“If you don’t know what the target looks like, you’ll never hit the bullseye”

Once you have a career in mind, how do achieve this goal? The best way to achieve your goal is by having a plan. All long term goals should be broken down into smaller steps. This helps prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by the “big picture”. Breaking your goals down into manageable chunks is the easiest way to create a vision for setting and achieving your goals.

Why is Goal Setting important?

• Having a clear plan of what you want to achieve and how you are going to get there helps keep you motivated.
  
• You can easily measure your progress as you complete each step towards achieving your goal.
  
• Once goals are reached you will gain confidence in knowing that you can set and achieve your goals.

Remember, goals are personal as well as professional. Writing down your goals makes them more concrete and real.

When developing a career plan, goal setting includes:

1. Your career choice.
   Be as specific as possible! Write down not only the type of career you are pursuing but the type of organization you’d like to work for and in what area of the country. Also, jot down your back up plan - career option #2 and option #3.
   
   
2. The type of education/training needed for your career.
   There are many different types of degrees and training programs required for various occupations. Find out what do you need to do to prepare to enter your career of choice.
   
   
3. Where you plan to receive the education/training for your career.
   If you are pursuing a career that is very competitive, you may want to identify more than one college or training site to increase your options for acceptance into the program. Using CollegeSource® can help you locate colleges that have your major.
   
   
4. How you will fund your education.
   The reality is, most of us don’t have the money to pay for our education sitting in a saving account. If this is true for you, visit your location financial aid office to obtain information on scholarships, grants and loans.
   
   
5. Your time line.
   Breaking down your coursework by quarter (or semester) can help you plan out the education/training that lies ahead of you. Remember, focus on one step at a time rather than the big picture! If you need assistance, contact your counselor or academic advisor.

Be sure to check out CBC's Career & Employment Services Center!

If you want more in depth career exploration guided by a trained career professional, consider taking CBC’s Career Planning Strategies (ED 135). This is a two-credit class that will count toward your Associate of Arts & Science Degree. Also, you can visit CBC’s Career/Transfer Center located in the Student Services Center. They can also be reached by calling 547-0511 x2633.