What are long-term career goals? (With 20 examples)

Professional goals relate to your career and your path to success. These could be short- or long-term goals. Long-term career goals are essential because they provide a clear direction and purpose in your working life. They give you something to strive for, allowing you to focus your efforts and make decisions that align with your ultimate objective. 

Perhaps it's early in your career, or you're an established professional wanting to change course. Either way, this article will help you set long-term career goals by giving you examples and tips for creating a career plan. It will cover the following topics:

• What are long-term career goals?
• 20 examples of career goals you can set
• How to create an effective career plan?
• Conclusion
• FAQs 

What are long-term career goals? 

Long-term career goals are objectives you plan to achieve that will help in your professional life. These span an extended period, from a few years to a decade. They provide a roadmap for your career trajectory. They also serve as a guide for present actions and decisions that affect your professional development. 

In contrast, short-term career goals are more immediate. They focus on meeting specific milestones or targets shortly. The timeline for them is often under a year. In some cases, they may span only a few days or weeks. 

Short-term goals are essential for making progress and staying motivated. Long-term career goals provide a broader perspective and help you focus on the bigger picture. It's common to have a longer list of short-term objectives than long-term career goals. 

20 examples of career goals you can set 

Here are 20 long-term career goals that you may set for yourself: 

1. Increase your salary 

If your employer provides salary increases based on performance, know the criteria they use for evaluation. Set short-term goals to help you achieve those metrics, and document your progress. When it's time for a performance review, highlight your accomplishments to get the best pay raise. 

If you want to earn more, you could ask for a raise in your current position or apply for a higher-paying role internally or at another company.  

2. Become a manager 

The path to becoming a manager depends on your organization and industry. Some companies have strict requirements. They include specific years of experience, advanced degrees, and proven leadership. To do this, gain experience in your field. Look for chances to lead.  

This can include volunteering for projects or committees. It can include mentoring junior colleagues or taking on extra work. 

You could also pursue career development opportunities. These include management training programs or certifications in project management or team leadership. Look at our guide on leadership skills. Learn where you can improve. Then, you'll have a better shot at becoming a manager. 

3. Build your professional network 

Your professional network is a group of people who can provide support, advice, and opportunities in your work. You can gain insights by talking to colleagues. These include industry leaders, mentors, and potential employers. You can learn about job openings and grow your professional circle. 

You must build and nurture your professional connections. It is a long-term career goal. This goal requires consistent effort. To begin, join a professional organization and attend industry events.  

You could also connect with people in your field through social media and other online platforms. You can find these events on Eventbrite or by searching up “ networking events in the Phillipines.”  

4. Travel for work 

Traveling for work could be rewarding. It allows you to explore new places and experience different cultures. It provides opportunities to grow professionally and expand your network. Travel exposes you to different industries and markets. It leads to learning essential skills that will enhance your career. 

To achieve this goal, communicate to your manager that you're available to travel as part of your job. Your boss will see the value in sending you on trips if you're able to prove your worth. You may also consider working abroad. Doing so will let you travel for work to see what lies outside the Philippines. 

If you don’t want to leave the country, you can always look for work in big cities. Manila, for example, has higher salaries and more opportunities.  

5. Develop a skill set 

A successful career depends on your skills and how you use them. Developing or acquiring new skills is worthwhile because it helps you stay relevant. It also makes you more marketable and valuable to employers. With the right skills, you can get the job you want. 

To develop your skill set, enroll in online courses, attend workshops and seminars, and obtain certifications in your field. You could also ask for more responsibilities at work. Apply your skills and improve them by volunteering or taking on personal projects. 

6. Learn a new software or tool 

Now that technology is everywhere in the workplace, it's time to upgrade your tech skills. Learn a new software or tool used in your organization, field, or industry. This improves your performance at work, makes you more valuable to your employer, and gives you a competitive edge when applying for a job. 

You may also use free resources such as online tutorials and courses to achieve this goal. But if you want to showcase your new skill, it's better to get training at a reputable institution or obtain a recognized certification. 

7. Mentor other working professionals 

As you advance in your career and gain experience, you may share your knowledge and expertise with others. Mentoring helps develop the skills and abilities of those who receive your advice and direction. It also enhances your own leadership and communication skills. You positively impact and contribute to your industry's growth by guiding and supporting others. 

You can be a mentor by participating in a mentorship program at your workplace. You could also volunteer as a mentor at a nonprofit organization or online community. To be effective in this role, you require strong communication skills. You must possess the hard and soft skills to guide and advise others in your field. 

8. Get your master's or doctoral degree 

Having a graduate degree can help you advance your career. It validates your expertise in your field, which is an asset in today's competitive job market. To achieve this, determine what graduate program is right for you. This includes choosing a specialization. Make sure your choice matches your career goals and interests. 

Also, ask your employer about tuition assistance programs. You could pursue an advanced degree without the financial burden if one is at your workplace. 

9. Speak in public 

Public speaking skills are invaluable in professional settings. You need these skills. They are vital for giving a presentation or joining a panel.  

Developing these enhances your credibility and boosts your self-confidence.  

To improve your public speaking, consider joining a Toastmasters club in the Philippines. You can practice speaking in a supportive place and get useful feedback. 

10. Become an expert in your field 

Becoming an expert requires knowledge, experience, and continuous learning. You become a respected authority by staying updated with industry trends. You do this by attending conferences and workshops. You also do this by looking for chances to expand your knowledge.  

You could also do research, publish articles or books, and share your expertise through speaking engagements. These activities help you establish credibility and build long-term professional career success. 

11. Improve your work-life balance 

A healthy balance between your professional and personal life is essential for overall well-being and happiness. It allows you to recharge and have time for your hobbies, relationships, and self-care. This can increase your productivity and job satisfaction because you can give your best effort in both areas. 

To meet this goal, start by setting boundaries and caring for yourself. Manage your time so that you can finish your tasks and meet your deadlines but still have time and energy for non-work activities. Check out our infographic on how you can achieve work-life balance. 

12. Work for your dream company 

Getting a job with a company that shares your values, interests, and career goals is very fulfilling. It allows you to work on exciting projects and surround yourself with like-minded people. Being part of a famous organization also gives valuable networking opportunities. It boosts your professional reputation and opens doors to advance in your career. 

Getting your foot in the door is the first step to achieving this goal. If your dream company lacks an opening for your desired job, consider applying for an internship or an entry-level position. You can also consider another role related to your desired career.  

Once you're in, it may be easier to transition into your desired role. You may refer to our guide on how to ace an interview for your dream job to improve your chances of working for a company you truly admire. 

13. Do a career switch 

Sometimes, you need to leap of faith to achieve the career success you want. This may mean getting a job in a different field or industry.  

A career switch is a fulfilling and rewarding experience because it lets you explore your interests and passions in a new and exciting way. It also provides opportunities for growth and learning as you work through unfamiliar tasks and develop new skills. 

Look into different industries and roles that align with your goals and ambitions. This helps you make an informed decision about your career switch. You may read our article on when to pursue a career change and decide if it's right. And if you're over 40, you may find our guide on how to navigate a career change especially useful. 

14. Write a book 

Writing a book that applies to your field or industry showcases your knowledge and expertise. It establishes you as an expert or thought leader, mainly if you publish the book. This brings prospects for speaking engagements, consulting, and collaborations. 

Your communication skills play a massive part in achieving this goal, so it's essential to develop them. You also need to understand the publishing process. Danton Remoto, a renowned writer, explained in his blog how he was able to publish his book. 

15. Build a course around your area of expertise 

This is a great way to share your knowledge and skills, and you are able to gain credibility as an authority in your field. You may create a course independently or work with an online education platform. Use multimedia elements to make your course more effective. 

You can also teach the course you developed. On online platforms such as Udemy, a degree isn't necessary to become an instructor. 

16. Retire early 

This is a long-term goal that many individuals try to achieve. It gives you the chance to enjoy life to the fullest. Early retirement requires careful and thoughtful financial planning. You need to save and invest wisely and find a source of passive income to maintain your lifestyle. Having a plan for your retirement years is essential so you make the most of them. 

17. Build a lifestyle that you're happy with 

This involves aligning your values and priorities with your professional goals. Take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you, and make choices that support your overall well-being. This may involve making changes to your current job. Or it may mean considering a different career path that fits better with the lifestyle you want to have. 

18. Become a thought leader in your field 

A thought leader has become an expert in their field, with valuable insights and perspectives that shape their industry. To become a thought leader, you must consistently produce high-quality content. The content should display your expertise and provide value to your audience.  

This could be in the form of blog posts, articles, videos, or podcasts. You should also interact with your audience. Do so through comments, social media, and speaking engagements. This lets you build meaningful connections and helps others view you as a trusted authority. 

19. Lead an organization 

Becoming a leader is a natural progression for those seeking long-term career growth. Leadership opportunities allow you to inspire and motivate others and significantly impact the organization. If this is something you want, start developing your leadership skills. These include communication, decision-making, and problem-solving. 

Look for mentorship and training programs to enhance your leadership skills and gain valuable experience. You may also read our article on the various leadership traits to discover what makes a great leader. 

20. Figure out where your skills and competencies align 

Assessing your strengths and weaknesses is crucial to your long-term success. It helps you identify the areas where you excel and need improvement. Understanding your passions and interests guides you to careers where you can use your skills. Matching your abilities to your career's demands boosts your chance of job satisfaction and growth. 

How to create an effective career plan? 

Here are tips for creating a career plan: 

Use the SMART goal framework 

By applying the SMART goal framework, ensure that your short- and long-term career goals are practical and attainable. Here's what SMART stands for and how to apply it to your career plan:

• Specific: Set clear, well-defined goals that provide direction and focus for your career plan. Replace a goal such as "improve my skills" with "complete a certification course in digital marketing within the next six months."
• Measurable: Establish goals with concrete criteria that you can quantify or observe to track your progress. Establish goals with concrete criteria that you can quantify or observe to track your progress. Deliver at least three presentations to large audiences within the next year. This will help you become a better communicator."
• Achievable: Set realistic and attainable goals that are challenging but still within your reach. Completing a master's degree in six months may not be achievable if you work full-time, but enrolling in a relevant online course is.
• Relevant: Align your goals with your values, interests, and the direction you want to take in your professional life. If your main goal is to become an environmental advocate. A relevant short-term goal is to volunteer for an environmental organization.
• Time-bound: Assign specific deadlines or timeframes to your goals to create a sense of urgency, stay focused, and manage your time. Rather than writing "start a business someday," set a time-bound goal, such as "launch my own consulting firm within the next two years." 

Break down long-term goals 

By dividing a big goal into milestones, you can track your progress and stay motivated. Create a timeline for achieving these milestones. This approach allows you to prioritize tasks and allocate resources. It also makes it easier to adjust your plan as you work toward your long-term career goals. 

Address uncertainty 

It's essential to be adaptable and flexible when you create your career plan. Technological advancements and market trends may shape your field and industry. You need to be proactive in adjusting your career goals to stay relevant.  

You can keep yourself updated on emerging trends and developments in your field.  Reassessing your skills and interests regularly lets you identify new areas of focus or potential career paths. 

Build resilience 

Dealing with obstacles is a natural part of any occupation. So, it's essential to maintain a positive mindset throughout. 

View setbacks as learning opportunities. Surround yourself with a supportive network of professionals. They can provide guidance and encouragement during difficult times. By being resilient, you can create a career plan that's realistic and achievable. 

Conclusion 

Crafting your career success roadmap is important. It leads to achieving your long-term work goals. By planning carefully and setting clear goals, you can navigate your work with purpose. 

It's important to visualize how your long-term career plan aligns with your life goals. This allows your work to bring you fulfillment and satisfaction. It won't hinder your personal growth. There's no better time than now to start setting and working toward your long-term career goals. 

FAQs 

Here are answers to common questions about long-term work goals: 

1. What are your long-term career goals? 
   ⁠These are the milestones you want to reach in your professional life over several years. These goals are the outline for your professional development. 
2. What is a long-term goal in a job? 
   ⁠This is a professional objective that you aim to achieve over an extended period. It goes beyond short-term goals and focuses on the bigger picture of your career aspirations. An example of this is becoming the chief technology officer of your company in 10 years. 
3. What are examples of career goals? 
   ⁠Common examples of career goals include getting a raise or promotion and gaining a leadership position. Others are starting their own business or transitioning into a new industry or role. 
4. What are your long-term career goals in HR? 
   ⁠When considering long-term career goals in HR, it's important to focus on areas of specialization and growth. One potential long-term career goal could be to become an HR manager. Another goal could be to specialize in employee acquisition and become a recruitment manager.