Career Services at ASU.

The STEPS Model Self Discovery Investigation Decision Making Implementation

 

 

Goal-setting
What are goals and objectives?

Back
Up
Down:

The Career Express - Spring 2005 articles

Students:  Did you get a job offer?  Please tell us!

Employers:  Report job offers to ASU students here!

For the ASU community:  
stay current on career events 
and activities - view the Career Events calendar

To research these topics
further, try the ASU Hayden Library's ReferenceUSA

To print this page
first set your browser
text size to smallest.

STEPS to Successful Career Planning

 

The STEPS modelDecision-making

Goals and objectives

A career goal is a general statement of intent.

A long-range career goal is a goal that incorporates all the information that you have gathered through Self-discovery and Investigation but may take several years of training and/or education to accomplish.  An example of long-range career goals can include starting your own private counseling practice, or becoming a graphic art director for a large advertising agency.

A short-term career goal can be defined as a stepping stone needed to prepare you for your long-term goal.  An example of short-term career goals can include getting certified as a private counselor, or getting a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design.

Objectives are the practical steps needed to help you achieve your short-term and long-range goals.  There are three different categories of objectives:

Short-term objectives are activities which help  you utilize the knowledge gained through Self-discovery and Investigation activities, and help incorporate that knowledge into the first steps towards your goal.   Short-term objectives can include choosing a major, meeting with a career advisor, or signing up for a service learning or volunteer assignment.

Intermediate objectives include collecting the tools necessary to conduct a successful job search which will ultimately help you achieve your short-term and long-range career goals.  these tools include creating a resume and portfolio, writing effective employment letters, developing behavioral interviewing skills, and conducting a job search.

Long-term objectives generally include those activities which incorporate the outside world of work with your college experiences.  Examples of long-term objectives include getting an internship or co-op, sending out resumes and cover letters to prospective employers, and interviewing with various organizations of interest.  Long-term objectives may also include planning for graduate school and future professional development.

Are you ready now to set some goals? . . .