Setting Career GoalsIt can be difficult to set specific career goals if a person does not have a complete understanding of the profession as it is practised here and has not had the opportunity to speak with people who work in the field.
A mentor’s critical assessment of the mentee’s career goals may lead to the identification of barriers, professional development needs and/or alternative career choices which may be as or more attractive. Take time to conduct a “reality check” of the mentee’s short-term and long-term career goals. What are the assumptions and rationale behind them? Do the mentee’s “assets” match the career choice? Like all job seekers, newcomers sometimes underestimate, or inflate, their potential. Mentors may agree that the mentee is absolutely on the right track, or may suggest alternative career paths for the mentee to consider that will help them to meet their goals. Work together to assess career goals and aspirations of the mentee, and the best way to works towards achieving meet them.
Setting career goals may include
- changing or confirming the kinds of positions which the mentee would like to target in his or her job search.
- identifying professional development needs and lining up options.
- identifying and considering alternatives to the mentee’s first career choice if necessary.
- developing a short-term strategy for securing employment and aligning it with a long term strategy for achieving career goals.
- developing strategies for transfer to a new industry, sector or occupation if necessary.
Together you can
- explore transferable skills and alternative career options (if relevant).
- highlight career options which the mentee may not have considered.
- shed light on the pros and cons of different career options.
- discuss possible rewards and challenges of the chosen career direction.
- work on an action plan.
- consult Networking and Researching your field for additional suggestions.
 Tips
For mentees
- Take charge of managing your own career. No-one will do it for you.
- If you would like to revisit your career goals, share why.
- Be adventurous. There may be career options in Canada which were not available in your country.
- Be inquisitive. Even if you are confident about your career goals, discuss the rationale of your choice with your mentor. She or he may have new insights for you.
- Remember the difference between “information” and “advice.” Be prepared to make your own decisions.
- Be prepared to do more research about your field and to revise your resume to suit your new direction. Speak to your mentoring coach about career counselling options available to you.
For mentors
- Ask for permission to provide suggestions and constructive feedback.
- Ask probing questions that will help the mentee explore more about why he or she may want to refine their career goals and what the benefits may be.
- Remember that the mentee will make his or her decisions. These may differ from the path you may have suggested.
- Differentiate between short- and long-term goals.
- Provide honest, specific feedback.
- Refer the mentee to speak to colleagues who are in the same role that the mentee is interested in pursuing.
- Consult your HR department for internal resources, or for current advice on career planning and development.
- Remind your mentee that they may be a few steps away from achieving their career goals. Assist the mentee with developing an action plan to reach their goals.
- Address expectations. It is easy for anyone to get discouraged if they expect immediate results within a short time frame.
|