Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Five Career Goals to Set in 2018



With the new year approaching, now is a good time to reflect on the past year and set goals for your career that will propel you closer to doing the work you love.

Feel free to take the five goals below as yours or use them for inspiration to come up with your own.

Utilize company resources more effectively. The benefits your company provides are there for your … yes, benefit. Use them. Are you taking advantage of the 401k plan or health savings account offered? If not, do so. Use all your vacation time next year. If your company allows you to work at home occasionally, try it out. Do you have a training allowance? Sign up for a course right now. Why spend money at the coffee shop on the way to work when your company provides free coffee in the lounge? Perhaps your company arranges carpooling opportunities for employees? Consider how your companies benefits and resources can enhance your work life next year.

Create a personal advisory board. Instead of looking for a single mentor develop a strategic group of advisers to meet with periodically to gain feedback from on your career and its direction. This group can be comprised of mentors, former bosses and college instructors, along with successful entrepreneurs and individuals in related fields. Meet with your advisers at least quarterly and plan to do so in person. They can help you identify areas to improve your career and introduce you to important people in their networks.

Take a class to learn a new skill. The world is changing quickly and its important to stay up on the latest trends and knowledge in your field. If your company offers regular training sessions for its employees be sure to take advantage of that, or sign up for a relevant online course or class at a local university or community college.

Attend the annual conference of an association in your area of work. Nearly every job or career path has a membership association for individuals in that field and these associations often present an annual conference. Attend this year. Conferences provide excellent opportunities to gain a new skill, increase knowledge about your area of work, meet new people and extend your network, and often provide a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm for attendees.

Make time for something you love. Be sure you have time in your life and schedule for that hobby or side project you love: woodworking, photography, writing, or scrap-booking? Who knows … next year might be the year to turn your passion project into a side hustle and make some additional money with it.


Take a few moments in the next week to reflect on the past year and set your course for the new year ahead by setting three to five goals.

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