Transcript Career Path Goals - Skagit Valley College

Career Path Goals;
How to Develop them
By Ken Hauenstein
Two ways to begin the process
 Start at the beginning
 Start with the ultimate
goal.
 Build the list step by step
 Define the steps needed to
achieve the goal.
 Prioritize in proper order
 Have clearly in mind the
final goal.
 Put those steps in
sequential order.
 Determine where to start.
Write it Down!
At this point I need to stress that for this process to work
you need to write down each point as you go. Do not worry
that you might change your mind about something, or that
something seems too trivial or too obvious, write it down
anyway. The point of this part of the process is to help you
really visualize these points. That way when they are all
laid out in front of you it is a lot easier to assess what really
is essential, what is truly trivial, and what obvious things
you may have otherwise missed. as you develop this plan
you will absolutely cut things out, refine and reorganize,
but you cannot do those things until you can see what you
are working with. So write, write, write!
Each of the following slides give you some important pieces
of your puzzle, you must know how to answer them.
Do You Know Your SWOT?
S-strengths
W-weaknesses
O-opportunities
T-threats
If You Know Your SWOT You Can
SOAR!
S-setting
O-obtainable
A-and
R-realistic goals.
Ok, so how SMART are You?
S-specific
M-measurable
A-achievable
R-results focused
T-time-bound
What’s Next?
 Now that we have established a few important facts we
can take the process to the next level. Start writing out
our goals with one of the two methods mentioned at the
outset. Did you take time to make notes on each of the
previous steps?
Remember, every day plays a
role in the long term goal!
An important first step in
setting goals is to find out
where the time will come
from to fulfill them. In order
to do this it is imperative
that you know how you
really spend your time. So
track it for say a month.
Remember we are setting
long term goals so a month
is only a small part of what
it will take to reach your
goals.
Step two; you must
determine what daily,
weekly monthly, and annual
events must take place to
reach your goals.
Step three; the events in
step two have to match the
model you created in step
one. It is critical to be
honest and realistic with
yourself here if you are
going to succeed.
What will you sacrifice?
Yes, sacrifice, remember
you have not been working
toward the goal before, so
now something in your
schedule (your life) is going
to have to give. This is
when you find out if, and
how committed you are to
your goal.
For example, if your
ultimate goal requires
schooling or training, how
will you arrange the time for
it?
Perhaps you need to further
develop skills you already
have, when, where, and
how will you fit this in?
Some practical guidelines
 Every stage must have timelines. Timelines may be
adjusted somewhat, however if they are realistic, the
adjustments should be relatively minor.
 There should be weekly sign offs of accomplishments to
keep you motivated and focused. For example, when in
school, each week has a list of assignments for you to
complete and check off.
 Let’s use the idea of learning an instrument or language,
each week should bring some measurable progress, this
progress is important to track; Week 1 learn the scale,
Week two practice chord drills, week three learn a
simple song, etc.. You will need to create a list or chart
to track your progress.
Example Chart; Start to Finish
Model
Item
Learn new
computer ship
design system.
Design first
ship with new
computer
design system.
Sell boss on
new design.
Build team to
build new
design.
Date
Started
Target
Date
Date
Completed
With every goal there are individual requirements. It is up to
each one of us to build a plan that suits our circumstances and
personality.
The information I have presented here will only be helpful if
applied properly and diligently. You have to want to achieve
something before you start, many people simply let life happen
to them as though they were victims in some great tragedy.
So for them the first real goal is to take charge of what they can,
and that is often far more than they think it is, and set a
destination for themselves. Go ahead and plot the course, you may
not end up where you thought you would , but that is half the
adventure. Sure, it will not always go smoothly, just as with any
journey you cannot always see what is around the next bend.
That does not mean however, that we should simply park the car
so to speak. When you plan these goals out probably the biggest
benefit you will gain, will be what you learn about yourself whether
you ever actually start the journey or not.
 I encourage any who view this presentation to challenge
themselves. Don’t be afraid to write down your strengths and
weaknesses, find them before they become a threat or handicap.
 Take the time to really assess what opportunities exist for you, and
remember you can create opportunities as well.
 Remember to keep balanced as you pursue your goals, we all
need some down time. So schedule it into your plan.
 No two plans look alike nor should they.
 As you build your plan take your time, the decisions you make for
a long term goal will effect you for a long term once the journey
is begun.
May your journey be long and prosperous full of fulfilling adventure
and happiness.