By Pastor Abraham Ekebafe
District Superintendent, New Covenant District, Itire DCC, Lagos
Before you start your job search, take some time to clarify your career goals and the type of job you are looking for. Identify your skills, interests, and values to align them with potential job opportunities.
Career goals are very personal.
It is important to define goals that resonate with your own aspirations and desires.
Research Career Options:
Explore different careers and industries that align with your interests and skills.
Set Specific Goals:
Once you have a general idea of the direction you want to pursue, set specific career goals. Make them SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of stating “I want to be successful,” a specific goal could be “I want to become a senior software engineer at a leading tech company within the next five years.”
Short-term and Long-term Goals:
Break down your long-term goals into smaller, manageable short-term goals. Short-term goals function as stepping stones towards your ultimate objectives. They can include acquiring specific certifications, gaining relevant experience, or developing new skills.
Align with Personal Values:
Ensure that your career goals align with your personal values and aspirations.
Seek Guidance:
It can be helpful to seek guidance from mentors, career counselors, or professionals working in your desired field.
Stay Flexible:
It is important to remain flexible and be willing to adapt and make changes when necessary as you gain experience.
Create an Action Plan:
Once you have defined your career goals, create a strategic action plan. Break down the steps you need to take to achieve each goal and set timelines for accomplishing them. Regularly review and update your plan as you make progress.
