By Olivia Bauer | Manitoba Start
Take some time to reflect on your experiences and accomplishments in 2014. Focus in on your professional life. What were your career plans and goals last year? What worked? What didn’t work, and why? Did you experience any major changes or challenges? What did you learn from this?
Reflecting on the career goals or professional achievements you’ve accomplished so far will help you to know where you’re at on your journey. You’ll become more aware of your strengths, learning needs, interests, opportunities for growth, or areas where you may need more information or assistance.
Next, turn your thoughts towards 2015. Think about what you want from life in this new year. What do you want in your career? What do you want from your studies? What does professional progress or success look like for this year? What do you want to accomplish in 2015 and how can you get there, starting today?
Ideally, you might have a five-year professional goal that you can then break down into smaller time frames: a year, six months, one month, one week, and so on. You are more likely to achieve your goal if you
1.Write it down.
2.Keep it simple, clear, and specific.
3.Include a definite time frame for completion.
4.Be realistic, based on your resources.
5.Evaluate your plan and progress.
Tip: Use the SMART Goal Framework to outline your career goals for 2015.
Creating a career plan that includes short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals takes initiative and personal responsibility. It’s up to you to determine what professional success means for you and what path you will take to achieve your career goals. Taking ownership of your goals will help you to stay focused and give you a sense of passion and purpose.
Choose where you want to go in 2015.
Are you a new immigrant looking for a job or planning your career in Manitoba? Visit Manitoba Start at 271 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, for free career development and job-matching services to help you achieve your professional goals in Canada. www.manitobastart.com
A SMART goal is:
1. Specific. A specific goal is detailed, focused, and clearly stated.
2. Measurable. A measurable goal is quantifiable, meaning you can see the results.
3. Attainable. An attainable goal can be achieved based on your skill, resources, and experience.
4. Relevant. A relevant goal applies to your current role or responsibilities, or is linked to your interests, skills, and experience.
5. Time-limited. A time-limited goal has specific timelines and a deadline. This will help motivate you to move towards your goal and to evaluate your progress.
Source: Developing SMART Learning Goals, College of Nurses of Ontario, 2014
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own, and you know what you know.
And you are the one who’ll decide where to go.
-Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!
