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What goals should I set for someone who is not entirely sure of what they wish to pursue yet?
I haven't entirely chosen the path I want to take yet but I want to be able to set some goals, how should I do this?
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9 answers
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Caitlyn,
Setting goals when you're uncertain about your path can help you gain clarity and direction. Here are some steps and types of goals you can consider:
1. Self-Discovery Goals
- Assess Interests and Strengths: Take personality tests, career assessments, and skills inventories to understand your strengths and interests better.
- Explore Different Fields: Research and learn about various fields and industries that pique your interest. Consider job shadowing, internships, or part-time jobs in those areas.
- Seek Guidance: Talk to career counselors, mentors, or professionals in fields you're curious about.
2. Educational Goals
- Course Exploration: Enroll in a variety of courses in different disciplines to see what you enjoy and excel in.
- Skill Development: Focus on building transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
- Academic Excellence: Set targets for your GPA or specific subjects you want to master.
3. Personal Development Goals
- Read and Learn: Set a goal to read books, articles, or watch documentaries related to different fields of interest.
- Networking: Attend seminars, workshops, or networking events to meet professionals and peers.
- Volunteer: Get involved in community service or volunteer work to gain new experiences and insights.
4. Short-Term Goals
- Monthly Goals: Set small, achievable goals each month, such as completing a certain number of informational interviews, attending a workshop, or learning a new skill.
- Weekly Goals: Plan weekly activities that contribute to your exploration, like researching a new career, meeting a mentor, or starting a new hobby.
5. Long-Term Goals
- Gap Year Plans: If you plan to take a gap year, outline what you hope to achieve during that time, such as learning a language, gaining work experience, or traveling.
- Degree Exploration: Research potential majors and career paths, even if you're not ready to commit. Consider what degrees might align with your interests and potential careers.
- Professional Development: Look into certifications, internships, or apprenticeships that could provide valuable experience and exposure to different fields.
6. Reflection and Adjustment
- Regular Check-ups: Set aside time regularly to reflect on your goals, experiences, and any new insights you've gained.
- Adjust Goals as Needed: Be flexible and willing to adjust your goals based on what you learn about yourself and your interests.
Example Goals:
1. Self-Discovery Goal: Complete three career assessments within the next month.
2. Educational Goal: Enroll in one course outside your major each semester to explore different subjects.
3. Personal Development Goal: Attend at least two networking events or workshops per semester.
4. Short-Term Goal: Conduct informational interviews with professionals from three different fields in the next two months.
5. Long-Term Goal: Plan a gap year with specific activities aimed at gaining work experience and cultural exposure.
By setting and working towards these goals, you'll gradually gain a clearer understanding of your interests and potential career paths.
Best wishes.
Setting goals when you're uncertain about your path can help you gain clarity and direction. Here are some steps and types of goals you can consider:
1. Self-Discovery Goals
- Assess Interests and Strengths: Take personality tests, career assessments, and skills inventories to understand your strengths and interests better.
- Explore Different Fields: Research and learn about various fields and industries that pique your interest. Consider job shadowing, internships, or part-time jobs in those areas.
- Seek Guidance: Talk to career counselors, mentors, or professionals in fields you're curious about.
2. Educational Goals
- Course Exploration: Enroll in a variety of courses in different disciplines to see what you enjoy and excel in.
- Skill Development: Focus on building transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
- Academic Excellence: Set targets for your GPA or specific subjects you want to master.
3. Personal Development Goals
- Read and Learn: Set a goal to read books, articles, or watch documentaries related to different fields of interest.
- Networking: Attend seminars, workshops, or networking events to meet professionals and peers.
- Volunteer: Get involved in community service or volunteer work to gain new experiences and insights.
4. Short-Term Goals
- Monthly Goals: Set small, achievable goals each month, such as completing a certain number of informational interviews, attending a workshop, or learning a new skill.
- Weekly Goals: Plan weekly activities that contribute to your exploration, like researching a new career, meeting a mentor, or starting a new hobby.
5. Long-Term Goals
- Gap Year Plans: If you plan to take a gap year, outline what you hope to achieve during that time, such as learning a language, gaining work experience, or traveling.
- Degree Exploration: Research potential majors and career paths, even if you're not ready to commit. Consider what degrees might align with your interests and potential careers.
- Professional Development: Look into certifications, internships, or apprenticeships that could provide valuable experience and exposure to different fields.
6. Reflection and Adjustment
- Regular Check-ups: Set aside time regularly to reflect on your goals, experiences, and any new insights you've gained.
- Adjust Goals as Needed: Be flexible and willing to adjust your goals based on what you learn about yourself and your interests.
Example Goals:
1. Self-Discovery Goal: Complete three career assessments within the next month.
2. Educational Goal: Enroll in one course outside your major each semester to explore different subjects.
3. Personal Development Goal: Attend at least two networking events or workshops per semester.
4. Short-Term Goal: Conduct informational interviews with professionals from three different fields in the next two months.
5. Long-Term Goal: Plan a gap year with specific activities aimed at gaining work experience and cultural exposure.
By setting and working towards these goals, you'll gradually gain a clearer understanding of your interests and potential career paths.
Best wishes.
Updated
Camille’s Answer
One place to start is your education. A lot of people enter college not knowing their career goals. By taking some general education courses and completing some requirements, you can work toward your degree and explore various fields. This can help you find something that interests you.
You can also explore different aptitude tests to get some ideas on careers that may be of interest to you. Once you discover what exactly you want to do it gets easier to plan.
Networking is also crucial. Some fields, follow the "it's not about what you know it's about who you know" approach. So take the time if you can and go and meet some people. https://hbr.org/2023/03/a-beginners-guide-to-networking
If you are already involved in a specific field, it wouldn't hurt to research certifications that would be beneficial.
Hope this helps!
You can also explore different aptitude tests to get some ideas on careers that may be of interest to you. Once you discover what exactly you want to do it gets easier to plan.
Networking is also crucial. Some fields, follow the "it's not about what you know it's about who you know" approach. So take the time if you can and go and meet some people. https://hbr.org/2023/03/a-beginners-guide-to-networking
If you are already involved in a specific field, it wouldn't hurt to research certifications that would be beneficial.
Hope this helps!
Thank you, Camille for the advice.
Caitlyn
Updated
Janardan’s Answer
Talk to people in diverse fields, this interaction is called “Informational interviews”. That will give you better idea.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Caitlyn
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Caitlin,
Charting a Course When Your Future is Unclear
When your future career path seems hazy, goal setting can be a beacon, providing direction and clarity. Here's how you can set meaningful goals even when your career destination is uncertain:
1. Reflect on Yourself: Dive deep into understanding your interests, strengths, values, and skills. Identify activities that ignite your passion and invigorate you. Recall past experiences that filled you with joy or a sense of achievement. This introspection can help you pinpoint potential areas of interest.
2. Venture into Various Fields: Invest time in exploring diverse fields, industries, and professions. This could include online research of different careers, engaging with professionals from various sectors, attending job fairs, or volunteering at different organizations. By broadening your exposure, you might stumble upon new interests and passions.
3. Prioritize Short-Term Goals: Rather than zeroing in on a daunting long-term career goal, begin by establishing short-term goals that align with your current interests and aspirations. These goals could involve acquiring new skills, networking with professionals, or seeking internships in different fields.
4. Craft a Vision Board: Contemplate creating a vision board that visually encapsulates your aspirations and goals. Populate it with images, quotes, and symbols that resonate with you and embody the future you desire. A vision board can be a potent visual reminder of what you're striving for.
5. Pursue Guidance: Don't shy away from seeking advice from career counselors, mentors, or advisors. Their insights and support can be invaluable as you traverse your career exploration journey. They can assist in clarifying your goals, identifying potential opportunities, and providing expert advice.
6. Foster Flexibility: Remember, career paths are seldom straight, and it's perfectly fine not to have all the answers immediately. Cultivate flexibility in your goal-setting process, and give yourself the freedom to explore various paths before settling on a specific direction.
7. Regularly Assess Progress: Dedicate time routinely to assess your progress towards your goals. Contemplate what's working, what needs tweaking, and whether your interests or priorities have shifted over time. Modify your goals as needed to ensure they stay relevant and inspiring.
By adhering to these steps, you can set meaningful goals even amidst career uncertainty. Bear in mind that goal-setting is a fluid process that can adapt as you gain clearer insight into your interests and aspirations.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: Offers insights on career development strategies for individuals at all stages of their career journey.
The Muse: Provides practical tips on setting career goals and navigating career path uncertainties.
Psychology Today: Shares articles on introspection techniques and personal growth and development goal-setting strategies.
These sources were referenced to ensure the information provided in response to your question about setting goals amidst career uncertainty is accurate and reliable.
Take Care,
JC.
Charting a Course When Your Future is Unclear
When your future career path seems hazy, goal setting can be a beacon, providing direction and clarity. Here's how you can set meaningful goals even when your career destination is uncertain:
1. Reflect on Yourself: Dive deep into understanding your interests, strengths, values, and skills. Identify activities that ignite your passion and invigorate you. Recall past experiences that filled you with joy or a sense of achievement. This introspection can help you pinpoint potential areas of interest.
2. Venture into Various Fields: Invest time in exploring diverse fields, industries, and professions. This could include online research of different careers, engaging with professionals from various sectors, attending job fairs, or volunteering at different organizations. By broadening your exposure, you might stumble upon new interests and passions.
3. Prioritize Short-Term Goals: Rather than zeroing in on a daunting long-term career goal, begin by establishing short-term goals that align with your current interests and aspirations. These goals could involve acquiring new skills, networking with professionals, or seeking internships in different fields.
4. Craft a Vision Board: Contemplate creating a vision board that visually encapsulates your aspirations and goals. Populate it with images, quotes, and symbols that resonate with you and embody the future you desire. A vision board can be a potent visual reminder of what you're striving for.
5. Pursue Guidance: Don't shy away from seeking advice from career counselors, mentors, or advisors. Their insights and support can be invaluable as you traverse your career exploration journey. They can assist in clarifying your goals, identifying potential opportunities, and providing expert advice.
6. Foster Flexibility: Remember, career paths are seldom straight, and it's perfectly fine not to have all the answers immediately. Cultivate flexibility in your goal-setting process, and give yourself the freedom to explore various paths before settling on a specific direction.
7. Regularly Assess Progress: Dedicate time routinely to assess your progress towards your goals. Contemplate what's working, what needs tweaking, and whether your interests or priorities have shifted over time. Modify your goals as needed to ensure they stay relevant and inspiring.
By adhering to these steps, you can set meaningful goals even amidst career uncertainty. Bear in mind that goal-setting is a fluid process that can adapt as you gain clearer insight into your interests and aspirations.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: Offers insights on career development strategies for individuals at all stages of their career journey.
The Muse: Provides practical tips on setting career goals and navigating career path uncertainties.
Psychology Today: Shares articles on introspection techniques and personal growth and development goal-setting strategies.
These sources were referenced to ensure the information provided in response to your question about setting goals amidst career uncertainty is accurate and reliable.
Take Care,
JC.
James Constantine, thank you!
Caitlyn
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Caitlyn, it's important to understand that while establishing objectives can be tough when you're unsure of your direction, it's also a fantastic chance for self-exploration and personal growth. Here's a professional strategy for setting goals under such circumstances:
Begin by concentrating on personal growth objectives that will be advantageous to you, regardless of your eventual career choice. These may encompass enhancing your communication abilities, bettering your time management skills, or fostering a growth mindset. These skills are universally beneficial and will aid you in any future pursuit.
Next, Caitlyn, think about setting exploratory goals that enable you to delve into various sectors or industries that intrigue you. This could include conducting informational interviews with professionals in diverse fields, participating in internships or job shadowing opportunities, or enrolling in introductory courses in topics that catch your interest. The objective here is to accumulate knowledge and experiences that will assist you in making more educated decisions about your future.
It's also prudent to establish financial and lifestyle objectives. Even if you're uncertain about your career trajectory, you can still strive for financial security, save for future education or travel, or establish a healthy work-life equilibrium. These objectives will lay a solid groundwork as you continue to explore your options.
Think about setting learning and skill development objectives. Identify areas where you'd like to enhance or acquire new skills. This could involve learning a new language, mastering a software application, or refining your analytical abilities. Not only will this make you more appealing in various fields, but it will also help you identify what types of activities you enjoy and are good at.
Lastly, Caitlyn, remember to set personal satisfaction objectives. These could include volunteering for causes you're passionate about, pursuing hobbies, or undertaking personal projects. Such goals can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment while you're determining your professional path.
Remember, Caitlyn, goal-setting is a cyclical process. Regularly revisit and modify your goals as you gain more insight into your interests and ambitions. Stay adaptable and be open to new opportunities that may emerge from pursuing these initial objectives.
Begin by concentrating on personal growth objectives that will be advantageous to you, regardless of your eventual career choice. These may encompass enhancing your communication abilities, bettering your time management skills, or fostering a growth mindset. These skills are universally beneficial and will aid you in any future pursuit.
Next, Caitlyn, think about setting exploratory goals that enable you to delve into various sectors or industries that intrigue you. This could include conducting informational interviews with professionals in diverse fields, participating in internships or job shadowing opportunities, or enrolling in introductory courses in topics that catch your interest. The objective here is to accumulate knowledge and experiences that will assist you in making more educated decisions about your future.
It's also prudent to establish financial and lifestyle objectives. Even if you're uncertain about your career trajectory, you can still strive for financial security, save for future education or travel, or establish a healthy work-life equilibrium. These objectives will lay a solid groundwork as you continue to explore your options.
Think about setting learning and skill development objectives. Identify areas where you'd like to enhance or acquire new skills. This could involve learning a new language, mastering a software application, or refining your analytical abilities. Not only will this make you more appealing in various fields, but it will also help you identify what types of activities you enjoy and are good at.
Lastly, Caitlyn, remember to set personal satisfaction objectives. These could include volunteering for causes you're passionate about, pursuing hobbies, or undertaking personal projects. Such goals can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment while you're determining your professional path.
Remember, Caitlyn, goal-setting is a cyclical process. Regularly revisit and modify your goals as you gain more insight into your interests and ambitions. Stay adaptable and be open to new opportunities that may emerge from pursuing these initial objectives.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Caitlyn
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
Knowing which major to pick may not be a one-time decision. You may have to take unnecessary classes or even major in the wrong thing only to have to go to graduate school later to get the degree that you can use. Here are a few tips:
1) Are there any classes you enjoyed in high school? Try majoring in that subject. As you take more classes you will be able to see what careers are available.
2) Read “What Color is Your Parachute by Richard Nelson Bolles. This book helps you figure out which career paths match your personality and interests.
3) If you are in college go to the counseling center. Make an appointment with a counselor and ask about a career test.
4) Did you enjoy working in groups in high school? For some people the answer is no. If you did not then working with other people may not be for you.
5) Go through the college catalogue and read through each degree program’s courses. Cross out the ones you know for sure are not right for you.
1) Are there any classes you enjoyed in high school? Try majoring in that subject. As you take more classes you will be able to see what careers are available.
2) Read “What Color is Your Parachute by Richard Nelson Bolles. This book helps you figure out which career paths match your personality and interests.
3) If you are in college go to the counseling center. Make an appointment with a counselor and ask about a career test.
4) Did you enjoy working in groups in high school? For some people the answer is no. If you did not then working with other people may not be for you.
5) Go through the college catalogue and read through each degree program’s courses. Cross out the ones you know for sure are not right for you.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Caitlyn
Updated
Muhammad’s Answer
No one knows in the start what to do. I suugest give yourself one year and try 4 differnet thing 3 month each. Dont focus on goals. If after 3 months you failed in one thing but still you will learn many things which help you in the next thing you do.
NOW HOW TO FIND THINGS WHICH YOU CAN DO.
Simply search on goole about the skills which are booming right now and also relevant in near future. Then short list 10 things. After that every skill you need to watch one hour video on youtube. "How to become, whats the steps are, is it will be relevant in near future, can i become in 3 months mid level expert" these kind of searches. it will take 3 days to do all these steps. But worth it, trust me. Now get the number down to 4. Out of 4, one skill you have to do in 2nd quater is sales, how to sell your services or product online (Like freelancing). And the rest of 3 you have to select the method i mentioned before.
NOW HOW TO FIND THINGS WHICH YOU CAN DO.
Simply search on goole about the skills which are booming right now and also relevant in near future. Then short list 10 things. After that every skill you need to watch one hour video on youtube. "How to become, whats the steps are, is it will be relevant in near future, can i become in 3 months mid level expert" these kind of searches. it will take 3 days to do all these steps. But worth it, trust me. Now get the number down to 4. Out of 4, one skill you have to do in 2nd quater is sales, how to sell your services or product online (Like freelancing). And the rest of 3 you have to select the method i mentioned before.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Caitlyn
Updated
Roel’s Answer
Hello Caitlyn,
I believe it's a fantastic idea to begin with some thorough self-reflection. This will provide you with clear insights as you deeply ponder on what truly matters to you. Alongside identifying your priorities, it's equally crucial to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. This will guide you in determining where your abilities could be most effectively utilized in the future. Being open and truthful with yourself is vital, as it empowers you to make the most beneficial decisions for your own growth.
I believe it's a fantastic idea to begin with some thorough self-reflection. This will provide you with clear insights as you deeply ponder on what truly matters to you. Alongside identifying your priorities, it's equally crucial to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. This will guide you in determining where your abilities could be most effectively utilized in the future. Being open and truthful with yourself is vital, as it empowers you to make the most beneficial decisions for your own growth.
Updated
William’s Answer
If you are not sure of what to study. Do these:
Try reading the book below to assist you in career guide.
The Careers Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Future by Dorling Kindersley
Try career tests and personality tests at the following websites:
1) Career Test
https://www.123test.com/career-test/
2) Truity
https://www.truity.com/view/tests/personality-career
3) CareerFitter
https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder/test#career-test
You may contact a direct career counsellor to assist you in personal career SWOT analysis.
Development of interpersonal skills, discipline, learning, ethics and hard work is required for success in any career.
You may start off with a generalist or multidisciplinary program to explore various areas of your interest before specializing. Like Arts (General), Management (General), Science (General), Engineering (General), Construction (General) etcetera.
Try reading the book below to assist you in career guide.
The Careers Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Future by Dorling Kindersley
Try career tests and personality tests at the following websites:
1) Career Test
https://www.123test.com/career-test/
2) Truity
https://www.truity.com/view/tests/personality-career
3) CareerFitter
https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder/test#career-test
You may contact a direct career counsellor to assist you in personal career SWOT analysis.
Development of interpersonal skills, discipline, learning, ethics and hard work is required for success in any career.
You may start off with a generalist or multidisciplinary program to explore various areas of your interest before specializing. Like Arts (General), Management (General), Science (General), Engineering (General), Construction (General) etcetera.