Learning Exercise V
Goal Setting
So far, you have developed a summary of your preferred work environment (PWE) (Learning Exercise III) and have begun to explore the relevant work environment (Learning Exercise IV). In Learning Exercise V, you will practice the development of career goals. Before you begin, reread the discussion of career goal setting in Chapter 4. Remember that your long-term goal need not be very precise at this time. Simply be as specific as you can.
The first step is to develop a long-term (7-10-year) conceptual goal. In formulating it, try to address all of the significant elements of your PWE. List the elements of your long-term conceptual goal below and consult Learning Exercise III to verify that all-important elements of your PWE are incorporated in the long-term conceptual goal.
Elements of the Long-Term Conceptual Goal
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The next step is to convert the long-term conceptual goal listed above into long-term operational goals. (See Table 4.1 for an example.) First, list (from the preceding section) all of the elements of the long-term conceptual goal in the space below. Then choose two operational goals (occupations or specific job positions) in which you think you might be interested. Identify them in the space provided.
Significant Elementof Long-Term Conceptual Goal / Long-Term
Operational Goal
A / B
Next, list all of the positives (advantages) and negatives (disadvantages) you can think of regarding the operational goals you have identified.
Long-Term Operational Goal A
Positives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Negatives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Long-Term Operational Goal B
Positives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Negatives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
If you are still not sure which (or if either) operational goal is appropriate for you, do not be concerned. The important thing is that you are thinking about your long-term future and have identified several goals for further thought and action.
The next step is to identify a short-term (1 to 3-year) conceptual goal. Reexamine the summary of your PWE as well as your long-term conceptual and operational goal analyses. To formulate a short-term conceptual goal, answer the following question: What type of work, educational, and other experiences and responsibilities would help prepare you to attain the long-term conceptual and operational goals? List the elements of your short-term conceptual goal below.
Elements of the Short-Term Conceptual Goal
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Now, convert your short-term conceptual goal into operational goals. As before, list all significant elements of your short-term conceptual goal, and choose two alternative short-term operational goals.
Short-Term Operational Goal A
Positives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Negatives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Short-Term Operational Goal B
Positives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Negatives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
If you are still not sure which short-term operational goal is more appropriate for you, it may be necessary to examine one or both goals in more detail. That is, part of your career strategy would include plans for additional data gathering.
Copyright 2000 by Harcourt, Inc.