7 Career Goals You Should Be Setting (And How to Hit Them)
- Anastasia Artounin
- Jun 3
- 18 min read
Have you ever felt stuck in your career - like you’re working hard but not really moving forward? Or maybe you have big dreams for your professional life but don’t know where to start or what to focus on. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. One of the biggest challenges professionals face today is setting clear, meaningful career goals that actually drive progress.
Setting career goals is about more than just wishing for a promotion or hoping to get noticed. It’s a strategic way to take control of your growth, build confidence, and create a roadmap for your success. Without defined goals, it’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day tasks and lose sight of the bigger picture.
In this blog, I’m going to walk you through 7 essential career goals every professional should be setting. Whether you’re just starting out, thinking about a career change or eyeing your next big move, this post is for you. But here’s the thing - setting goals is not enough. You need a game plan to actually achieve them. That means practical, actionable strategies that you can start using today to move closer to the career you truly want.
Ready to take charge of your career? Let’s get started.
7 Career Goals You Should Be Setting
Understanding the Power of Career Goals
Before diving into specific goals you should be setting, it’s important to understand why career goals matter so much, how they actually work to propel your professional life forward, and how to hit them.
Career goals are your personal roadmap to your dream job, guiding your decisions, sharpening your focus, and keeping you on track when work gets messy and overwhelming. Career goals focus you and give you momentum to keep moving forward. When you know what you’re working toward, you’re less likely to feel stuck amd more likely to feel purpose-driven in your day-to-day.
Why Career Goals Matter
Career goals matter for many reasons, here are a few key ones:
They give your work meaning. Instead of just “doing your job,” you’re actively working toward something bigger.
They boost your confidence. Progress - no matter how small - builds momentum and belief in your ability to grow.
They help you filter opportunities. When new projects or roles pop up, your goals can help you decide whether they align or distract.
They keep you accountable. You stop relying on your manager or the company to move you forward - you start owning your own growth.
The Real Reason People Don’t Hit Their Goals
Here’s the tough truth: most people do not fail because they are unmotivated - they fail because their goals are too vague, unrealistic, or disconnected from daily habits. “I want to get promoted” is a wish. “I want to lead two major projects this year and ask for a promotion by Q4” is a plan.
How to Set Career Goals That Stick
Here’s how to set goals you will actually follow through on:
Be specific. “Grow my network” → “Connect with 3 new people on LinkedIn each month.”
Attach a timeline. Goals without deadlines get lost in the shuffle.
Break it down. Turn big goals into smaller weekly or monthly targets.
Tie it to a bigger WHY. Goals with emotional meaning (e.g., more flexibility, more impact, or financial freedom) are easier to commit to.
Tips to Actually Hit Your Career Goals
Now that you have got your goals in place, here’s how to stay on track and make real progress:
☑️ Schedule Weekly Check-Ins With Yourself
Treat your goals like appointments. Block time each week to review what you have done, what is next, and where you are stuck.
☑️ Use Visual Reminders
Post your goals somewhere visible - your desk, your planner, your phone wallpaper. Out of sight = out of mind.
☑️ Track Small Wins
Keep a “career wins” journal or document. Logging small progress (like finishing a course or leading a meeting) helps you see momentum.
☑️ Get an Accountability Buddy
Share your goals with a friend, coach, or mentor. When someone else knows what you’re aiming for, you’re way more likely to follow through.
☑️ Celebrate Milestones (Big and Small)
Do not wait for the final finish line. Celebrate mini-wins along the way. It keeps you motivated and reminds you that progress counts.
☑️ Stay Flexible
Life changes, and your goals might need to, too. Adjust your strategy without quitting on the bigger vision.
Goal 1: Build a Strong Professional Network
Let’s get one thing straight: your network is your net worth - especially when it comes to your career. A strong professional network is one of the most powerful assets you can build no matter where you are in your career journey. Your network can help you when you’re looking for a new job, trying to level up, or simply if you want to stay relevant in your industry.
Networking is about building real, meaningful relationships - with people you can learn from, collaborate with, and support in return. It’s about creating a circle of trust, inspiration, and opportunity. When you nurture your network with intention, it becomes a space where ideas flow, introductions happen, and unexpected doors open.
Why This Goal Matters
80% of job opportunities are never posted publicly - they are filled through connections
A well-connected professional has faster access to information, mentors, and decision-makers.
Networking helps you stay on top of industry trends, news, and new opportunities.
It gives you a support system during career changes, layoffs, or burnout.
What a Strong Network Looks Like
A healthy professional network is:
Diverse (includes people from different industries, roles, levels of experience)
Active (you are regularly engaging with people, not just connected in theory)
Mutually beneficial (you are offering value, not just asking for favors)
Strategic (includes people aligned with your career goals and interests)
How to Build Your Professional Network (Even If You’re Introverted or Busy)
Start With Who You Know
Look at your current circle - former coworkers, classmates, friends, or managers. Reach out with a simple message like:
“Hey! I was thinking about our time at [company/school], and I’d love to reconnect. Let me know if you are free for a quick catch-up!”
You do not need to “network up” all the time. Rebuilding old connections is just as valuable.
Use LinkedIn Intentionally
Optimize your profile to reflect your current goals.
Comment on posts with thoughtful insights to get noticed by people in your industry.
Send personalized connection requests with a short note (always better than just hitting “connect”).
Example:
“Hi [Name], I came across your recent post on [topic] and really appreciated your perspective. I’d love to connect and learn more about your work in [industry].”
Attend (or Host) Events
Join webinars, conferences, or local meetups related to your field.
Use platforms like Eventbrite, Meetup, or LinkedIn Events.
If in-person is not your thing, start with virtual events and join the chat to interact.
Pro tip: Follow up with people you meet. A simple, “It was great meeting you today - would love to stay in touch!” message goes a long way.
Give Before You Ask
This is the golden rule. Share an article, make an intro, comment on someone’s work, or simply send a “congrats” message. When you lead with generosity, people remember you.
Set a Monthly Connection Goal
Example: “Reach out to 5 new people per month” or “Have 1 virtual coffee chat per week.”
Tips to Actually Hit This Goal
☑️ Calendar It: Block 30 minutes weekly for networking - whether that is reaching out to someone new or following up with a connection.
☑️ Create a Follow-Up System: Use a simple spreadsheet or CRM tool like Notion or Airtable to track who you’ve contacted and when to follow up.
☑️ Practice Your Elevator Pitch: Be able to confidently explain who you are and what you do in 1-2 sentences. Example:
“I’m a marketing strategist with a passion for helping mission-driven brands grow through data-led campaigns.”
☑️ Get Comfortable With Small Talk: Use warm, openers like:
“What’s keeping you excited in your role these days?”
“What inspired you to get into [industry]?”
☑️ Do Not Wait Until You Need Help: Build your network when things are good, so it is there when you need support.
Goal 2: Gain a New Skill or Certification
The job market is evolving - fast. Roles are shifting, new tools are emerging, and entire industries are being redefined. If you want to stay relevant (and competitive), committing to continuous learning is non-negotiable.
Adding a new skill to your toolkit - whether it’s a hard skill like data analysis, a certification in your field, or a soft skill like leadership or public speaking - is one of the most direct ways to increase both your professional value and your confidence.
Why This Goal Matters
Skills are the new currency. Employers are increasingly focused on what you can do, not just where you’ve worked.
Learning opens new doors. A single skill - like learning Excel, coding, or digital marketing - can qualify you for higher-paying roles or new industries.
It builds momentum. Investing in your own development reminds you that you are in control of your growth - and that mindset is everything.
It prepares you for change. Whether by choice or by circumstances, your ability to pivot depends on how current your skills are.
What This Looks Like in Practice
This goal does not need to mean going back to school full-time. It could look like:
Completing a LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or Google certification course
Taking a workshop in UX design, project management, or Excel
Joining a bootcamp for skills like coding, digital strategy, or content marketing
Signing up for a Toastmasters club to improve public speaking
Getting certified in tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, Canva, or Google Analytics
Even micro-skills - like improving your email writing or learning how to use AI tools - can make a real difference.
How to Choose the Right Skills or Certification
Ask yourself:
What gaps are holding me back in my current role?
What skill do I wish I had when facing tough tasks at work?
What are the most in-demand skills in my industry right now?
If I were to change careers tomorrow, what skills would give me the most options?
Pro tip: Talk to someone who’s in a role you admire and ask them what skills helped them get there.
Tips to Actually Hit This Goal
☑️ Pick One Skill at a Time
Multitasking your learning can slow you down. Focus on one meaningful skill or certification and go all in.
☑️ Block Time for Learning
Treat learning like a priority, not a “when I have time” activity. Start with 20-30 minutes a few times per week.
☑️ Apply As You Learn
Find ways to use your new skill in real life - on the job, through freelancing, or even passion projects. Action is what locks in learning.
☑️ Tell People What You Are Working On
Sharing your learning goal with a manager, mentor, or coworker can open up opportunities to apply it at work - and keeps you accountable.
☑️ Add It to Your Resume or LinkedIn Immediately
Even if you are halfway through a course, list it as “In Progress.” It signals initiative and ongoing development.
Remember: Learning something does not just make you more qualified. It also makes you more confident, capable, and adaptable - which are the real power moves in any career.
Goal 3: Achieve a Promotion or Raise
Let’s be honest - you do not just want to work hard, you want to be recognized and rewarded for it. Aiming for a promotion or raise is one of the most tangible ways to measure career growth, whether this looks like a new title, a bigger paycheque, or expanded responsibilities.
And no - it is not “too much” to ask for. It’s intentional. It’s strategic. And it’s how people move forward and grow their careers.
Why This Goal Matters
Recognition fuels motivation. When your work is acknowledged, your momentum skyrockets.
More money = more freedom. Raises are so much more than just status, they directly affect your lifestyle, goals, and security.
Climbing the ladder increases impact. With new titles often come bigger decisions, leadership opportunities, and professional respect.
It shows you are growth-minded. Employers notice people who seek progress - not just comfort.
What This Looks Like in Practice
Achieving a promotion or raise could look like:
Moving from Coordinator to Manager
Transitioning from an hourly to a salaried role
Taking on new responsibilities or leading a team
Negotiating a salary increase based on performance or market benchmarks
Asking for a title that better reflects what you are already doing
How to Prepare for It
Before you walk into your boss’s office or hit “send” on a raise request, prep matters:
Track Your Wins
Keep a document of your accomplishments: major projects, KPIs exceeded, glowing client feedback, and examples of leadership. Bring receipts.
Understand the Timing
Many companies review salaries or promotions during set windows (fiscal year-end, performance reviews, etc.) Know the cycle - and plan ahead.
Know Your Market Value
Use tools like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, or Payscale to understand the average salary for your role and level in your industry/location.
Align with Business Goals
Frame your ask around the value you have brought - and how you will continue to contribute to the company’s success. It is not just “I want more,” it’s “Here is the impact I have made and how I can keep driving results.”
Tips to Actually Hit This Goal
☑️ Schedule a Career Development Conversation
Don’t wait for an annual review. Request a meeting specifically to talk about your growth path.
☑️ Ask What It Takes
Not sure what the next level looks like? Ask your manager: “What skills or results would I need to show to be considered for a promotion?”
☑️ Act Like the Next Level Now
Want to be a Senior Designer? Start thinking, presenting, and contributing like one before the title arrives. Demonstrating readiness is powerful.
☑️ Build Cross-Functional Visibility
Make sure people beyond your direct manager know your work. Volunteer for cross-team projects, present in meetings, or mentor someone.
☑️ Practice the Ask
Script it. Say it out loud. Keep it clear and confident. “I’d like to discuss my performance and how I might be considered for a raise or promotion.”
Remember: Promotions and raises don’t always happen just because you work hard. They happen when you advocate for yourself, back it up with results, and have the courage to ask.
Goal 4: Improve Work-Life Balance
Success loses its meaning when it comes at the cost of your well-being. To grow your career in a sustainable way, you need the energy, clarity, and creativity to keep showing up at your best. That starts with protecting your work-life balance. When you feel supported and fulfilled outside of work, you are able to lead, create, and perform with more strength and focus inside of it.
In today’s always-on culture, burnout can creep in quietly and feel like the norm - but it does not have to be.
Why This Goal Matters
Burnout kills performance. You cannot do your best work if you are emotionally or physically drained.
Balance builds sustainability. Careers are marathons, not sprints. You need routines that support your energy long-term.
You are more than your job. Time for relationships, hobbies, movement, and rest makes you a more whole- and happier- human.
Companies are watching. Professionals who set boundaries and protect their energy are often seen as strong, not selfish.
What This Looks Like in Practice
Improving work-life balance might look like:
Setting and protecting your working hours (and actually logging off)
Taking your vacation days without guilt (they are part of your compensation)
Blocking calendar time for deep work and breaks
Saying “no” to low-priority meetings or requests that derail your day
Creating non-negotiables, like morning workouts, dinner with family, or no-email weekends
How to Identify Your Imbalance
Start by asking:
When do I feel the most drained during my week?
What boundaries do I tend to break - working late, skipping breaks, saying yes too often?
What activities outside of work refill my cup - and how often do I make time for them?
Am I physically feeling the effects of imbalance (tension, fatigue, headaches, etc.)?
Awareness is the first step to change.
Tips to Actually Hit This Goal
☑️ Define Your Boundaries - and Communicate Them
Let your team know your working hours. Block your calendar for breaks or “no meeting” zones if possible. Do not assume people know your limits - teach them.
☑️ Audit Your Time
Use a calendar review or time tracking tool for a week. Where is your time going - and what’s draining vs energizing? Identify what you can delegate, reduce, or eliminate.
☑️ Establish Daily Rituals That Support You
Start your morning with intention. End your day with a wind-down routine. Add small habits that make you feel in control - stretching, journaling, walking, reading.
☑️ Use Your Benefits
If your company offers wellness days, flex hours, or therapy support - use them. These are designed to help you reset and protect your well-being.
☑️ Have the Hard Conversations
If your workload is constantly unmanageable, it is OK to speak up. A respectful conversation with your manager can lead to better workload distribution or prioritization.
Remember: Work-life balance is a core leadership skill - one that protects your energy and helps you show up with more power, creativity, and consistency in your career.
Goal 5: Develop Leadership Skills
You do not need to have “Manager” or “Director” in your title to start building leadership skills. In fact, real leadership starts before the title ever arrives. It’s about how you influence, communicate, solve problems, and lift others up.
Developing your leadership skills is one of the smartest, most future-proof goals you can set. The world changes, tech evolves, job titles shift - but great leaders? They stay in demand.
Why This Goal Matters
Leadership creates visibility. People notice when you take initiative, speak up, and bring solutions.
It opens doors to advancement. Most promotions involve some level of leadership, whether you are leading projects, people, or ideas.
Leaders shape culture. Whether it is your team, your department, or your whole company - leaders influence how it feels to work there.
It boosts your confidence. Owning your voice, your decisions, and your growth makes you feel powerful - because you are.
What This Looks Like in Practice
Leadership shows up in ways both big and small:
Volunteering to lead a project or initiative
Helping a new hire onboard and feel welcome
Offering solutions instead of just pointing out problems
Giving and receiving feedback with grace
Running a productive meeting where everyone feels heard
Advocating for team improvements, not just personal gain
You do not need to manage people to lead - you just need to care, contribute, and show courage.
How to Build Your Leadership Muscle
Start with Self-Awareness
Great leaders know themselves. Take time to reflect on your communication style, strengths, and blind spots. Tools like StrengthsFinder, DISC, or even 360° feedback can help.
Learn to Listen (Really Listen)
Leadership starts with intentional listening. Tune in fully, ask thoughtful questions, and create space where others feel seen, heard, and valued.
Get Comfortable with Discomfort
Leaders make hard decisions, give tough feedback, and take responsibility when things go sideways. Start building your tolerance for discomfort - it’s where growth happens.
Take Initiative Without Permission
See a gap in the process? A way to improve something? Speak up. Leadership is about being proactive, not reactive.
Ask for Feedback Often
And do not just ask - listen without getting defensive. Leadership grows faster when you are coachable and curious.
Tips to Actually Hit This Goal
☑️ Find a Leadership Role Model
Watch how your favourite leader communicates, manages pressure, supports others, and shows up. What can you model in your own style?
☑️ Take a Leadership Course or Workshop
There are so many great options - free and paid. Look into programs on emotional intelligence, team dynamics, or conflict resolution.
☑️ Mentor Someone Else
Leadership is often built through service. Supporting someone’s development builds empathy, clarity, and confidence.
☑️ Speak Up in Meetings
Even one thoughtful contribution per meeting can begin to shift how you’re perceived - from participant to leader.
☑️ Journal What You Are Learning
Track what leadership moments arise each week. What went well? What did not? How will you improve? Leadership is iterative.
Remember: Leadership is about showing up with intention. The moment you start practicing it, you realize - it was never about the title. It’s about how you lead yourself and others, every day.
Goal 6: Expand Your Professional Brand
In today’s world, your professional brand is one of your most powerful career tools. It’s what sets you apart in a sea of equally qualified professionals. It’s how people describe you when you are not in the room - and what shows up when someone searches your name. Your brand tells the story of who you are, what you stand for, and why you are the one to watch.
Whether you are climbing the corporate ladder, pivoting into a new industry, or just want to be recognized for your expertise - building your brand with intention is a goal that pays serious dividends.
Why This Goal Matters
Visibility creates opportunity. The more people know about what you do (and how well you do it), the more likely they are to think of you for new roles, projects, or speaking gigs.
Brand = Trust. A strong personal brand builds credibility. It tells others what they can count on you for.
You are in control. Instead of letting others define your narrative, you take the wheel.
It sets you apart. In competitive industries, your brand can be the deciding factor.
What This Looks Like in Practice
Your brand is communicated in more ways than you might think:
Your LinkedIn profile and activity
The way you contribute in meetings or on projects
Your reputation - what your colleagues say about you
Your thought leadership (articles, posts, presentations, podcasts)
The consistency of your values and how you show up professionally
You already have a brand - this goal is about shaping it intentionally.
How to Define Your Brand
Ask yourself:
What do I want to be known for?
What values do I want to be associated with?
What problems do I love to solve?
What’s the vibe I give off in-person and online?
Then, align everything you do - from how you speak, write, post, and collaborate - with that brand identity.
Tips to Actually Hit This Goal
☑️ Optimize Your LinkedIn
Your headline should be more than just your job title. Use keywords, highlight your value, and let your summary tell your story. Do not forget a professional photo and clear accomplishments.
☑️ Create Content Around Your Expertise
Start posting. It could be reflections on your industry, lessons learned on the job, or resources you love. Even once a week builds momentum.
☑️ Speak Up and Show Up
Volunteer to present in meetings. Raise your hand for cross-functional projects. Attend industry events or panels. You build your brand by being visible.
☑️ Ask for Testimonials or Endorsements
Reach out to coworkers or managers to endorse your skills on LinkedIn or provide testimonials for your website or portfolio.
☑️ Audit Your Digital Presence
Google yourself. What comes up? Update bios, delete outdated content, and make sure your online presence matches your offline professionalism.
☑️ Be Consistent
A strong brand is clear and consistent. Do not be one way at work and a totally different person online. Let your values and tone match across platforms.
Remember: You don’t have to be “internet famous” to have a professional brand. You just have to be intentional. When you shape your story, you shape your future.
Goal 7: Transition to a New Role or Industry
Whether you are feeling stuck, curious about something new, or simply craving a different challenge - making a career pivot is one of the most empowering goals you can set. And guess what? It’s more common (and more possible) than you think.
Gone are the days when staying in one industry forever was the gold standard. Today, career transitions are not just accepted - they’re often admired. Why? Because they show growth, self-awareness, and courage.
Why This Goal Matters
You outgrow roles - and that’s okay. Stagnation is not a badge of loyalty; it’s a signal that it’s time to evolve.
Your passions shift. What once energized you may no longer feel aligned. That’s a sign, not a failure.
New roles = new skills, new networks, new energy. A pivot often brings fresh motivation and momentum.
You get to design your path. You are not stuck. You are in charge.
What This Looks Like in Practice
Career transitions are not always drastic. They can look like:
Moving from operations to strategy within the same company
Shifting from a corporate job to a nonprofit or startup
Pivoting from one industry to another (e.g., retail to tech)
Going from an individual contributor to a people manager - or vice versa
Turning a side hustle into your full-time focus
How to Make the Leap (Without Losing Your Mind)
Get Clear on the Why
Why do you want to transition? Is it burnout, boredom, or a deeper calling? Clarity will help you choose the right direction - not just the next direction.
Research Your Destination
What do people in your desired role or industry actually to day-to-day? Follow thought leaders, join relevant forums, listen to podcasts, or set up informational interviews.
Map the Skill Gap
What skills, certifications, or experience do you need to build credibility in this new space? Identify the gaps and start closing them - one course, project, or conversation at a time.
Leverage Transferable Skills
You have more value than you think. Communication, leadership, time management, adaptability - these work everywhere. Learn how to frame your experience in a way that aligns with your target role.
Tell a Compelling Story
Your resume, cover letter, and interviews should connect the dots. Show how your past makes you uniquely qualified for what’s next.
Tips to Actually Hit This Goal
☑️ Build a Bridge, Don’t Burn One
If possible, stay connected to your current network while building your new one. Many people pivot through internal moves or referrals from past colleagues.
☑️ Start Small
Freelance, shadow someone, volunteer, or take on a part-time project in your new field before going all in. Test the waters without the risk.
☑️ Update Your Personal Brand
Make sure your LinkedIn, resume, and elevator pitch reflect where you are headed - not just where you’ve been.
☑️ Find a Mentor or Coach
Someone who has already made a similar move can help you avoid common mistakes and shorten your learning curve.
☑️ Celebrate Mini Wins
Landing your first informational interview? Celebrate it. Completing that online course? That counts. Progress builds confidence.
Remember: You are not starting over. You are starting smarter. Every job, every lesson, every skill you have built so far? It’s coming with you. You’ve got this.
Final Thoughts
Do not wait for New Year’s Day or your next performance review to set career goals. This is a practice that deserves more than once-a-year attention - because when done with intention, it becomes the fuel that keeps your career moving forward.
Your career will not grow on autopilot. It grows when you show up with clarity, purpose, and the courage to take bold action - even when it feels uncomfortable.
Every step you take, no matter how big or small, builds momentum. Whether you are expanding your network, learning a new skill, pivoting into a new industry or finally asking for a raise - it all counts.
You do not need to have it all figured out. You just need to start. Because progress will always beat perfection.
So here’s your reminder: you are allowed to dream bigger, pivot boldly, and define success on your own terms. Set your goals, create your plan, and start showing up like the version of you who already made it happen.
You are not behind. You are just getting started - and your future self is already proud of you.
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