How Can You Set Strategic Career Goals?

It’s almost 2025, which means it’s time to start thinking about your goals and plans for the upcoming year.

In the latest edition of Management Minutes with Mika, workplace transformation strategist Mika Cross discusses how to prepare for and set short and long-term goals with Defense Department senior executive and podcaster Love Rutledge.

Let’s explore a few highlights from that interview below. Be sure to check out the entire video and other editions of Management Minutes with Mika now.

1. Confused about where to start? Look for examples. Rutledge advised finding someone whose career you admire and examining their pathway. “Ask them directly how they got there and what experiences they had that shaped them. Everyone likes to talk about themselves, and you’ll get some ideas for goal-setting.”
2. What resources you can use to help set goals? Rutledge suggested turning to your organization’s HR practitioners for learning and development opportunities. She also proposed finding career podcasts and even finding a mentor.
3. When should you start looking for growth opportunities? Now! Rutledge said that you should explore goal setting as the new year approaches. Another good time? During your review, when you can ask your supervisor for resources that you may have missed. “Really, there’s no bad time to get started,” she said.