What Is A Career Goal Statement? Importance And 10 Examples

Updated 30 September 2022

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A goal statement is a written summary of your long-term professional goals. It acts as a guide to achieving your career objectives by specifying the exact steps to achieve these goals. You can use career goal statements to define your professional objectives and hold yourself accountable for achieving them. In this article, we answer 'What is a career goal statement?', look at the importance of having one, share steps to write your career goal statement and list ten examples you can review.

What Is A Career Goal Statement?

Knowing the answer to 'What is a career goal statement' can help you understand how it can benefit you. A career goal statement defines your long-term professional aspirations. A typical career goal statement includes specific accomplishments, job titles, education, experience, skills and a timeline for achieving them.

You can include this statement on resumes, cover letters and undergraduate and graduate programme applications. Writing a statement of purpose is typically an excellent method to convey your motivations to hiring managers and admissions officers. Such a goal statement can also assist you in maintaining your motivation and concentration.

Importance Of A Career Goal Statement

A career goal statement is crucial, as it allows you to find and establish the steps necessary to achieve your goals. Here are some reasons why a career objective statement is important:

Motivation

A career goal statement helps in developing motivation to improve yourself and your abilities. A clear understanding of the starting point and the desired outcome can help you remain motivated in your day-to-day activities. It can also help you maintain momentum while learning a new skill, attending a conference or taking part in an important project.

Accountability

When you write out your goals, you assume a certain responsibility for achieving them. If you share your career goals, others can hold you responsible. You may share your career objective statement with a team member so that they can also track your progress toward your career goal.

Direction

There is less guesswork involved in determining the actions necessary to meet your goals with a clear career goal statement. It outlines specific activities that you can take to reach your ultimate objective. The career goals statement acts as a blueprint to your ideal professional future, with clear paths you have planned.

How To Write An Effective Career Goal Statement

Follow these steps to write a specific and clear career goal statement:

1. Consider your passions

Understanding your passions is one of the most effective methods for planning your career goals. This can vary from person to person, so focus on what makes you happy and consider options to turn that into a career. Some individuals may not yet recognise their passions. Consider volunteering or taking on freelance projects that can help you decide if it is something you want to pursue as a career.

2. Do the research

When you have a thorough understanding of the type of career you want, you may have a higher chance of success. It is crucial to take the time to explore the requirements for the career you are seeking. For instance, if you want to become a project manager, you may begin by educating yourself on various project management frameworks.

It is beneficial to consult with someone who has achieved success in a similar career path. Discuss the education they received, the assignments or projects they worked on to improve their skills and any communities they joined to gain motivation and inspiration.

3. Answer important questions

Ask yourself relevant questions that can assist you in drafting a more specific career objective statement. Your responses to these questions help you write a professional objective statement that closely aligns with the practical prospects you want. Consider your answers and write them down for future reference.

Consider asking yourself the following or similar questions:

Where do I see myself in five years? What about in 10 years?
How do my personal goals and career goals align?
What tasks do I love being a part of?
In which areas can I improve?
What skills do I require to be successful in this role? What have others before me done?
Why do I love this career path?
What do I want to be known for in the workplace?

4. Apply SMART principles

Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound are the components of SMART objectives. Ensure the goals you consider as your career objective statement adheres to the following SMART principles:

Specific: Ensure your goals are specific, clear and concise, so it leaves no confusion about what you wish to achieve.
Measurable: If you can, include a measurable component in your goals. These measures help you know when you have achieved your goal or made definitive progress.
Attainable: Consider career goals that are attainable and realistic. Think about the resources available to you and ensure they allow you to meet your objective.
Relevant: By asking yourself the important questions, you can identify your career goals relevant to your passions and interests.
Time-bound: Include a specific deadline for achieving your career goals. For some people, it may be suitable to have two years timeline and for others, it can be ten years.

5. Create an action plan

Once you have determined your long-term objective, create an action plan using the information you have. Consider the steps necessary to reach your goals and include them in your career objective statement. Include any essential training, courses, mentorships and other certifications.

6. Adjust with time

Your circumstances, passions and experiences may change as you progress towards your goal. A long-term goal makes you undergo significant personal and professional development. At regular intervals, review your career goals if they require any change.

10 Examples Of Career Goal Statements

An ideal career goal is actionable and includes the steps to help you achieve it. Following are ten example career goal statements you can refer to while creating your own:

Example 1

Within two years, I will advance from sales representative to sales manager. To achieve this, I will increase my sales target by 10 percent, attend a leadership conference and ask my manager for more sales-related responsibilities.

Example 2

Within four years, I will become a full-time writer. To accomplish this, I will work on freelance writing jobs to expand my portfolio, attend writing seminars and read one book on writing improvement every month.

Example 3

By the end of next year, I will transition from administrative assistant to paralegal. To achieve this objective, I will enrol in a paralegal course and earn a few related certifications, complete an internship with a law firm, attend networking events for persons in the legal sector and develop my written communication skills.

Example 4

My objective is to be the project manager for the internet design of my company. To accomplish this, I will research their current website and communicate with stakeholders about the potential for a new website. I will also acquire a deeper understanding of project management approaches and implement them when responsible for my projects.

Example 5

By the end of this year, I will become a full-time graphic designer. To do this, I will pursue a graphic design certificate and pursue an internship at a local publication. Then I will create a portfolio of my work and start offering my services as a freelancer.

Example 6

Within the next two years, I will pursue a career in human resource management. I intend to achieve this objective by exploring possibilities for professional advancement. After that, I will seek an internal promotion while simultaneously applying for human resource manager positions at other organisations.

Example 7

I will improve my networking skills to develop professional connections to advance as a filmmaker. I intend to achieve this objective by attending two networking events per month. I will meet with at least five other professionals at each event I attend and get their contact information.

Example 8

Within the next three years, I will launch my babysitting service. To achieve my objective, I intend to get additional experience in the child care field and enrol in a business course at the regional community college. With my skills and knowledge as a foundation, I will market my services to the clientele and launch my business.

Example 9

I intend to earn a tenure-track professorship within the next seven years. To achieve this objective, I will earn my PhD in sociology. I plan to pursue a post-graduate research position that will allow me to expand my skills as an educator and mentor.

Example 10

I intend to obtain a position as a school administrator within the next four years. By pursuing a master's degree in education, I will shift to administration from a role in the classroom. I also intend to seek out shadow opportunities to strengthen my abilities in a practical environment.