Deciding on your career goals can seem like a daunting task. Like many things, it becomes easier if you break it down into manageable, and achievable, goals.
Our Employment Consultants have a few tips to share to help you choose and reach your career goals.
What is your long-term career goal?
If you’re not sure what career path you want to take, have a look through some job sites to find the ones that sound the most appealing to you.
If there is a company you would like to work for, go to their career/job vacancies website to see what positions they have available in the area you’re interested in.
Most importantly, know that you can’t get there in one quick leap.
There are always smaller tasks to complete to reach your ultimate goal.
“If you can think of the top of a staircase as achieving your long-term goals, each step can be thought of as a short-term goal. Each step up the staircase is the completion of a short-term goal that takes you a step closer to your ultimate goal,” said Ryan Vogler, Employment Consultant, EPIC Assist.
What do you need?
Once you’ve chosen your career path, you need to consider what you need to do to get there. Start forming short-term goals which will lead you in the right direction to achieve your long-term goal.
If the career you would like to follow requires a few skills you don’t yet have, search for training in those skills.
“With my job seekers, we have a look online, e.g. SEEK. Look at the jobs they would like to do and note the training “that” job requires. Then take steps to complete that training and apply for jobs within that industry by applying directly to the company’s websites or seek,” said Joanne Harrison, Employment Consultant, EPIC Assist Windsor.
Consider the obstacles
Plan ahead for any obstacles you may face and how to overcome them.
Training and educational courses cost money, but financial support may be available. Find out if you’re eligible for a HELP loan, or enquire with the training organisation about scholarships or discounts. If you’re unable to receive financial support, you’ll need to create a budget to help you track and manage your income and expenses to maximise your savings.
Depending on the course, saving up enough to cover the cost could take a while, but don’t be disheartened. Look for free courses you can do at home to help you learn the basics.
Be proactive
Experience is often a factor, even when you’ve obtained a new qualification in the right skill set.
Ask your current employer for experience in the job area you’d like to move into. At first, this could be a couple of days “shadowing” someone in the role you aim to have.
If your employer can’t do this for you, go onto LinkedIn and search for people in the role you want. Get in touch with them; ask them if they’re willing to share their advice and expertise.
One good connection can give you access to many more potential employers, and maybe even make a great mentor to guide you on the road to your future career.
Don’t give up
There may be setbacks, but don’t let them get you down, we all experience bumps in the road to success.
Remember your long-term goal is just “at the top of the staircase.” When you feel like it’s too hard to see, just focus on the next short-term goal you need to achieve.Before you know it, you’re one step closer to that new career.