What are the most common career goals for entry-level professionals?

1 Learn new skills

One of the most common career goals for entry-level professionals is to learn new skills that can help them perform better in their current role and prepare them for future opportunities. Learning new skills can include taking online courses, attending workshops, reading books, or finding a mentor. Learning new skills can also help you develop your confidence, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

2 Build a network

Another common career goal for entry-level professionals is to build a network of contacts that can support their career growth and development. Building a network can involve connecting with colleagues, managers, mentors, clients, or industry experts. Building a network can also help you gain exposure, feedback, referrals, or recommendations.

3 Advance in your role

A third common career goal for entry-level professionals is to advance in their role and take on more responsibilities, challenges, or projects. Advancing in your role can demonstrate your value, potential, and commitment to your employer and your career. Advancing in your role can also help you gain recognition, rewards, or promotions.

4 Explore your interests

A fourth common career goal for entry-level professionals is to explore your interests and passions and find out what kind of work makes you happy and fulfilled. Exploring your interests can involve trying different tasks, projects, or roles within your organization or outside of it. Exploring your interests can also help you discover your strengths, values, and goals.

5 Plan your next move

A fifth common career goal for entry-level professionals is to plan your next move and decide what kind of career path you want to pursue. Planning your next move can involve researching different options, opportunities, or industries that match your skills, interests, and goals. Planning your next move can also help you prepare your resume, portfolio, or cover letter and practice your interview skills.

These are some of the most common career goals for entry-level professionals, but they are not the only ones. You can also set your own career goals based on your personal and professional aspirations and needs. The important thing is to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and how you can get there.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?