't decide what goals you want to set , take a break. You might find time for a self-discovery journey to help you understand where you’d like your life to go.

Planning out your career doubles as a great self-discovery technique , too: you can ask yourself what you’d like your work-life balance to be, if you want to work remotely, where you want to live, if you want to be a manager, and more.  

When you’re ready to begin, follow these six steps:

1. Think about your passions and purpose

Your passions and purpose guide your life. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted two-thirds of US employees to reflect on their life’s purpose , with 70% of respondents reporting their purpose is tied to their work. Passions and purpose are a great place first place to look to help identify what goals you want to accomplish.

Example: “My passion is storytelling and writing.”

2. Do plenty of research

This step won’t take long if you’re already clear on what you want. But if you have no idea what professional aspirations will enrich your life, dedicate time to research.

Reach out to people in your network for a chat. Expand your knowledge about your industry, learn the requirements for the jobs that interest you, and familiarize yourself with potential roadblocks. Research will give you the knowledge you need for the planning and execution stages.

Example: “I’m interested in writing a fictional novel and working with a local publisher.”

3. Test the waters 

This is a time for curiosity, intentionality, and reflection. Put your research to the test. If you want to change careers, go to a seminar about your target industry. You might be bored to tears, which could indicate you need to modify your plans.

Ask yourself questions along the way — are you staying engaged with the topics you’re learning about? How do your body and mind feel as you turn in this new direction?

Example: “I’ve written a storyboard, and it’s made me feel excited and motivated, so I’d like to continue and take the next step.”

4. Use the SMART goal template

The SMART goals model will help you set realistic goals . SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. This model provides a template that keeps you organized and lets you visualize your goals more clearly.

You should have a pretty good handle on your goals by now. And if you find that your initial goal doesn't work well after listing the different elements, don’t be afraid to make changes — without adaptability, you’ll be setting yourself up for failure. As you grow and move down your career path, your goals might shift. That’s perfectly fine. 

Example: “I plan on pitching a 300-page novel by the end of this month to three different publishers in my community. I’ll pitch my novel to their fiction team and take notes when they provide any feedback.”

5. Solidify your action plan

So you’ve explored the things that matter to you, spent time researching and experimenting, and defined your goals. Now, it's time to make a solid action plan. Take a moment to think about each step you'll take. Do you need to further your education, work on your communication skills, or find a mentor?

Planning ahead has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and make responsibilities feel less overwhelming . Mapping out your steps will eliminate potential stressors and procrastination. 

Example: “I’m going to create a timeline for myself to write the novel, including the brainstorming, writing, and revising process. This will help keep me on pace and focused on each section as it comes.”

6. Make adjustments when needed

You've put tons of effort into creating an actionable, well-thought-out career statement. But sometimes life throws a curve ball. Challenges arise, obstacles you may have no control over.

Adopt a growth mindset that welcomes learning from your mistakes and changing your plan when necessary. Adapting to change will help you achieve your goals, not hinder them. 

Example: “My pitch hasn’t been picked up by any of the publishers I’ve pitched my story to, so I’m widening my circle to publishers from other communities. I’ve learned from my network to be more specific with my pitches and to explain more about myself.”

Career statements differ depending on your goals, industry, and lifestyle. Your life purpose could be tied to working with nonprofit organizations or climbing the ladder in the tech industry. Whatever your professional aspirations, your career statement should reflect them.

Here are three career statement examples to inspire you:

• I’ll be a full-time writer in two years. I'll start as a freelance writer and build up my portfolio, expand my network, and tune in to workshops and seminars about writing. I'll dedicate 30 minutes each week to reading great pieces of writing, and I'll be ready to do some problem-solving when editors give me feedback. 
• I'm going to be my own boss and open a café next year. I’ll create a welcoming new culture within my café that values kindness, compassion, and respect. I'll further my existing business knowledge by taking marketing classes and talking to people within my industry about the financial costs of entrepreneurship.
• I'll be promoted to sales manager within two years. I'll focus on improving my leadership and communication skills by listening to feedback from my manager. I'll also continue to learn more about sales since it's my big interest and passion and become familiar with my soon-to-be managerial responsibilities.

Start writing 

We’ve outlined the steps and benefits of writing a career statement. Now it’s time to invest in your future and start writing. 

When you’re happy with your career statement, put it somewhere you'll notice each day. If you wrote it up by hand or printed out a copy, stick it on your fridge or bathroom mirror, or hang it above your desk.

If you went digital, set your statement as your phone’s lock screen. Keep it close. It'll remind you of what you're working toward — and what you’ve already achieved by putting your goals and plans into words.

Give your statement another read when you're feeling down or unmotivated. They're yours for the taking.

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

Do goal statements actually work? Find out here

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What Are Your Career Goals - How to Answer w/ [Examples]

You could say “What are your career goals?” is the adult version of “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

You probably even had a better idea of what to answer when you were 6.

You should channel that same level of confidence when talking about your career goals to an interviewer.

Easier said than done, right? Especially if you’re uncertain about what your goals are or what they should look like in the first place.

We know that struggle! To help you figure out your career goals (and answer the dreaded interview question), we compiled this guide.

• What is a Career Goal and Why is It Important to Have One
• The 4 Most Common Types of Career Goals
• Tips for Answering “What are Your Career Goals” and things to avoid saying
• 3+ Examples of How Your Answer Should and Should Not Look Like

So, let’s get started:

What is a Career Goal

Career goals are targets. Things, positions, situations related to your professional life that you have set your mind on achieving. 

They can be short-term, like getting a promotion or certification, or they can be long-term, like running your own successful business or being an executive at your dream company. 

No matter what they sound like, they should be this sort of prize that motivates you to get going in your career. 

Why Is It Important to Have a Career Goal (And Why Interviewers Care)

Firstly, the job interview aside, you should have a career goal simply because it’s beneficial to you . 

Not to impress the interviewer, your relatives, or your future Tinder date, but to improve yourself.

Having a career goal will keep you focused and keep you from getting stuck on a cycle where every day looks the same and you forget what you are working for in the first place. 

It gives you something to aim for, steps to follow, progress to make.

Now, back to the interviewer and why they’re asking the question. Your answer lets them know about two things:

• How long do you plan on working for them
• What motivates you to work

All interviewers are curious as to why you want to work for them, and they will ask you straight up about it. However, this question tells them something that the “Why do you want to work for us?” interview question doesn’t.

Your career goal will give them an idea as to what type of employee you will be - long term or short term. Is this position something that you will be staying in for a while, or is this a temporary stop until a better opportunity comes along? 

In 2020, hiring and training an employee costs between $4000-$7600 . Money that employers have no interest in investing in someone who will be working for them for no longer than two months.

Having a career goal also means you are not applying for a position just because the job ad randomly stumbled in your way and, being unemployed, you’d apply to just about anything so… here you are. 

If you have a goal that you want to achieve, it means that this interview was no accident and this job position really aligns with your aspirations. That means you will probably be more dedicated to the job, work harder, and have a great attitude. 

An alternative to the career goals question is “ Where do you see yourself in 5 years? ”. In both cases, interviewers are trying to get to the same point: your future.

4 Most Common Career Goals

Apart from the two main types - long term and short term - career goals can also be sorted into categories depending on their focus.

The 4 most common ones being:

Goals focused on professional advancement 

These goals are all about improving your work performance and being more efficient; getting better and faster at what you do and climbing higher up the ladder because of it. 

Short-term example: A sales agent increasing their monthly sales by x%

Long-term example: Make a senior partner at a top law firm.

Goals focused on leadership advancement

When it comes to leadership, there’s a lot of room for career advancement. These goals are all about improving your management skills and aiming for positions with more responsibilities.

Short-term example: Working my way up to the position of a manager at this restaurant. 

Long-term example: Working as an executive at X company.

Goals focused on educational advancement 

Whether you just graduated or you’re a full-on professional, there’s always more to learn. These goals are about keeping you up to date with the new developments in your field or just learning something new and different.

Short-term example: Learning a new programming language.

Long-term example: Finish medical school, complete a surgery residency program, and successfully earn a state license to practice medicine in no more than 11 years. 

Goals focused on personal development

These goals put emphasis on self-improvement and skills like networking or teamwork. Achieving them has a positive impact on your professional life, but they also show that you are more than just work work work.

Short-term example: Becoming more proactive within your company.

Long-term example: Improving your networking skills.

How to Answer - “What Are Your Career Goals?”

There really is no formula for getting this question right. There are, however, some tips we can give you to make sure your answer hits all the right spots.

Be relevant to the company.

Let’s say one of your goals at the moment is to get a certification from an online course in fictional writing. That’s an amazing goal, but if you are applying for a position as a sales manager, this certification is not going to help you a lot at the interview.

So what this means is, your answer to this interview question should be related to the position/company you’re applying for. 

• My goal has always been to be a Certified Public Accountant. In one year I will have finally fulfilled the education and experience requirements to enter the Uniform CPA Exam, which I’m very determined on passing.
• I’m only an amateur photographer, but my goal is to have my own exposition one day. Whenever I’m outside of work I try to dedicate myself to it as much time as possible so I can expand my portfolio. I think it’s cool for an accountant to be engaged in something else like photography, right?

Start with short-term goals and then move to long-term ones.

Short-term goals usually tend to be steps in the way of the bigger long-term goal. They’re also more specific and clear. 

When giving your answer, you can start talking about these goals, and then roll into the long-term ones. Your answer will sound much more logical and your plans well thought out. 

• I’m aiming to discover some new talented authors in the upcoming years. Delivering a bestselling book would help me establish my name as an editor in the publishing industry and help me gradually build a strong clientele of writers.
• My goal is to be the editor of some major writers. I can see myself delivering a bestselling series like Harry Potter in a few years.

Back your goals with an action plan

Laying out a list of goals doesn’t make for a very convincing answer. Instead, focus on one or two main goals and briefly explain how you plan on achieving them or how they will benefit your career in the long-term. This shows that you have thought these goals through and are clear about what you want in the future. 

For example, if your short-term goal is to learn a new programming language, explain how you will achieve that (certification or auto-didactic learning) and how that improves your work performance (does it allow you to work on more projects? Does the company you work for benefit from that?).

Elaborating on that last sentence: Focus on the employer.

Yes, they’re asking about your career goals, but at the end of the day, they care about their company’s best interest more. (No shocker here.) So, when talking about your goals make sure to express how achieving them will also be beneficial to your potential employer. Convince them it’ll be a win-win situation.

• I’m trying to find the appropriate time this year to enroll in a course for learning SAP FICO. It would help me as a financial analyst deliver more accurate reports, as well as help the company plan and monitor costs better.
• I’m aiming to improve the quality of my reports and analyses. I need to do some more research on how exactly I can do that, but for now, that’s my goal.

Preparation and Practice.

No matter how much you feel you have your future plans figured out, it’s still important to prepare for this question in advance. Think about some short-term and long-term goals, and take the time to practice your answer.

3+ Sample Answers to “What Are Your Career Goals”

If all that talk had you confused, here are 3 examples of answers that illustrate how to turn theory into practice.

Student/Intern Example

“Well, I’ll be graduating next year and I would love to start working in the marketing department of a company like yours right away. Apart from expanding my knowledge and experience in marketing, I also hope to improve my communication and public speaking skills. I really want to be a proactive and valuable team member.”

Short-term goal: Work in marketing after graduation.

Long-term goal: Be a proactive and engaged team member. 

Action plan: Earn more experience and knowledge in marketing and improve communication and public speaking skills. 

Professional Example

“I know that it’s become more and more helpful to know Python in the context of finance, so I plan on learning it this year. It will come in handy when solving portfolio optimization problems. As far as long-term goals, I would like to become a part-time professor at Y university. I have given some guest lectures there and really enjoyed it. The flexible hours are also very beneficial as they allow me to keep another job as well.”

Short-term goal and action plan: Learn Python in the finance context.

Long-term goal and action plan: Become a part-time professor at Y university.

Management Example

“At the moment I’m trying to improve my leadership skills so that I’m able to manage larger game design teams. I’ve only had experience as a lead designer so far, but I hope after a few years and some more experience I’ll be able to fully manage an entire project.”

Short-term goal: Manage larger game design teams. Long-term goal: Become project manager. 

Action plan: Improve leadership skills and gain more experience as game design lead. 

If you’re looking for sample answers to similar tricky interview questions, check out these 35+ Common Interview Questions and Answers .

4 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Answering “What Are Your Career Goals”

After covering the to-dos, let’s get to the NOT to-dos.

Here are 4 of the most common mistakes people make when answering “what are your career goals?”

Answer with “I have no goals”

There isn’t much to elaborate on this one, just.... don’t. 

Talk about salary

It’s okay for money to be your motivator. Hell, it’s the motivator for most people. You know that, we know that, the interviewer knows that, BUT that’s not what they want to hear and that’s not what you should say. 

For example, if you’re in the marketing industry and you want to get to a point where you have an annual salary of $70,000. You should look into what positions in your industry make that kind of earning and set them as your goal instead.

So, at the interview, instead of saying “My goal is to make $70,000 in salary by the time I’m 30”, go with “My goal is to be a content marketing director by the time I’m 30.”

Set unrealistic goals

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dream big. We fully support that reach-for-the-stars mindset. 

However, insisting that in 5 years you’ll be CEO of the company where you’re applying, when you just graduated a month ago… that doesn’t sit that well, especially with the interviewer. You will come off as arrogant and that definitely won’t get you through the door.

Get into too many specifics

Meaning, if your goal is being head of marketing for your dream company and that’s not the position or company you’re applying for, it would be best to not mention that. 

Doing so would let the interviewer know that your eyes are on another company and this position is temporary to you. Instead, you can just say that your goal is being head of a marketing department. No more details on who, where, what. 

There are a lot of other danger zones during interviews, so if you want to find out about them, here’s a guide on 26+ Biggest Interview Mistakes .

Key Takeaways

Whew, that was a lot to take in, right? 

When answering the “what are your career goals” interview question, here’s what you need to remember:

• Be relevant to the company. If your goals align with the needs of the company, or even better, the company benefits from them, you’ll have an advantage as a candidate.
• Explain how. Give some steps that you plan to follow to reach your goals. That will show that they are well thought and planned.
• Avoid the money talk. Instead of talking $ bills translate salary into an actual position. That sits better with the interviewer.

When it comes down to it, all the lists and tips don’t mean much if you don’t take time to properly prepare and practice, so don’t skip that part.

And if you want to practice more interview questions, we've prepared examples answers for you:

• Tell Me About Yourself
• Why Do You Want to Work Here?
• Why Should We Hire You?
• What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
• What Is Your Greatest Strength?
• What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?

Wait, that's not all! We've even got guides with tips on how to ace your next interview:

• Video Interview - Tips on How to Ace It
• Phone Interview Questions & Tips - How to Ace It
• How to Ace Interviews with the STAR Method [9+ Examples]
• Thank You Email After Interview

Suggested Readings:

• 101 Career Paths for Every Personality
• How to Craft an Elevator Pitch
• Salary Negotiation Tips

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Career Goals: How to Set Them and 14 Examples for Professional Success

Career development is rarely straightforward. Having a set of career goals keeps you on track.

While many professionals have a vision for their careers, few take the time to develop a set of career goals necessary for achieving it. Career goals are like rungs of a ladder needed to reach one’s professional aspirations — they shape one’s professional trajectory five to 10 years down the road .

Career Goals Definition

Career goals are long-term targets that define what you want to accomplish in your profession. They can include external targets like securing a job title or a specific salary, or they can be based on an internal motivation like making a difference in the world. The best goals map out what you want to achieve in five to 10 years and guide you as you advance in your career.

Take Aneasha Meade as an example. One of her career goals was to start as a  sales development representative and become an  account executive in three years. Meade developed career goals like finding a mentor, expanding her skill set through workshops and gathering the necessary experience for an AE role. Staying the course, Meade eventually became an AE for the HR platform Justworks.

What Are Career Goals?

Career goals are typically long-term targets that define what you want to accomplish in your profession, be it securing a job title,  starting your own company or reaching a specific salary figure. It’s not what you want to achieve in one year to three years, but closer to five to 10 years down the road.

Why Setting Career Goals Matters

Ambition alone won’t lead to success if your career has no direction. Below are a few reasons why setting career goals is crucial to your long-term professional development .

You’ll Improve Your Chances of Success

A career goal gives you a North Star to follow. It puts any setbacks and accomplishments into context, and allows you to see the bigger picture of your career. As a result, career goals play a crucial role in one’s professional success.

“We have found from research that goal setting does help predict career success,” said Maria Kraimer, a professor in human resource management at Rutgers University. “People who set career goals tend to have higher salaries and more promotions, and are more satisfied with their careers.”

You’ll Make More Intentional and Informed Decisions

Setting a career goal encourages you to take control of your career , rather than letting your manager make decisions for you. Goal setting also requires you to think about what you like and don’t like doing, what  skills you need to acquire and how to develop those skills. In this way, it can help with not just advancing your career but also combating burnout , said Wendy Saccuzzo, head of hiring services for Tech Ladies, a company that helps women in tech find jobs and advance their careers.

“If you’re stuck doing things all day long that aren’t energizing to you, it’s hard to feel good about the work you’re doing,” Saccuzzo said. “We’re motivated to do a good job most of the time, but once we lose that motivation because we’re doing work we don’t like, nothing is going to change unless we take control of it ourselves.”

You’ll Build Resilience

Having a clear and actionable goal also makes you more resilient when things don’t go your way . When Meade’s manager told her she’d never make it as an account executive, she relied on her goal plan to keep her focused on her first step of finding a mentor.

“Some people could take that as discouragement and make them go into their shell and not push forward,” Meade said. “For me, I’m the opposite. That’s where I really amped up my goal of finding a mentor.”

More on Career Development Working Remotely? Here’s How to Keep Growing Your Career.

15 Career Goal Examples

While choosing a career goal is a personal exercise in deciphering what’s most important to you and your life, it can still be difficult to know what to aim for.

To help you get started, we rounded up a few common career goal examples below.

Career Goal Examples

• Securing a job title
• Working for a prestigious company
• Earning a specific salary
• Making an impact
• Gaining career satisfaction

1. Secure a Job Title

This goal focuses on climbing up the career ladder to a more senior position. Before setting this goal, research the target role’s day-to-day responsibilities and make sure it resonates with you. From there, reach out to a mentor or people in those positions. What skills, certifications and experiences did they need to reach that position? These questions will help you chart specific steps to make this goal attainable.

2. Work for a Prestigious Company

If working at a big-name company is meaningful to you, it’s important to research different companies and industries. Identify what you’re passionate about , what you like about those companies and where you might best fit in. Then reach out to people who work there or review their LinkedIn profiles to see what paths they took to reach that job.

3. Earn a Specific Salary

This objective is most effective when paired with other goals. Whether it’s more freedom to travel or an early retirement, having another objective in mind will make the money you earn more meaningful. To set an effective financial target, review the salaries of people in your field and the experience level required to earn that amount. It may also help to hone your negotiation skills so you can push for higher salaries as you navigate the job market.

4. Make an Impact

Identify what impact you want to make. Do you want to influence other people’s career paths ? Play a crucial role in the development of a game-changing technology? Give back to the community? From there, list how you plan to measure your impact. This could be volunteering once a week or feeling a sense of satisfaction in your company’s product.

5. Gain Career Satisfaction

This type of goal can be nebulous, but it’s still possible to make it specific and measurable. Start with reflecting on your current situation. Are you happy? What aspects of your job do you find satisfying? What tasks can you do to make yourself happier ? Every six months, hold yourself accountable to those tasks and assess your situation.

6. Master a Technology

As workplaces adapt to the digital age, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies . If there’s a tool or platform you’re struggling with, you can sign up for workshops and online courses to sharpen your abilities. Be sure to take advantage of any resources at your disposal, including company learning stipends .

7. Improve Your Communication Skills

Giving a speech can be one of the most difficult tasks many professionals face. To strengthen your  communication skills , volunteer in your workplace to lead team meetings or presentations. Once you feel confident, you can offer to give talks at conferences, informational sessions and other events that place you and your company in the spotlight.

8. Expand Your Network

It helps to start out networking with people you already know, like your coworkers. However, you can also reach out to industry leaders and other professionals through LinkedIn or another online format. In your message, explain why you want to connect with someone and why their background caught your attention.

9. Find a Mentor

If you’re looking to take the next step in your career, a  mentor can be a major difference-maker. Define why you want a mentor and what you need help accomplishing. Then, find someone who specializes in your area of interest. While professionals often find mentors in their workplaces, you may also meet a potential mentor at a networking event, workshop or fun activity related to your passions and career goals.

10. Become a Mentor

Perhaps you’ve mastered your field and are ready to pass on your knowledge to a younger professional. Letting your company leadership know is the easiest way to get connected with newer employees eager to learn. You can also  become a mentor by taking on a teacher role or volunteering at a non-profit in your spare time.

11. Earn a Degree

Those wanting to pursue their master’s , Ph.D. or another degree must make sure they’re in a solid position to do so. Assess whether a degree can further your career advancement or open more career opportunities. Check to see if your company covers the cost of tuition or if a university has any scholarships available.

12. Enter a New Industry

Breaking into a new industry can be a lengthy process, especially if you’re making a career change later in life. If you don’t know anyone in the field, reach out to professionals on LinkedIn and request  informational interviews . Make sure you understand what skills and experience are needed to be successful in a specific sector. Then, research internship, freelance or entry-level opportunities to kickstart your new career.

13. Achieve Better Work-Life Balance

To aim for better  work-life balance , take a moment to identify what you want to prioritize and what you’ve actually been prioritizing. Are you working long hours and sacrificing sleep? Do you feel isolated from your friends outside of work? Talk with your manager, set work boundaries and take other steps to adjust your work situation and make sure you have time for the things that matter most to you.

14. Retire by Age 55

Retiring in your 50s might sound ambitious, but the goal feels more doable when you break it down. Plan to set aside a percentage of your paycheck for your 401K or savings account . You can also set a goal of saving a certain amount each month and year, allowing your savings to accumulate over time.

How to Set Career Goals

Setting a career goal is a personal process that requires  self-awareness , research and careful planning . While each person’s goal will look different, there are some common steps you can follow to set yourself up for success.

6 Steps to Setting Career Goals

• Shape your goals around your own definition of success.
• Choose the right method for you to create your goal plan.
• Break down your long-term goal into manageable steps.
• Track your progress as you work toward your career goal.
• Enlist the help of a mentor to inform your career goals. 
• Keep your career goals flexible.

1. Shape Your Goals Around Your Own Definition of Success

Whatever your definition of success is, it’s important to make sure your goals are clear, specific and measurable, said Lindsay Greco, an Oklahoma State University management professor. If success is being in a role you can give back, define what that means. If it’s to do a  job you love , define the qualities in a job that make you feel happy and then take the time to reflect on your enjoyment each year.

Don’t be afraid to set your sights high , either. As cited in the book Motivation: Theory and Research , psychologists Edwin Locke and Gary Latham discovered that the most impactful goals are ones that are both specific and challenging. When a person sets an easy or vague goal like “do my best,” there isn’t a tangible benchmark to reach. It can mean anything, and people give themselves the benefit of the doubt when  evaluating their performance . This leads to less  motivation and lower levels of achievement.

You’re more likely to raise your level of performance to the difficulty of the goal. Just make sure it’s realistic. While falling short may sting, don’t let it override your other accomplishments.

“You might set a really lofty goal for yourself and if you’re not making progress or didn’t get the promotion, it can lead to depression or affect your well-being,” Greco said. “One reason you might not have reached a goal is because it was too lofty, but you worked really hard and you actually accomplished a lot. And that’s OK.”

2. Choose the Right Method for You to Create Your Goal Plan

Once you identify your overarching career goal, it’s important to write it down and map out the steps you need to take to achieve it. To make your goal effective, be sure it includes the five elements outlined by Locke and Latham in Motivation: Theory and Research :

• Clarity: The objective should be specific and easy to understand. 
• Challenge: It needs to be difficult to achieve while still remaining attainable.  
• Commitment: It needs to be meaningful to the individual.
• Feedback: It needs to include some form of measurement that can give the person feedback on their goal progress. 
• Task complexity: The tasks to achieve the goal should not be overwhelming. 

With those characteristics in mind, there are a number of methodologies you can use as a blueprint for  achieving your goal .

• SMART Goals: This stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based. This strategy requires breaking down your long-term goal into smaller short-term goals with specific actions you can take to achieve them.
• OKR Goals: This stands for  objectives and key results . Start by breaking down your overarching goal into specific objectives. Then, list the actions you can take to get there and the key results or metrics you’ll be tracking to evaluate your progress.
• Career Roadmapping: This process, developed by Saccuzzo, starts with identifying what you find empowering or enjoyable at work and making that your goal. Write three tasks that are energizing and three that are depleting, along with steps you can take to do more energizing work, all on a single page. You can refer to this page to reflect on your current position and identify actions you can take to keep working toward your goal.

However you plan, make sure you take the time to write the goal down on paper. People who write out their goals are 1.2 to 1.4 times more likely to achieve it than those who let it sit in their head, according to a study from Mark Murphy, founder of the leadership training company Leadership IQ.

3. Break Down Your Long-term Goal Into Manageable Steps

Start with your long-term goal and work backward. If you set a target to become a CTO in 10 years, think about what hard and soft skills you need to succeed in that role, what experience you must have and what kind of company you want to lead. Then identify where you need to be in five years to reach your goal. From there, think through what you need to accomplish in three years. Each long-term goal is made up of smaller tasks that help you reach the larger target.

Since careers can take winding paths, though, don’t lock yourself into one specific job or target. Instead, give yourself options for success.

“Set out four or five different roles or companies that you think would be great for yourself to be in, and recognize that you could get to one of those or you might not get into any of them and that’s OK,” said Stephanie Lovell, head of marketing for job recruiting website Hirect. “It’s about being really flexible.”

4. Track Your Progress as You Work Toward Your Career Goal

It’s not enough to always be thinking about your goal. You also need to take the time to track your progress and hold yourself accountable. For short-term goals, tracking progress can be as simple as checking boxes when you complete the tasks you laid out in your plan. For your long-term career goal, Lovell recommends reviewing it every six months.

During that time, reflect on where you’re progressing toward your long-term goal and where you’re falling short. If you’re missing deadlines for your micro-goals, ask yourself why. Is it because you’re missing an important skill? Is the job no longer the right fit for you? It may be that the goal you set out isn’t realistic or perhaps your perspective has changed .

“It’s in those six-month check-ins — being really open and flexible to making updates, making changes and checking in to see where you’re at,” Lovell said. “Don’t allow yourself to slide on things. Make sure you are progressing and you are learning but allowing yourself the room to be flexible.”

5. Enlist the Help of a Mentor to Inform Your Career Goals 

Goal-setting doesn’t have to be done on your own. Sometimes it helps to get guidance from a mentor figure, especially if you’re just starting out.  

In a study on goal setting in the career management process , Greco and Kraimer discovered that a person who has a psychosocial mentor — meaning someone they can go to for emotional support as they embark on their career — feels a greater sense of belonging in their profession. When that happens, people become more familiar with success indicators within their profession, which helps them set more meaningful goals .

“By having a mentor where you become friends with them, the student starts to identify with the profession that they’re studying,” Kraimer said. “Through that development of professional identification, you start to hold the same values of that professional group. And you’ll start to develop goals that fit with that professional group.”

6. Keep Your Career Goals Flexible

Career goals are rarely straightforward. It’s impossible to predict every step needed to reach your end target. You may not reach the goal you set in the timeline you established. While that can be frustrating, don’t let it discourage you.

Think about why that goal didn’t work out. It could be that you were too ambitious, and you need to readjust the timeline. It could be a sign that you’re not getting the skills and development you need in your current role, and it’s time to set a goal to look for a new job . Or, it could be a sign that a goal is no longer of interest to you.

Give yourself the freedom to explore opportunities outside of your plan. There are a lot of different paths to a happy and successful career. Your career goal is simply meant to help get you there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are career goals.

Career goals are long-term targets that clarify what you want to achieve in your professional career, often five to 10 years down the road. These goals can involve external achievements like earning a job title or more internal accomplishments like finding meaning in one’s work.

What are examples of career goals?

Examples of career goals include landing a job at an industry-leading company, enjoying satisfaction in one’s career, becoming a mentor to a coworker and retiring by age 55.

Recent Career Development Articles

• TemplateLab
• Goal Statements

40 Best Goal Statement Examples [Professional / Personal]

You use a goal statement when you’re determined to accomplish something in your life. Goals give you direction and focus while allowing you to take better control of your life. Creating professional goal statements and persona goal statements also provide you with a benchmark to see if you’re working in the right direction and succeeding to achieve the goals you have set.

Table of Contents

• 1 Goal Statement Examples
• 2 What is a goal statement?
• 3 Characteristics of a goal statement
• 4 Career Goal Statements
• 5 Why is a goal statement important for your career?
• 6 Some considerations when writing your goal statement
• 7 Professional Goal Statements
• 8 Tips for creating a goal statement
• 9 Personal Goal Statements
• 10 How to write a goal statement?

Goal Statement Examples

What is a goal statement?

A goal statement is the foundation that you use to plan your work. Good goal statement examples should be properly documented and detailed. It should also completely define the outcome that you seek to accomplish. A proper goal statement format should describe the activity, purpose or outcome that you must do reach your desired end result. When creating your own statement of goals, include the following:

• The outcome that the goal must produce This starts with the word “To” followed by an identification of the object to transform along with the final result it should be in when you have already accomplished the goal. It should pinpoint what result, outcome, and purpose you desire.
• The beneficiaries of your goal This refers to who would benefit from the goals when accomplished and the scope that it would encompass. It should also define how you can achieve such goals and the approach to use to solve problems.
• The benefits that the result will generate for each of the goal’s beneficiaries This identifies the points on how the beneficiaries will be better off as soon as you have achieved the “To” goal. It’s important to always add the time and date by which you should achieve such improvement.
• The limitations or requirements that exist Are the availability of resources that will help you achieve the goal limited? Is there a time constraint for the goal to complete? Are there any actions required for its completion? Is there an existing protocol that you need to follow for completing the goal?

Characteristics of a goal statement

Like any other goal, you need to follow guidelines to achieve them. Whether you’re creating professional goal statements, personal goal statements or even a goal statement for college, the goals you set should be clearly defined, attainable, and decisive. This is the main reason for goal statement examples – to plan, evaluate your plans, and to guide your actions. When creating your goal statement format, make sure it has SMART characteristics :

• Specific Your goal statement should specifically indicate what you need to accomplish. The phrase should use action words like sell, implement, design, build, and so on.
• Measurable The statement must clearly state what you’re supposed to achieve and how long you have to achieve it. Measuring the goal means you can determine when you accomplish it.
• Acceptable You should accept that your goals are necessary and acceptable, especially to your future.
• Realistic This means that you can achieve the goal even if it’s challenging.
• Time-bound The goal statement should specify a time horizon and a deadline for its completion.

Career Goal Statements

Why is a goal statement important for your career?

Goals connote the future and professional goal statements and personal goal statements are all about the future. One great benefit of a goal statement is that it’s your own vision of the future of your career . Just consider it as the final prize that you have your eyes on. You may think at first glance, you might not need this document as it is just an unnecessary formality. But having your own goal statement examples come with several important benefits:

• It helps give your career direction The benefit of having a professional goal statement is that it breaks you out of monotony. Goals themselves are extremely motivating as they inspire you to work more aggressively because you have a clear notion of what you’re working toward. Moreover, focusing on a long-term goal allows you to get a better grasp on the skills you need to hone or develop to make your goal come into reality.
• You can use it to ask yourself difficult – but essential – questions Each day, even on the average ones, you may find yourself asking a lot of questions and you probably won’t take any time out to reflect on which of these questions are really important. Such reflection is essential to ensure you don’t get caught up in the trivialities of everyday life.
• It teaches you accountability Making a career goal statement can entail some degree of intimidation because having documented it, it becomes real and you are now faced with a heightened sense of accountability.

Some considerations when writing your goal statement

Unless written down, career goals tend to have less influence on you. Having them on paper gives your goals a sense of formality on what you want to accomplish. Following are some things to consider when writing your own goal statement:

• Setting unrealistic goals for yourself would be like setting yourself for failure.
• The outcome should be the final result of what you have set up to achieve and not the effort that you put into achieving the goal.
• When creating the statement, make certain that the activities you include are relevant to the outcome of your goal. Most of the time, these activities have a tendency to be more preparatory instead of focusing on the final outcome.
• There should be enough time on the timeline for you to accomplish your goals. Too long a timeline won’t make up for the effort you need to achieve your goal.
• It’s recommended to subdivide your goal into smaller sections if you think that the goal scope is too broad.

Professional Goal Statements

Tips for creating a goal statement

The goals that you set for yourself should motivate you. You can do this by making sure that the goals are important to you. Goals that have little or no interest in the outcome or aren’t relevant to the bigger picture will offer little chances of putting them to work or making them happen. One of the main keys to reaching your goals is your motivation. Here are tips to guide you when creating your own goal statement:

• Take some time to reflect When you finally decide to make your goal statement, don’t rush into it. Take some time to reflect on what you really want to accomplish. This helps you avoid setting goals that you think you must have instead of focusing on a goal that you really want to achieve.
• Write confidently You should be both firm and decisive when setting up your goals. The statement shouldn’t contain vague noncommittal phrases. Start with sentences with words like “I will…” as this makes you sound confident and certain while eliminating ambiguity. Furthermore, decisive words add an element of encouragement each time you go back to your statements. Avoid openers like “I really want to…” or “I really hope I can…”
• Be as specific as possible Your goal statement example can have more impact and give you a sense of direction if it had very specific content. Phrases such as “climbing the ladder…” or “earning more money…” are too vague to awaken your motivation.
• Come up with a plan of action Setting a goal is the best first step – but so is setting a finish line to accomplish it. But all these would become meaningless if you don’t understand what you need to do to make things happen. The latter section of your goal statement should outline and enumerate the steps required to accomplish it. This serves as a roadmap for you to follow towards your goal and is a lot better than just deciding on an objective and have no clues on how to start or where you’re going.

Personal Goal Statements

How to write a goal statement?

You can look at your goal statement as the “North Star” to guides you on your path to fulfill your purpose. Great goal statements can start with asking yourself questions like:

• What do I really want?
• What will make me truly happy
• What will make the people whom I love happy too?

When you have the answers to these simple questions, it’s now time to do a bit of self-reflection. Here, you need to:

• Think about what your ideal life is.
• Wonder about the things that keep you up each night.
• Reflect on your deepest dreams and desires.

Focus more on the things that you want to experience, the growth you want to have, and the contribution you want to make to the world. Make sure that your statement brings into fruition what motivates you the most. The stronger you feel for your goals, the more chances there will be to achieve them.

When creating this statement, use your moral compass to guide you in creating meaningful goals. You can also think about the challenges that you’ve confronted in life when setting your goals. You can consider any positive characteristics that you possess as a personal value and these values are the driving forces that will help you in the realization of a meaningful goal statement.

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Statement of Career Goals Examples (for grad school)

by Talha Omer, M.Eng., Cornell Grad

In personal statement prompts.

Graduate schools, especially top business and management schools, require prospective applicants to write a career goal statement, which is simply an essay that describes the applicants short and long term professional goals. The goal statement is a way to let the admissions committee know your career aspirations. While writing the goal statement, you must provide your vision of the future of your career.

Here is an example of a statement of career goals that helped the applicant get into top MBA programs in the US.

Statement of Career Goals Example 1

My long-term goal is to create a Fintech investment platform, an area with vast potential, to provide innovative products designed especially for the low and middle-income segments. For this, post-MBA, I want to expand the reach of my start-up, Alpha Financial, further. Specifically, I aim to introduce novel microfinance products like the first privately managed future derivative trading terminal with the lowest spread to ensure that the masses can access this opportunity.

My professional career has equipped me with a solid understanding of finance, conducting due diligence, and sourcing deals. As a result, I feel ready to utilize the Kellogg MBA to enhance my knowledge, network, and leadership skills to grow my entrepreneurial venture.

I am very excited to study  the Enternpenuership path  at Kellogg, focusing on strategy. This pathway offers modules to help me deal effectively with issues such as creating unconventional financing channels. In addition, electives such as  Global Entrepreneur Finance  will equip me with essential skills and strategies to design financing options for my products.

Moreover, I am excited about engaging in Blockchain Technology, Digital Assets, and the Future of Finance, which will enhance my Fintech understanding and its application to solve lower strata problems. Outside the classroom, the Private Equity and Venture Capital Lab will provide me with unique opportunities to engage in in-depth discussions and build skills essential to become a better business leader.

Statement of Career Goals Example 2

My personal and professional experiences have exposed me to the harsh realities of the glass ceiling that women have to shatter in order to excel in their careers. My journey with human resources in organizational development and communications has strengthened my understanding of the role that capability development and effective organizational design can play in breaking these barriers. This has led to one of my biggest accomplishments – launching and leading the Women’s Club chapter at Coca-Cola. Here, I united 200 female colleagues onto a single platform that offered them company-wide mentorship through workshops and seminars. Now, I am more dedicated than ever to establishing a learning and development firm. This firm would advocate gender parity and will break barriers through a two-pronged approach. First, it will help organizations build gender-inclusive work environments. Second, it will dispense world-class leadership capacity-building for women. This two-pronged strategy will thus sustain a healthy pipeline of talented women leaders.

To turn my dream into a reality, it is essential that I first amplify my knowledge and upgrade my credentials. Doing so will help me prove that women can achieve anything they set their minds to. I must also equip myself with the tools to establish, lead and sustain a venture. Hence a mix of general management education, entrepreneurial skills and a global network at a top university will be a stepping-stone.

After graduation, I intend to join a leading learning and development firm, such as Dale Carnegie or BTS, that provides organizations with capability enhancement solutions. My MBA experience will give me with geographical proximity and an opportunity to network with organizations operating in New York. These firms have expertise in transforming organizations, driving behavioural change, and accelerating learning in a global context. I will concentrate on understanding their framework for designing scalable solutions. I am also much interested in learning their methods of measuring impact for continuous improvement and harnessing their vast network of global thought leaders.

In five years, I plan to leverage all my learning to the fullest upon return to Istanbul, where I will establish my entrepreneurial venture to enhance our women leaders’ capabilities. I will utilize the business acumen acquired from my MBA to sustain and scale my venture. I will import the knowledge, skills and methodologies of my professional experience to develop impactful and tailored learning solutions. My strategic cross-border network will allow my venture to introduce best practices and the latest research in the Turkish market, thereby creating a network of empowered global women leaders.

I dream that one day, successful women will be looked up to as professional role models and that the veil of ignorance and oppression will be lifted to create a meritocratic society rather than one divided along gendered lines.

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11 Professional Goals Statement Examples for Your Next Job Search

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Are you among the many who have been professionally affected by the current recession?

Unprecedented unemployment rates have come along with the COVID pandemic.

In fact, all 50 states plus the District of Columbia have reached unemployment rates greater than their highest recorded during the Great Recession–and rates that have not been reached since data started to be collected in 1948.

If you fell victim to layoffs or furloughs, you may still be job hunting, or you may be miserable in a job that you had to settle for in the meantime.

Or, maybe you’ve been able to hang on in your position, but you don’t see it as a “forever” job .

No matter what your professional situation is right now, if you don’t consider it to be your final career destination, you will want to have a plan to help you get wherever you want to go .

When you know what you’re working toward in the long-term , you will feel a sense of direction and purpose that will make going to work each day make a little more sense in the bigger picture of your life.

So in this article, we will look at how you can create your professional plan through a career goals statement by looking at 11 specific examples of these statements that you can use for your next job search.

But first, let’s review what a career goals statement is and why you should create one. Then, after reading the examples provided, you can tweak them to fit your own unique situation.

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

What is a Professional Goals Statement?

A professional goals statement is a clear and specific proclamation of the end result you expect to achieve by accomplishing all of your professional objectives.

Similar to a SMART goal , it clearly states why you do your job, what you intend to achieve, how you’re going to achieve it, and when it will be completed.

This concise statement defines your professional vision, which will help you plan your next career move and communicate your intentions to potential employers.

Here's a video that provides a quick overview of the SMART goal setting and various examples for each area of your life.

No matter what industry you’re in, writing a professional goals statement will help you develop a specific action plan that will guide you toward your professional vision. Your finished statement will give you clarity as you’re working toward your goals and it will keep you motivated and accountable.

Without a professional goals statement, your job is likely going to end up being a passionless pursuit of a bi-weekly paycheck.

You need a target to focus on to maintain the motivation to improve and grow in your career. Your goals statement will turn each day at work from “just another day” to one day closer to achieving your professional dream.

But before looking at some examples, let’s review how to write a career goals statement so you can tailor the examples to your unique professional goals.

How to Write a Career Goals Statement

Keep these tips in mind when writing your statement.

The first question you want to answer is “why?” Without having a purpose behind what you’re doing, your work will be meaningless in the long run and you won’t have the motivation to give it your best effort.

Why is your career interesting to you? What type of lasting change (if any) are you hoping to make? How do your natural strengths line up with the job requirements?

Thinking about these things will help you create a goal that you want rather than one that you think you should have. And you have to want to achieve your goal in order to feel inspired to get to work.

Commit to It

Be confident in your statement–and not just the end result you’re working toward, be confident in the process that will get you there as well. In order to commit to your goals statement, you need to be aware of all the steps you have to take to be successful.

This may require doing some research on the specific professions in your field of work so you can make sure the obstacles you could face won’t overpower your will to succeed.

Research and Plan

Speaking of research, make sure you have the skills , education, knowledge, abilities, and experiences that are required to be successful.

Think about all of the steps you will have to take along the way and include them in your statement. Your career goal should have clear instructions that lead you from the present moment to the finish line.

Don’t Invite Change

While things may come up in your life that force you to alter your course, plan on going full speed ahead until you reach your goal. Don’t leave any components of your career goals statement up for interpretation–anyone should be able to read your statement and understand your plan.

…But Be Flexible

Your goals may change over time as you grow and your life circumstances change . Your professional goals statement should look way into your future, so unexpected events or factors are almost guaranteed to pop up. You need to be able to work around life’s challenges and not let them steer you off track.

Let’s take a look at what this looks like when it all comes together.

1. I will take a step up in my career from being an office assistant to a paralegal in the next four years. I will earn any credentials I need through a Paralegal Studies program, get an internship with a reputable law firm, go to legal networking events, and practice my legal writing skills to meet this goal.

2. I will open my own agency in the next five years that provides medical respite for those in need of housing after a hospital discharge. I will accomplish this by setting up informational interviews with those who currently own this type of business, obtaining a business loan and license, purchasing a house in the community to house those in need, and attending social events to make connections in order to properly staff the business.

3. I will be promoted to Senior Case Manager at my current organization within the next two years. To do this, I will obtain a case management certification , refine my case management skills by networking with other case managers, and communicate my goal for advancement to my supervisor to gain her support.

4. I will change careers by 2025 from being a sales manager to being an accountant. In order to do this, I will go back to school to get a bachelor’s degree in accounting and work alongside my current company’s accountant for at least three hours per month in order to gain real-life experience.

5. I will obtain my Real Estate license within a year by completing 60 hours of approved Pre-Licensing courses and creating an intensive study plan that includes two hours of studying four times per week in order to earn an 80% or above on the licensing test.

6. I will become a Clinical Research Manager by 2030 by pursuing a master’s degree in biology and certification with the Society for Clinical Data Management . In doing this, I will gain an in-depth knowledge of regulations and best practices for clinical trials and become familiar with medical terminology, which will help me secure a relevant position.

7. I will learn to speak Spanish fluently within three years to become a more valued and indispensable member of my team. I will do this by using language-learning software , subscribing to Spanish media, and practicing speaking Spanish with those who are already fluent.

8. I will publish five books in two years by writing for 25 hours per week, completing at least 10,000 words on subjects I’m passionate about. I will learn more about self-publishing by reading at least three books on the topic , which will help me keep my skills current. I will land on at least two best-seller lists by creating a website for my books to gain more readers, hold book signings after each book is published, and engage with fans both online and in-person.

9. I will be promoted to a leadership position within my current company in the next 5 years. I will do this by modeling my passion for the industry to my peers, improving my interpersonal communication skills , serving as a role model, holding myself accountable for my work , and inspiring others to do their best work as well.

10. My professional goal is to increase our membership by 20% by 2025. I will do this with my team by holding bi-weekly informational cocktail hours at the facility and offering incentives for current members to refer people they know for membership.

11. I will open a second branch of my business within the next two years by creating a business and marketing plan, building capital and setting up accounting, hiring employees, and purchasing inventory.

Final Thoughts on Professional Goals Statements

Goals are very motivating factors to have in your professional life. They will help inspire you to get your work done because you will have a clear vision of what you’re working toward and what you need to do to get there. ( Learn the differences between vision and goals. )

Once your goal is documented, you will feel a sense of personal responsibility to complete it.

Take the examples of statements in this article and see if you can tailor any of them to your individual career goals. Doing this is sure to make your goals stick and increase your chances of being successful in your next job search.

The process of writing this statement will force you to consider the hard questions– like what you want for your professional life down the road.

And if you're looking for more resources to help you write professional goal statements, here are some articles that might help:

• 87 Action Verbs for SMART Goals
• 365 Positive Words to Use Daily [A to Z]
• 4 Simple Steps to Write a Career Goal Statement for Work

Finally, if you want to take your goal-setting efforts to the next level, check out this FREE printable worksheet and a step-by-step process that will help you set effective SMART goals .

Connie Mathers is a professional editor and freelance writer. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and a Master’s Degree in Social Work. When she is not writing, Connie is either spending time with her daughter and two dogs, running, or working at her full-time job as a social worker in Richmond, VA.

45 Strong Career Change Statement Examples

By Status.net Editorial Team on February 7, 2024 — 13 minutes to read

Crafting a strong career change statement is important because it serves as your introduction to potential employers. The statement conveys your motivations, relevant strengths, and commitment to transitioning into a new field. Given the competitiveness of job markets, clearly expressing your intent can set you apart.

• Clarity: Your statement illuminates the purpose behind your career shift, offering a clear narrative that explains the ‘why’ behind the change. It guides employers through your journey, linking past experiences to future aspirations.
• First Impression: As the opening of your resume or cover letter, it gives employers a first glimpse of who you are beyond a list of skills and job titles, creating a compelling and relatable image of your professional self.
• Transitioning Skills: Here, you highlight transferable skills. You may not have direct experience in the new field, but your statement can draw attention to how your existing skills apply to the new role.

Related: How To Change Careers (Steps and Examples)

Crafting Your Career Change Statement

Preparing to present your career change to prospective employers means reflecting on your past experiences, pinpointing your strong suits, and conveying your new career direction clearly.

Self-Assessment and Reflection

To start, ask yourself why you want to make this change and what you hope to achieve. Are you seeking greater job fulfillment, a new challenge, or alignment with personal values? For example, you might realize that your extensive experience in project management has sparked a passion for organizational development, signaling a change from IT to human resources.

Identify Your Transferable Skills

Your next step is to list the skills you’ve acquired that are relevant to your new field. You might be surprised to find how many skills are transferable. For instance, if you’re moving from education to corporate training, your curriculum development skills and public speaking experience could be your ticket in.

Articulating Your Value Proposition

Finally, you’re ready to articulate your value proposition. What unique combination of skills, experiences, and personal attributes will you bring to your new career field? You’ll want to be specific. Say you’re moving from sales to marketing; you can highlight your deep understanding of customer needs and experience in persuasion to show you’re well equipped for crafting compelling marketing strategies.

When you’re ready to leap into a new career, your statement should reflect a clear commitment to the new path and the skills you bring to the table. Here’s how you might articulate your transition:

• “After a decade of honing my project management skills in the construction industry, I’m excited to apply my expertise in a tech startup environment. I believe my background in leading diverse teams and managing budgets makes me a unique fit for this dynamic sector.”
• “As a former educator, I’m passionate about making a tangible difference in the world of health and wellness. My experience in curriculum design and mastery of communication will enable me to effectively promote health education.”
• “My extensive background in sales has equipped me with the negotiation, customer service, and strategic thinking skills necessary to thrive in a nonprofit fundraising role.”
• If you’re coming from a creative field: “I’ve spent the past five years as a graphic designer, where I’ve developed a keen eye for aesthetics and user experience. I’m eager to transfer these skills to the world of web development, where I can create visually appealing and user-friendly websites.”
• “Drawing on my previous career in hospitality, where I excelled at customer satisfaction and operations management, I am transitioning to a career in real estate to combine my people skills with my passion for the property market.”

Your career change statement should show your enthusiasm for your new path and how your previous experiences have prepared you for this transition. Be authentic, demonstrate your transferable skills, and you’ll make a compelling case for why you’re the perfect candidate for a career change.

Examples of Strong Career Change Statements

• 1. Skilled carpenter seeking to leverage my attention to detail and craftsmanship in a new role as a building inspector.
• 2. Accomplished educator transitioning to corporate training, bringing a wealth of experience in curriculum development and instructional design.
• 3. As a seasoned journalist, I am now seeking to apply my strong research and storytelling skills in a public relations role.
• 4. Transitioning from a career in law enforcement to private security, offering a strong background in risk assessment and crisis management.
• 5. After years as a professional chef, I am ready to apply my expertise in time management and creative problem-solving to the event planning industry.
• 6. Former military officer now pursuing a career in project management, bringing leadership, discipline, and a proven track record of managing complex operations.
• 7. IT professional transitioning to a career in cybersecurity, armed with a solid foundation in network infrastructure and a commitment to data protection.
• 8. As a bank manager moving into financial consulting, I bring extensive experience in client relationship management and strategic planning.
• 9. Dedicated teacher looking to shift into educational technology, offering a unique perspective on integrating digital tools into traditional learning environments.
• 10. Seasoned sales professional pivoting to a career in marketing, eager to apply my persuasive communication skills and customer insight to brand strategy.
• 11. Licensed nurse transitioning to healthcare administration, armed with hands-on patient care experience and a strong understanding of healthcare systems.
• 12. Eager to leverage my decade of experience in customer service to thrive in the human resources field, bringing exceptional interpersonal skills and a passion for employee development.
• 13. With a background in retail management, I am now targeting a career in supply chain logistics, bringing a keen understanding of inventory control and distribution.
• 14. Accomplished graphic designer transitioning to user experience design, offering a strong aesthetic sense and a user-centered approach to product development.
• 15. As an experienced accountant, I am seeking to apply my analytical skills and financial expertise in the field of financial planning.
• 16. Transitioning from a successful career in advertising to digital marketing, bringing a blend of creative thinking and data-driven strategy.
• 17. Former professional athlete looking to bring my dedication, teamwork, and leadership skills to a coaching or athletic administration role.
• 18. Skilled mechanic transitioning to automotive sales, where I can combine my technical knowledge with my passion for customer service.
• 19. As a biologist transitioning to environmental policy, I bring a scientific background and a commitment to sustainable development.
• 20. Moving from the hospitality industry to real estate, ready to provide exceptional client service and apply my expertise in property management.
• 21. Transitioning from the performing arts to arts administration, bringing a deep understanding of the creative process and organizational skills.
• 22. As a seasoned event planner, I am pursuing a career in non-profit program coordination, offering expertise in logistics and community engagement.
• 23. With a background in aerospace engineering, I am now targeting opportunities in renewable energy, bringing a passion for innovation and sustainability.
• 24. Transitioning from veterinary medicine to animal welfare advocacy, ready to leverage my medical knowledge and compassion for animals in a new way.
• 25. Experienced in the world of publishing, I am now seeking to apply my editorial skills and content management experience in the digital media space.
• 26. Skilled in commercial diving, I am seeking to transition into marine conservation, offering a unique skill set and a dedication to environmental stewardship.
• 27. Moving from the finance sector to non-profit fundraising, ready to apply my analytical abilities and relationship-building skills to support meaningful causes.
• 28. As a professional translator, I am now aiming to utilize my language skills and cultural competency in the field of international relations.
• 29. Former police detective transitioning to corporate security, offering investigative skills and a keen eye for detail.
• 30. With a background in pharmacy, I am now seeking to contribute my expertise in medication management and patient counseling to a clinical research coordinator role.
• 31. Transitioning from a career as a pilot to aerospace engineering, bringing a practical understanding of aircraft operation and a passion for technological advancement.
• 32. Professional musician seeking to apply my creativity and performance experience in the field of music therapy.
• 33. As a seasoned entrepreneur, I am now looking to leverage my experience in business development and strategic planning in a corporate innovation role.
• 34. Transitioning from a career in mining to environmental engineering, bringing a strong foundation in geology and a commitment to sustainable resource management.
• 35. Former professional dancer moving into dance education, eager to inspire the next generation with my passion and knowledge of the art form.
• 36. With a background in film production, I am now targeting a career in digital content creation, bringing storytelling expertise and technical skills.
• 37. As an experienced sommelier, I am transitioning to a career in wine sales, offering in-depth knowledge of wine and a proven ability to connect with clients.
• 38. Moving from the legal field to compliance, ready to apply my understanding of regulations and ethical standards to help organizations navigate complex legal landscapes.
• 39. Transitioning from the world of professional gaming to software development, bringing a user’s perspective and a passion for technology.
• 40. Experienced in the travel industry, I am now seeking to apply my planning and customer service skills in the field of corporate event coordination.
• 41. As a commercial pilot transitioning to aviation safety, I bring a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of industry regulations.
• 42. Skilled electrician seeking to transition into electrical engineering, offering practical experience and a drive to expand my technical knowledge.
• 43. Transitioning from the fitness industry to physical therapy, eager to apply my knowledge of human anatomy and my passion for helping others achieve their wellness goals.
• 44. With a background in professional sports management, I am now aiming to leverage my negotiation skills and strategic thinking in a career in talent representation.
• 45. Experienced in the world of fine arts, I am now seeking to apply my curatorial skills and artistic insight to a career in art therapy.

Tailoring Your Statement to Different Industries

When changing careers, your statement should resonate with the specific industry you’re targeting. Experts emphasize the importance of customizing your career change statement to reflect an understanding of industry requirements and how your unique set of skills will benefit potential employers. For example:

Tech Sector Focus

In the tech industry, you need to demonstrate an aptitude for continuous learning and adaptability. For instance, if you’re coming from a non-tech background, highlight your problem-solving skills and any coding or software development experience you’ve gained, even if it’s through self-guided learning or courses. You should also emphasize your ability to work in agile environments and your passion for tech trends.

Healthcare Industry Adaptation

Transitioning into healthcare, you should convey a deep respect for patient care and medical ethics. If your previous work wasn’t healthcare-related, discuss your experiences with regulatory compliance or handling sensitive information. Your statement could mention volunteer work that illustrates your commitment to helping others and teamwork within a high-stakes setting.

Educational Transition Strategies

If education is your goal, focus on your skills in mentorship, knowledge dissemination, and curriculum development, even if your experience in these areas comes from outside a traditional classroom setting. An example might be managing a team and training new employees, which shows leadership and the ability to educate.

Finance and Banking Nuances

Entering the finance sector requires you to speak to your analytical skills and attention to detail. If you’ve managed budgets in previous roles or have experience with forecasting and reporting, these are vital to mention.

Dos and Don’ts in Career Change Statements

• You should focus on the strengths and skills you can bring to the new field. For example, if you’ve been in retail but are moving to sales, emphasize your customer communication and relationship-building expertise.
• Avoid drawing attention to experience you lack. Instead, you want to ensure your statement remains positive and forward-looking.
• Convey genuine interest and excitement about the industry you’re entering. You could say, “I’m eager to apply my problem-solving skills within the innovative tech sector.”
• It might be tempting to use industry-specific terms to fit in, but if you’re not comfortable with the lingo, it can come off as inauthentic. Stick to language you understand well.
• Your career change statement should include a brief explanation of why you’re making the shift. This could be a desire for new challenges, alignment with personal values, or interest in personal growth within the new field.
• It’s important to keep your statement positive. Any negativity about previous workplaces can be seen as unprofessional.

Overcoming Common Challenges

When you’re navigating a career change, you might face a few hurdles along the way. Understanding these challenges can help you tackle them head-on.

• Skills translation can be tricky. You have valuable skills from your previous experience, but it’s important to show how they apply to your new field. For example, if you’re moving from teaching to corporate training, highlight your communication skills and your ability to engage an audience.
• Another common issue is networking. You need to build a new professional network that aligns with your chosen industry. Start by attending industry events and connecting with professionals on LinkedIn to gradually foster relationships in your new field.
• Experience gaps can seem daunting. If you lack direct experience, consider volunteering or internships. These opportunities offer hands-on experience and sometimes lead to full-time positions.
• Lastly, dealing with resume gaps can be a concern. Use a functional resume format to focus on your skills rather than chronological work history, ensuring that you’re seen as a capable candidate despite any breaks in employment. Related: Confidently Explain Employment Gaps on Your Resume (Examples)

Measuring the Effectiveness of Your Statement

To establish how well your career change statement resonates, begin by assessing feedback from your network. If peers, mentors, or professionals in your desired industry understand your motivations and support your direction after reading your statement, that is a positive indicator.

Following are some measures to consider:

• Clarity: Your statement should make it obvious why you’re shifting careers. Use concrete examples like increased enthusiasm for the new field or sharper skills that align with the new role.
• Goals Alignment: Verify that your statement aligns with your long-term professional objectives. For instance, if you’re moving into marketing, highlight your passion for creative communication and strategy development.
• Persuasiveness: Does your statement convince readers that the change is a sound, well-thought-out decision? You could mention any preparatory steps you’ve taken, such as courses or volunteer work, that bolster your commitment.
• Authentic Voice: Ensure your statement sounds like you . This means reflecting your personality and values in the text.
• Brevity: Keep your statement concise but impactful. Aim for a brief overview that encapsulates your drive without wandering off-topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you craft a compelling personal statement when shifting careers.

Creating a compelling personal statement for a career change means focusing on your enthusiasm for the new field, your readiness to learn, and how your previous experiences have equipped you with a unique perspective. Illustrate this with specific examples from your past that align with the skills and capabilities valued in the new industry.

What should be included in a resume summary for those transitioning to a new industry?

Your resume summary should include your years of relevant experience, key skills, major achievements, and your career objective. It might read, “Experienced marketing strategist with over 10 years in the business sector looking to apply strategic analysis and communication skills in the non-profit space.”

How can I effectively highlight my transferable skills in a career change resume objective?

You should weave your transferable skills into your resume objective by connecting them directly to the requirements of the job. For example, “Customer service expert eager to leverage extensive conflict resolution and communication skills in a human resources role.”

What are the elements of a strong resume for individuals with no experience in their new field?

Your resume should spotlight your transferable skills, any relevant volunteer or project work, and your adaptability and eagerness to learn. Emphasize your capacity to quickly assimilate new information and environments.

What strategies can be used to feature transitional experience in a career change resume?

When showcasing transitional experience, focus on achievements and projects that demonstrate applicable skills and a capacity to take on new challenges. For example, if you’ve led a team, highlight your leadership and collaboration skills, tailored to the new role you’re pursuing.

• 50 Inspiring Examples of Career Goal Statements
• 10 Examples of Career Goals [Professional Advancement]
• 3 Examples: How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter
• 18 Thesis Statement Examples (Guide)
• 20 Inspiring Examples: How to Write a Personal Mission Statement
• Change Management Principles (and 3 Example Emails)

The Bartlett School of Planning

Writing an urban planning personal statement

Are you applying to study an urban planning master’s degree but don’t know where to start with your personal statement? This guide gives tips on how to write an urban planning personal statement.

This guide shares some tips on what you should include in your statement. Whilst we’ve given generic examples, your statement is personal to you. Give specific examples relevant to your life experiences. The admissions tutors want to learn more about you as an individual, your motivations and ambitions. 

A final tip – avoid using AI tools to write your statement. It’s more obvious to us than you might think.

What to include in your personal statement

1.   introduce yourself.

Introduce yourself, briefly sharing why you want to study your chosen urban planning degree. What are your interests in the field, and what sparked them? Was it a particular event, experience, or realisation? 

2.   Give your academic background

You may have already studied urban planning in the past. You also might have studied another relevant degree or want to move into the urban planning field using transferrable skills from another academic background. Either way, you should demonstrate your interest in the master’s degree and how you past degree fits with your urban planning interests and ambitions.

3.    Share your career goals and professional experience

Share with us what is it about this course at this time in your personal and professional development that interests you? If you have previous professional experience, tell us about it. You may have already worked for a few years or have undertaken internships in a relevant field. You can discuss specific relevant projects you worked on, focusing on what you contributed and the impact of your work. 

4.    Tell us about your skills and competencies

What existing skills and knowledge do you bring to the course? This could be technical skills, such as using software or design skills relevant to the urban planning degree you have chosen. It could also be transferable skills such as problem solving, teamwork or leadership. Demonstrate how your unique skill-set fits with your degree of choice.

5.   Explain why you want to study this particular course

Let us know why you want to study this degree at UCL’s Bartlett School of Planning. You might mention specific faculty members, courses, or resources that align with your goals. Discuss your long-term career aspirations and how this master’s degree will help you achieve them. You can be specific about the types of roles or organisations you aspire to work in.

6.    End with a concluding statement

Wrap it all up summarising your main points and reiterating your enthusiasm to study this degree. Leave a lasting impression about your passion for the field.

Final thoughts

Hopefully these tips have sparked some ideas for how you can write an impactful personal statement. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing [email protected] .

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