10.2.1) How do I decide on a career objective after I graduate from college? (Life after U.C. Davis)
Description
This article is from the U.C. Davis FAQ, by David F. Prenatt, Jr. netesq@dcn.davis.ca.us with numerous contributions by others.
10.2.1) How do I decide on a career objective after I graduate from college? (Life after U.C. Davis)
You need to do some planning in terms of short term and long term
career objectives and then focus exclusively on your short term career
objectives. By definition, your short term career objectives will
enable you to achieve your long term career objective. Thus, it is
critical that you focus exclusively on your short term career
objectives.
Make a list of the things that you are looking for in an ideal
job, and make that job your ultimate long term career objective.
Next, make a list of the job skills that are necessary for you to
perform well at the job that you have chosen as your long term career
objective. Now, compose a resume of the skills that you have. If
there is something missing from your resume in terms of the skills
that you need to land your ideal job, make your short term career
objective a job where you can acquire the skills that you need, and
keep your ultimate objective to yourself while you do whatever is
necessary to land a job where you can acquire the skills that you
need.
Whatever you do, don't brag about your long term career
objectives. This is a sure fire way of making certain that you will
not achieve them. If you receive recognition for having goals rather
than achieving them, you will have no incentive for achieving them.
Besides, those who are jealous of your long term goals will try to
discourage you from trying to achieve your goals. Ambitious people
challenge the self-esteem of people who are not ambitious.
Once you land a job that will help you fulfill your short term
career objective, stay with that job for at least a year. No matter
how you feel about the job after you take it, you will need a good
reference to land your next job. At the end of each year, start the
process all over again. Make a list of the things that you are
looking for in an ideal job, and repeat the process of setting a short
term career objective by determining the qualifications that you need
to obtain your ultimate career objective. This may involve a
promotion where you are working or looking for a whole new job working
somewhere else. At this point, don't be surprised if the nature of
your ideal job has changed. After achieving a short term career
objective, you will have more complete information about whatever
opportunites are available to you.
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