Creating Your Career Path: Useful Tools for Long Term Planning
Where do you see yourself after college? In a lab researching cures for degenerative diseases? In a courtroom defending a high-profile client? Or maybe, you see yourself filming the next big blockbuster hit. Whatever your dream job may be, you have to create the clearest path for yourself to get there. High school is the perfect time to start planning ahead and focusing on the right steps to reach your career goals. Here’s how:
Ask Yourself These Questions
What’s your favorite subject? If you think about what class you’re most excited to go to, this is a telling sign that you enjoy the curriculum, or like sharing your knowledge of the subject with others. Choose your favorite subject not only because you find it easy, but because it challenges you to want to learn more.
What do you enjoy doing the most? The answer to this question could most likely dictate if your future career will consist of managing or leading a group of people, working independently, being outdoors, traveling, etc.
Who do you look up to? Whether it’s a fictional character or a living hero, figure out who your role models are and why. What accomplishments have they made that impressed you? What is it about their profession that interests you?
What’s your dream job? Think about that proverbial question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and answer it. What’s comes to mind? Even if you think your dream job may be impossible to achieve, think about what aspects of it you would really enjoy and research possible career options to narrow down your goals that way.
Map Out Your SMART Goals
Specific. Answer the questions above and choose your ideal future. Be as specific with your goals as possible. Where is your dream job located? Why did you choose it? When will you achieve it?
Measurable. List the steps to take toward your ideal career. This includes: years in college, which courses to study, how many milestones you will have to pass, etc.
Attainable. Is it really possible to have your dream job? Be realistic and consider all limitations (monetary, physical, level of commitment, etc), and prepare yourself for challenges.
Relevant. Imagine the rest of your future, and figure out if your dream job fits into your general plan. At this point, you may have to go back and adjust your career goals if you foresee any conflicts.
Time-Bound. Set your ideal time frame for when you want to achieve your goals. Do you want to pursue them right out of college? Or take some time off and explore continuing education?
Once you have created your career compass, remember to mentally check-in with your goals throughout high school to see if you are making the right choices and decisions that align with your chosen path. If your career plan ever changes, simply start over again with SMART goals!