Career Planning Long-Range Goals

Career Goal: Where do you hope to be in your career development at the time of your graduation?

Examples:

I will be beginning my career in advertising with an entry-level copywriting position in a large advertising firm.

I will be beginning my PhD program in Limnology to eventually become a university professor.

I will be working as a pediatric nurse in an urban hospital.

Educational Goal: What educational goals do you hope to accomplish with your Bachelor Degree? Examples:

I plan to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree. My major will be Journalism - Advertising, and my minor will be Spanish.

I plan to graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree with a Comprehensive Geology Major - General Geology Emphasis.

I plan to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a Family Studies minor.

Personal Goal: While at college what would you like to accomplish to make you a better, more well-rounded person?

Examples:

I would like to learn another language and study abroad.

I would like to take an acting course and participate in the University Theater.

I would like to participate in student government and run for Student Senate.

Short-Range Goals

Short-range goals are those specific activities and strategies that move us toward our long-range goals or "ideal future." The following are questions that can help you formulate your short-range goals.

Skills: What skills would you need to develop in order to realize your goals?

Career Services: What services and programs are offered by Career Services to help you develop and implement your goals?

Courses: What specific General Education or elective courses might help you with your career or personal goals?

Research: Are there opportunities in your major to work with faculty on a research project? If so, what would you like to explore?

Study Abroad and National Student Exchange: Would you like to study abroad or attend another college or University on the National Student Exchange before you graduate? If so, where would you like to go?

Service Learning: What Service Learning project would you like to get involved in? Will it help you with your goals? How?

Student Organizations: What student organizations would you like to join? How might joining these organizations help you attain your career or personal goals?

Student Activities: Are there any student activities such as athletics, musical groups, forensics or theater in which you would like to be involved? If so, which ones? What would you like to accomplish?

Leadership Opportunities: What opportunities are there for leadership in the activities and organizations that you have chosen? How might this help with your goals?

Professional Organizations: Every career has a professional organization associated with it. What professional association is associated with your career choice? Can students join?

Internships: Is an internship or practical experience built into your academic program? If not, what kind of internship or practical experience would you like to pursue while in college?

Student Employment: Certain employment that you have while a student can help you achieve your goals. For example, working at a youth camp is excellent for teachers; assisting at the LTS HELP desk builds skills for future Systems Managers; and working in the Admission's Office is an excellent public relations experience. What job might facilitate your career goals?

If you have trouble developing goals, make an appointment with your Academic Adviser or stop by Career Services, Schofield 230, or call to make an appointment at 836-5358.