What makes an effective professional goal?

When setting career goals, you want them to be interesting, challenging, but not overly challenging. Along with these parameters, the SMART framework is helpful for establishing goals that you are enthusiastic about, and that ladder up into company goals and objectives.

Blog Professional Development

Top 33 professional goals and how to achieve them

Q: What are professional goals?

Professional goals are guideposts for what you want to achieve and where you want to go in your career. They can be short-term goals that are more tactical to help you today, this month, or this year. Professional goals can also be more strategic in nature to guide your long-term aspirations or calling to a second career.

By Elizabeth Perry, ACC

August 14, 2024 - 19 min read

two women working at a computer of their professional goals

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We all have professional dreams - maybe becoming a leader, learning new skills, or changing roles. But how do we turn these dreams into reality?

Making our career goals happen takes more than just wishing. It needs planning and hard work. By setting clear professional goals, we can focus our daily efforts and work with purpose.

Professional goals impact career advancement by providing direction and focus, helping you prioritize efforts that lead to skill development, increased performance, and new opportunities. Clear goals also demonstrate ambition and commitment to employers, making you a stronger candidate for promotions and other career advancements.

In this post, we'll define professional goals and look at ways to set and achieve them.

What are professional goals?

Professional goals are specific, measurable objectives that individuals set to advance their careers. These goals provide direction, motivation, and a clear framework for personal and professional development.

They can encompass a wide range of aspirations, including:

Skill development: Enhancing existing skills or acquiring new ones to remain competitive in the job market.
Career advancement: Aiming for promotions or higher positions within an organization.
Salary increases: Setting targets for financial growth.
Work-life balance: Striving for a healthier balance between professional responsibilities and personal life.

Characteristics of effective professional goals

Effective career goals are interesting, challenging, and personal.

You may feel pressured throughout your career to compare yourself to others, follow the currents of industry trends, or prioritize external expectations. But it’s important to stay in touch with what truly matters to you, nurturing your intrinsic motivation and personal development.

There are several ways to evaluate potential goals, like stream-of-consciousness journaling, speaking with a mentor or career coach, or asking for feedback from your supervisors. Whatever methods you choose, the SMART framework can help break down big concepts into practical goals that motivate and connect you to a larger vision.

Here’s a breakdown of the acronym:

Specific: Clearly defined goals eliminate ambiguity, helping you stay focused. For example, “complete a certified project management course and lead two company projects within six months” is more precise than “get better at project management.”
Measurable: Your goals must be measurable to track progress. Instead of saying, “I want to be better at sales,” set a target like “increase quarterly sales by 15%.” This provides a tangible marker of success.
Attainable: Goals should be realistic, considering your resources, skills, and training needs. Unrealistic goals can lead to failure and demotivation.
Relevant: Goals should align with your role, team, and company vision. Relevant goals support your career growth and organizational objectives.
Time-bound: Set clear deadlines to avoid procrastination. Effective deadlines consider your schedule, delegation ability, and task prioritization, balancing flexibility and urgency.

Why are professional development goals important?

Setting professional goals is crucial as it provides career direction and purpose. It empowers you to take control of your professional journey, maximize your potential, and ultimately build a fulfilling career.

Research indicates that clearly defined goals can significantly increase the likelihood of achieving them, especially when progress is monitored and shared with others

What are three types of work goals?

Three types of work goals include:

1. Performance goals

Example: "Increase monthly sales by 20% within the next quarter."

Focus on achieving specific results or outcomes in your job, often tied to measurable metrics.

2. Learning goals

Example: "Complete an advanced Excel course and obtain certification within the next three months."

Aim to acquire new skills or knowledge that enhance your professional capabilities and career growth.

3. Development goals

Example: "Take on a mentorship role and guide two junior employees over the next year."

Focus on personal growth, leadership, and long-term career development, often involving new responsibilities or roles.

How to set professional goals you can achieve

Your professional goals are as unique as you are. But, although your priorities will differ from those of a colleague or team member, you should still mold your goals with a few best practices — like learning how to develop SMART goals.

Breaking down aspirations this way can help you use your skill set to your advantage and plan for potential bumps in the road, insulating your resilience and flexibility. Here are four more tips for setting attainable goals:

Consider past successes: Consider the processes, tools, and skills that helped you reach important career milestones and why those goals were important to you.
Self-reflection: Identify your personal values and needs, envision the thinking processes that will support your journey, and consider what you want more and less of in your professional life.
Set specific goals: Write down your thoughts and feelings and transform them into specific goals, considering your current skills, professional vision, and available resources.
Apply the SMART methodology: Break down big objectives into smaller, achievable milestones by ensuring that your goals meet all the SMART criteria to set realistic objectives and position yourself for success.

24 examples of professional goals

While your career aspirations don’t resemble anyone else’s, you can draw inspiration from common professional goals. Mix up your own goals to cover short-term, mid-, and long-term objectives that touch on different areas of your professional development, like finding the time management software that works for you, refining a technical skill, or teaching yourself a new skill.

1. Communicate with influence and impact

Effective communication is crucial for professional success. It involves advocating your vision and convincing others to follow. Develop confidence in spoken and written communication. For leadership roles, focus on public speaking and presentation skills.

2. Develop executive presence

Executive presence combines self-confidence, emotional intelligence, and decisiveness. It's valuable for all professionals, not just aspiring leaders. Developing these skills shows colleagues and managers they can rely on you for support.

3. Effectively manage conflict

Workplace conflicts are inevitable, but managing them productively is crucial. Develop empathy, flexibility, and active listening skills to transform conflicts into learning opportunities. This approach improves teamwork and morale while keeping focus on final objectives.

4. Provide effective feedback to others

Giving good feedback balances constructive criticism with positivity. It should be timely and specific and highlight both areas for improvement and success. Effective feedback is sensitive and supportive, empowering the recipient to improve and try again.

5. Confidently navigate uncertainty

Embracing change builds resilience and positivity when facing unexpected challenges. Develop habits like journaling, meditation, or mindfulness to understand what you can control, influence, or must accept. This helps manage stress in uncertain situations.

6. Adopt better time management skills

Strong time management benefits you and your colleagues. It helps control your calendar, focus on priorities, and build work-life balance. Experiment with techniques like time blocking, productivity apps, or the Pomodoro Technique to find what works for you.

7. Develop inclusive leadership and teams

Effective teams embrace diversity and make everyone feel welcome to share ideas. Foster inclusivity by encouraging team members to speak up, practicing emotional intelligence, and collaborating respectfully. This enriches teams with new perspectives and work methods.

8. Complete a professional certificate or degree

Continuous learning demonstrates dedication, adaptability, and professional curiosity. Analyze your skills gap, seek guidance from your manager, or attend industry events to identify opportunities. Consider remote courses, certification programs, or advanced degrees to broaden your perspective.

9. Expand your professional network

A strong professional network can broaden your career horizons. Build your personal brand on LinkedIn, attend networking events, or schedule informational interviews. Create a networking plan with specific goals, like posting regularly or attending monthly industry meetups.

10. Volunteer to learn new technology

Staying current with technology is crucial. Learn about digitization, automation, and AI in your industry. Apply this knowledge to support your team, improve organizational productivity, or prepare for new career opportunities.

11. Build stronger working relationships

Workplace friendships increase happiness and productivity. Strengthen existing relationships by showing appreciation and offering assistance. Build new connections by scheduling virtual coffee chats with colleagues from different departments or getting to know your supervisor better.

12. Develop your peers

Peer coaching and mentorship boost confidence, build trust, and increase technical aptitude. It also helps you refine your communication skills. Volunteer to share your knowledge through presentations, shadowing opportunities, or onboarding new employees.

13. Improve your storytelling abilities

Effective storytelling engages audiences and rallies support for your ideas. Practice creating narrative arcs and aligning non-verbal communication with your words. Be more deliberate in your daily communications, making presentations, emails, and conversations more engaging.

14. Develop your project management skills

Enhance organizational skills to stay on deadline, prioritize workloads, and communicate workflows effectively. Even experienced project managers can improve by adopting new productivity tools. These skills benefit both you and your team.

15. Master public speaking

Enhance your ability to address audiences confidently. Practice vocal techniques, body language, and audience engagement. Prepare well-structured presentations, anticipate questions, and learn to manage nervousness. Regular practice in various settings will boost your confidence and effectiveness.

16. Improve written communication

Develop clear, concise, and effective writing skills. Focus on grammar, structure, and tone appropriate for different audiences. Practice crafting compelling emails, reports, and presentations. Seek feedback and continually refine your style for maximum impact.

17. Master negotiation skills

Learn to negotiate complex discussions and reach mutually beneficial agreements. Develop active listening, persuasion, and problem-solving skills. Practice reading body language and managing emotions. These skills are valuable in various professional contexts.

18. Enhance critical thinking

Sharpen your ability to analyze information objectively and make reasoned judgments. Learn to identify biases, evaluate arguments, and consider multiple perspectives. Apply these skills to problem-solving and decision-making in your professional life.

19. Improve work-life integration

Develop strategies to balance professional responsibilities with personal well-being. Set clear boundaries, prioritize tasks, and learn to disconnect. Explore flexible work arrangements and time management techniques that support your overall life satisfaction.

20. Cultivate a growth mindset

Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and development. View failures as stepping stones to success. Seek feedback, set stretch goals, and continuously push your boundaries. This mindset fosters resilience and adaptability in your career.

21. Enhance digital literacy

Stay current with evolving digital technologies relevant to your field. Learn to use productivity tools, collaboration platforms, and industry-specific software effectively. Understand digital security best practices and data privacy considerations.

22. Develop coaching skills

Learn to guide and support others in their professional development. Practice active listening, asking powerful questions, and providing constructive feedback. Develop the ability to identify others' strengths and help them reach their full potential.

23. Improve decision-making

Enhance your ability to make sound, timely decisions. Learn various decision-making models and when to apply them. Practice gathering and analyzing relevant information, considering alternatives, and evaluating potential outcomes.

24. Master strategic thinking

Develop the ability to see the big picture and plan for long-term success. Learn to analyze trends, anticipate challenges, and identify opportunities. Practice aligning daily actions with broader organizational goals and adapting strategies as needed.

Unconventional professional goals to consider

When thinking about career goals, finances, ladders, and entrepreneurship are often leading the pack. But there are other goals you can work toward to enhance your career trajectory (and beyond). Here are a few ides:

Enhance personal branding

Cultivate a strong, authentic professional image. Clarify your unique value proposition and consistently communicate it across platforms. Develop a compelling online presence and network strategically. Align your personal brand with your career aspirations.

Be intentional with self-care

Prioritize your mental, emotional, and physical health to perform well at work. Identify areas for improvement like sleep, self-worth, or free time. Create a self-care checklist with daily, weekly, and monthly objectives. Start small and build gradually.

Cultivate emotional intelligence

Develop awareness of your own emotions and those of others. Practice empathy, self-regulation, and social skills. Learn to navigate workplace relationships effectively and manage conflicts constructively. This skill is crucial for leadership and teamwork.

Enhance cultural competence

Cultivate understanding and respect for diverse cultures. Learn about different customs, communication styles, and business practices. Develop empathy and adaptability when working with multicultural teams. This skill is crucial in today's globalized work environment.

Boost creativity and innovation

Cultivate a mindset open to new ideas and perspectives. Practice brainstorming techniques, lateral thinking, and problem-solving methods. Encourage creativity in your team and learn to nurture innovative concepts from ideation to implementation.

Embrace failure

Actively seeking experiences where failure is possible to learn resilience and adaptability.

Enhance cross-functional collaboration

Gaining experience in different departments to broaden your skill set and understanding of the business.

Develop sustainability initiatives

Leading or participating in projects that promote environmental sustainability within your organization.

Expanding workplace wellness

Promoting and participating in initiatives that support physical and mental health in the workplace, such as mindfulness programs or fitness challenges.

Tips for achieving your career goals

Choosing what to focus your efforts on is just the start — now it’s time to get to work. If you aren’t sure how to commit to your objective, here are some tips to stay focused and reach your goals:

Set aside time to check in: Your office, industry, and career goalposts are always shifting. What’s relevant today may not fit the needs of tomorrow. Set time in your calendar to regularly revisit your goals and reevaluate based on changing circumstances and work experiences.
Share your goals: Sharing your professional goals with others can provide accountability, support, feedback, and potential opportunities for collaboration or mentorship. Additionally, it demonstrates your ambition and commitment to growth to colleagues and superiors.
Enlist others’ support: Think of your family, friends, and professional network as integral to your goal setting. They’re the support system that’ll encourage you, provide advice, and celebrate your wins. Let them in on your objectives, and consider choosing an accountability partner to keep you on track.
Connect with a coach: A coach's job is to support your growth and development, and goal setting is at the core of their ethos. If you don’t have specific goals in mind, that’s okay. Coaches are skilled at asking impactful questions to help you reflect and build deeper self-awareness. A coaching experience can provide clarity on what’s important to you and empower you to set realistic, flexible milestones.
Separate short-term from long-term: Break your long-term objectives into several smaller ones to make meaningful and achievable goals. This will help you draft an action plan that builds on past successes and creates positive momentum, with realistic timelines and celebrations to help you stay patient and motivated.
Align your goals with your values: Align your professional goals with your personal values by identifying what matters most to you and ensuring your career objectives reflect those priorities. This alignment fosters greater job satisfaction and motivates you to pursue goals that are meaningful and fulfilling.

Celebrate your career growth

Setting effective goals puts wind in your sails, helping you move closer to your definition of a successful professional life. Chances are you’ve arrived where you are today by setting and achieving professional goals, even if you weren’t entirely aware of them. Upping your approach by creating a SMART action plan will take you to the next level.

If you're looking for guidance, partner with a BetterUp Coach. Our licensed coaches can help you define, plan for, and achieve your professional goals.

Professional Development

Published August 14, 2024

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships.

With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.