How To Set And Achieve Your Career Goals Post-Grad

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So, you’ve graduated college and are finally entering the ~ real world ~.

For many, this can be very exciting and nerve wracking at the same time.

You are not bound by school work or grades anymore – Thank the lord!!

You are finally “free” to start your life, however that may be!

It is really exciting that you are going to be an independent adult working in the real world and contributing to our society.

Like, that’s pretty dang cool!

However, there are some things you might want to take into account before walking on that stage and grabbing your diploma.

What do you want to do in your life? What’s your purpose?

For some, that may be helping others – whether that be an educator, a medical professional, a counselor, etc.

However, for others, that could mean absolutely anything, everything or nothing.

And if you are one of these people, I’d consider reading the “Get Your Sh*t Together” book by Sarah Knight. Haha, highkey worth the read!!

But anyway, don’t worry if you don’t know what to do because I’ve got a step-by-step guide to help you figure it all out.

And, hey, if you’ve already found your career path, that’s awesome! I’ve got a great blog post on tips for getting your first job.

Alright, let’s get into it. First things first:

☆ What’s your initial direction? ☆

An article by, ZENCARE listed a few questions that get you thinking of what career path you want to take.

Take some time to really think about these questions and do some internal digging to find out what you really want your life to be.

#1 Is your college degree still the top career field you want to pursue?

Maybe you graduated with a degree that you’ve decided you’re never going to pursue.

You might be wondering:

“Why did I just go through years of schooling to get this degree that I’m not even interested in anymore?”

“How am I supposed to find a job now?”

I’m here to tell you, don’t worry.

CNBC found a study, by the Strada Institute for the Future of Work and Burning Glass Technologies, that reported more than 40 percent of college graduates take positions out of school that don’t require a degree.

Even more shocking, 1 in 5 college grads aren’t working degree-demanding jobs 10 years after graduation.

So think about this question: Are you interested in pursuing fields that could be brand new to you? If so, what are some that come to mind?

#2 Are you more money oriented or more motivated by fulfillment?

This can be a ~ toughy ~ for some. Yes, we’d all like to have jobs that we enjoy and also pay 6 figures – but let’s be realistic here, lol.

For recent college grads, that’s gonna be slim to none for the 6 figures part, however, you can still get a good paying job after college.

The upside to that is you can have both – but when you are first starting your career, you’ll usually have to choose.

So think about this: Would you rather love your job and learn from it but the pay isn’t so good OR hate going into work but the pay is great?

#3 Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Do you see yourself owning your own company or starting up a new business?

Do you see yourself traveling the world or having a family?

This question can mean a lot of things.

So you decide what it means for you – whether that’s work wise, life-based or both!

#4 What are you good at?

What are some skills that you have?

Are you artistic? Good with technology? Easy learner? Handle pressure well?

Take this skills quiz to figure out some career fields you might be interested in based on what you are good at.

#5 Is there a career field that you were interested in but were told not to pursue?

Did someone tell you not to pursue a degree or career because of something in particular?

Do you remember why you were interested in that career field in the first place?

What drew you to it and what was the determining factor that made you not pursue it?

☆ Transform your ideas into actual goals ☆

Now that you’ve answered those initial questions, it’s time to put your career path into action!

#1 Write your career goals on paper

Maybe start by jotting down some career interests. Here’s a great Goal Setting notebook to help you!

Example:

Social media manager, website developer, freelance photographer
I really enjoy baking and I’m good at it (refer to your skills) – maybe something in culinary arts
I enjoy working out and fitness – maybe a nutritionist or personal trainer

#2 Create an action plan for your interests

Start with your top career goal and create a timeline of how you will pursue it.

Example:

I enjoy working out and fitness – maybe a nutritionist or personal trainer

Research “How to become a personal trainer or nutritionist”
Research how to become a certified nutritionist or personal trainer
Find out how long it takes and how much it’s going to cost to become one
Connect with personal trainers and interview them on how they got to where they are now
Go to your local gym and talk with a trainer on how they got their job and what steps they had to take
Connect with personal trainers online – like LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.
Start online courses or sign up for classes