Reflecting on your career path and envisioning where you want to go can be transformative. Whether you’re feeling stuck, eager for change, or wondering how to stay ahead in an ever-evolving workplace, setting clear, actionable career goals can serve as your “career GPS”—guiding you forward with purpose and direction while staying adaptable to change.
In today’s fast-changing job market, the traditional idea of career progression – climbing the ladder in one company – is no longer the only route to success. Opportunities today come in all shapes and forms: a lateral move to a new department, learning a new skill, or even pivoting into a new industry altogether.
Think of your goals as milestones on your career journey, helping you navigate step by step, making the path more manageable and ensuring steady progress toward your aspirations. Without them, it’s like driving without a destination in mind. You might still move forward, but there’s a chance you’ll miss out on opportunities or take a longer route to your desired outcome. Setting these goals is also integral to your career health, encompassing your overall job satisfaction, resilience, and ability to adapt to changes.
Here are some essential steps to help you keep your career GPS on track for success.
Step 1: Reflect on where you are now
Advanced platforms like MyCareersFuture and its CareersFinder feature can help you assess your current situation. Analysing your skills and experiences provides tailored suggestions for career paths and learning opportunities, which is a great starting point for identifying gaps and opportunities for growth.
Before you can chart a path forward, reflect on where you are in your career. Ask yourself:
- What did I achieve professionally last year?
- What aspects of my job energise me, and what drains me?
- Are my skills aligned with where my industry is heading? Are my skills reflective of what the current skills-first job market demands?
- What gaps or opportunities for growth do I see?
Be honest with yourself. This reflection is not about comparing yourself to others but understanding your wants and needs. Maybe you’ve outgrown your current role, or perhaps you’ve discovered a new interest that’s worth exploring. Understanding your starting point will help you set meaningful and attainable goals.
Step 2: Set bold, inspiring goals
Bold goals are the ones that excite and challenge you, pushing you beyond your comfort zone while remaining achievable. As you envision success in the future, consider what resonates most: stepping into a leadership role, mastering a new skill like data analysis or digital marketing, transitioning into a thriving industry such as green energy or tech, or achieving a better work-life balance by negotiating flexible hours.
Evaluating how these goals fit into your broader life and professional aspirations is essential in your career planning. Career planning is like plotting a long-term course on your GPS, with checkpoints that ensure you’re heading in the right direction while allowing for adjustments.
It’s helpful to frame your goals using the SMART framework:
- Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?
- Measurable: How will you know when you’ve reached it?
- Achievable: Is it realistic, given your current resources and time?
- Relevant: Does it align with your personal and professional aspirations?
- Time-Bound: What’s your timeline for achieving this?
For example: “I want to complete a certification in project management by June 2025 to qualify for a project lead role in my company.”
Step 3: Break goals into small, actionable steps
Big goals can feel overwhelming, but breaking them into smaller steps makes them manageable. For example, if you aim to pivot into tech or align with a skills-first job market, start by researching required skills, enrolling in courses like SkillsFuture programs, updating your resume, and networking with industry professionals before applying for roles.
If you are unsure or finding it challenging to set your career goals, it is wise to seek professional help. Many personalised career programmes cater to employed Singaporeans who want to plan and stay relevant in the job market. For example, Workforce Singapore’s Polaris programme connects you with a certified career coach to create a personalised career plan that aligns with your strengths, values, and goals, helping you grow professionally.
Step 4: Stay flexible and adjust when needed
Even the best GPS occasionally needs to recalibrate. Unexpected challenges, like organisational changes or economic shifts, might require you to tweak your plans. That’s okay – resilience is key. Career growth is rarely linear and sometimes detours open doors to new, unforeseen opportunities.
If something doesn’t go as planned, ask yourself: “What can I learn from this, and how can I adapt my approach?” Flexibility ensures you stay on track, even when the road gets bumpy. Maintaining career health during these moments means balancing ambition with self-care, ensuring that setbacks don’t lead to burnout.
Click here to try out this light-hearted quiz and have a glance at your career health!
Step 5: Celebrate progress as a powerful motivational tool
While keeping your eyes on the big picture is essential, remember to celebrate your progress. Each step you take—completing a course, nailing a big presentation, or landing a new opportunity—is a win worth acknowledging. These moments build momentum and remind you of how far you’ve come.
Keep your career journey meaningful
Your career GPS is more than a tool for finding the next job or title; it’s a way to craft a meaningful, fulfilling career journey in a skills-first job market. Prioritising career planning and health will keep you on track for the long haul.
So, take a moment to reflect: Where do I want to go next? Whether scaling new heights, switching lanes, or simply enjoying the journey a little more, you have the tools to make it happen. All you need is the courage to take that first step forward. Good luck!