100 Monthly Goal Ideas [6]

Career Goals

Most of us have specific things we want to achieve in our careers. Even if you’re not quite sure yet, taking action on these career goals across the year can have a profound impact on the future of your career. 

Ask a co-worker out for coffee — on you.

Your relationship with your co-workers is a powerful one. You’re essential each other’s closest connections in your company or field. Ask a co-worker out for coffee to learn more about their career goals and how you can help each other achieve them.

Ask someone you consider a mentor for an informal informational interview.

An informational interview is a great way to learn more about a higher position or career path. Ask someone you consider a mentor, it can be an informal relationship too, if you can ask them a few questions about their career history. And don’t forget to return the favor — ask them how you can help them as well!

Earn one new career certification.

Whether it’s through LinkedIn or another platform, a career certification shows that you not only care about continuing your skills and education, but that you are a valuable member of the team. Commit to earning at least one new career certification to put on your resume.

Identify one thing you can do in the next month to improve your chances of a raise.

Ask your boss for feedback on what you need to do to achieve a promotion or earn a raise. If they say you’re doing enough as is, they’re not providing you with valuable enough information. Your goal should be to move up in your career, and that’s not something you’re going to do if you get mediocre advice.

Negotiate a pay increase.

Asking for more money can be scary, but many people are underpaid in their current positions because of this fear. In the few months leading up to your annual review, practice your negotiation tactics, do your research, and be clear on what makes you valuable.

Attend a new networking event.

We all need to make new connections! Look up networking events through your company, college alumni group, Bumble Bizz, or Facebook groups. Attend the one that is the most useful for your career goals.

Update your resume with your current experience.

When was the last time you updated your resume? Most of us don’t do it often enough. Take your resume in its current form an add everything you’ve achieved. This way, when it’s time to apply for a new position, you can pull from your Master Resume to tailor it perfectly to your application.

If you’re not keeping a career journal, I highly suggest you start doing so. It will make tracking what you’ve achieved in your career much easier when it comes time to update your resume with experience.

Write down the career goals you hope to have achieved five years from now.

We could all indulge in a little more self-reflection, am I right? When you look at your career, where do you hope to be five years from now? Think critically about this. You’ll be able to use your answers to guide your goals over the next few years.

Offer to mentor someone new in your office/field.

Being a mentor is a very rewarding experience. If there’s a new person in your office, take them under your wing and give them the information you wish you had when you started. Get to know their goals, strengths, and skill set — they’ll be an asset to you, too.

Get to work 30 minutes earlier.

For one month, start showing up to work 30 minutes earlier than usual! Bonus points if you do this right before you go to ask for a raise. If you set your alarm for sunrise, this should hardly be a problem! You’ll also be amazed at how much more you can accomplish before your co-workers start to arrive for the day.

     To Be Continued...