No matter if you have a part-time job as a barista or as a law firm intern, it’s likely that your main job has been to study and go to school. Though you may not have had a ton of exposure to the professional working world, you probably have goals in mind when you think about your future. Here we will discuss professional goal setting and the steps you can take to achieve them.
Setting Goals
Keep it real
If you have particularly big dreams, take into account the work it’s going to take to get you there. You will want to set smaller, more attainable goals that will set you up to succeed and achieve your bigger, overarching ambitions. Your goals should strike a balance between being challenging and realistic.
Make time
You may have to make sacrifices to fully commit yourself to your goals. This includes taking the time to make things happen for yourself. For example, if you have a dream of writing a book, you need to make the time to write. This is especially true if your current job is unrelated to your dream. If your current situation isn’t setting you up to achieve your professional goals, come up with an attainable schedule to practice or study.
Reflect consistently
When you are thinking about your dream career, does your current job prepare you for that? If not, are there ways for you to make your experience at your current job productive? Should you start looking for a new job that will get you closer to your dream? By asking yourself these questions regularly, you will always make decisions with your aspirations in mind.
Achieving Your Professional Goal
Network!
Networking will strengthen your professional relationships. You can network with people in your current workplace or set up informational interviews with people who work in the field you wish to enter. Always exude professionalism by being respectful of everyone despite potential personal differences. Network with people who have similar jobs, do your research, and figure the steps it will take to get to where you’re going (for example: additional schooling or taking a job that will give you the experience you need).
Find a mentor
If you’ve been networking and find someone that you hope to learn more from, don’t hesitate to inquire about a mentorship! An exceptional mentor provides an abundance of wisdom, encouragement, and feedback on your personal and professional growth. For more information on finding a mentor, read this article.
Expand your professional knowledge
Even when you’re a working professional, there will always be more to learn. You can pursue knowledge by reading books, attending workshops, or signing up for training/certificate programs. Certificates in particular can be especially helpful in advancing your career because they serve as evidence of your capabilities.
Work on your performance
Come to the office on-time, have a positive attitude, focus on quality of work, but do your best to be efficient as well. Advocate for yourself as much as you can, and don’t be afraid to share your ideas with others. You should even consider aiming for a leadership position, so you can make a difference in your organization and learn more for your overall career. Always go above and beyond.
Hopefully these suggestions got you thinking about your future and gave you a framework for achieving your professional goal. For more information on professional goal setting, check out this article.