How to set long-term career goals to achieve professional success

Professional goals relate to your career and your path to success. These could be short- or long-term goals. Long-term career goals are key as they give a clear direction and purpose in your working life. They give you something to strive for. You can make decisions that fit your main goal. 

Maybe you've just joined the workforce. Or, you're an established professional wanting to change. Either way, this article will help you set long-term career goals. It will do this by giving examples and tips for making 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 do you build a career roadmap
• Final thoughts
• FAQs 

What are long-term career goals? 

Long-term career goals are aims that you plan to achieve. They 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 guide present actions. These actions affect your career. 

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 broad view. They help you focus on the big 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 ways to advance your career long-term. You could set them for yourself as you seek success : 

1. Increase your salary 

If your employer gives raises based on performance, know the criteria for evaluation. Set short-term goals to help you achieve those metrics, and document your progress. During a performance review, highlight your accomplishments. This will help you get the best pay raise. 

Check sites like Jobstreet's Explore Salaries. They can tell you if you are being paid based on your experience and job.  

If you want to earn more, you could ask for a raise in your current job. Or, apply for a higher-paying role at your company or elsewhere. Refer to our guide on negotiating your salary when a potential employer makes a job offer to you. 

2. Become a manager 

The path to becoming a manager depends on your organisation and industry. Some companies have strict requirements.  

These include specific years of experience, advanced degrees, and proven leadership.  

To do this, gain experience in your field. Look for chances to lead. This includes volunteering for CSR projects or committees. It also includes mentoring junior colleagues or taking on extra work. 

There are also plenty of career development opportunities that you can pursue. These include management training programmes or certifications in project management or team leadership.  

The Malaysian government also offers many courses through HRD Corp. They are for those who want to better their skills in fields like IT or Marketing. Look at our guide on leadership skills. Learn where you can improve. That way, you'll have a better shot at becoming a manager. 

3. Build your professional network 

Your professional network is a group of people. They could provide support, advice, and opportunities in your work.  

You connect with colleagues, industry leaders, mentors, and potential employers. This helps you gain insights, learn about job openings, and grow your professional circle. 

You must build and nurture your professional connections. It is a long-term career goal. It requires consistent effort.  

To begin, join a professional organisation and attend industry events.  

You also connect with people in your field through social media and other online platforms. You can find some of these events on Eventbrite or Meetup.  

4. Travel for work 

Travelling 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 vital skills that improve your career. 

To achieve this goal, communicate to your manager that you're available to travel as part of your job. Improve your performance so your employer sees the value of sending you on business trips. You may also consider working abroad if your reason for wanting to travel for work is to see what lies outside Malaysia. 

5. Develop a skill set 

A successful career depends on your skills and how you use them. Learning new skills is a good goal.  

It helps you stay relevant in your field. It also makes you more marketable and valuable to employers.  

This could help you stand out from other job seekers and employees. With the right skills, you are able to move up and get the job you want. 

To develop your skill set, enrol in online courses, attend workshops and seminars, and obtain certifications in your field.  

You can do this through government courses or by taking online credentials from Coursera or Udemy.  

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 workplaces, it's time to upgrade your tech skills. Learn a new software or tool that's in use in your organisation, 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. 

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

7. Mentor other working professionals 

As you advance in your career and gain experience, you are able to 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. By guiding and supporting others, you would make a positive impact and contribute to the growth of your industry. 

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

8. Get your master's or doctoral degree 

Having a graduate degree helps 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 programme is right for you. This includes choosing a specialisation. Make sure your choice matches your career goals and interests. 

Also, ask your employer about tuition assistance programmes. If there is one at your workplace, you could pursue an advanced degree without the financial burden. 

9. Speak in public 

Public speaking skills are invaluable in professional settings. Whether you're conducting a presentation or participating in a panel discussion, strong verbal communication skills are essential.  

Developing these enhances your credibility and boosts your self-confidence. To improve your public speaking, consider joining a Toastmasters club. You can practise speaking in a supportive environment and get valuable feedback. 

10. Become an expert in your field 

Becoming an expert requires knowledge, experience, and continuous learning. Staying up to date with industry trends helps.  

So does attending conferences and workshops. Look for chances to expand your knowledge.  

By doing these things, you will become a respected authority in your field. You could also do research, publish articles or books, and share your expertise through speaking engagements. These activities help you build your credibility. They also help with your professional growth planning. 

11. Improve your work-life balance 

Striking a healthy balance between your professional and personal life is essential for your 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're able to give your best effort in both areas of your life. 

To meet this goal, start by setting boundaries and caring for yourself. Manage your time in such a way 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 projects that excite you and surround yourself with like-minded people.  

Being part of a famous organisation also provides valuable networking opportunities. It enhances your professional reputation and opens doors so you can 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 the job you want, consider applying for an internship or entry-level position.  

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

13. Do a career switch 

According to a 2023 Randstad survey, about 36% of Malaysians plan to switch jobs to boost their career prospects. 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 could be 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 can read our article on when to pursue a career change and decide if it's the right move. 

Seek for a meaningful career here.

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, especially if you publish the book. This brings prospects for speaking engagements, consulting, and collaborations. 

Your communication skills play a huge part in achieving this goal, so it's important to develop them. You also need to understand the publishing process. Suraya, an accomplished writer and digital marketer, explained in the Ringgit Oh Ringgit blog how to publish a book in Malaysia. 

15. Build a course around your area of expertise 

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

You may 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 try to achieve. It gives you the chance to enjoy life to the fullest. Early retirement requires careful and thoughtful financial planning. It’s best to start when you are young.  

You need to save and invest wisely and find a source of passive income to maintain your lifestyle. It's also important to have a plan for your retirement years so you make the most of them. 

17. Build a lifestyle that you're happy with 

This involves aligning your personal 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 is someone who has become an expert in their field, with valuable insights and perspectives that shape their industry. To become a thought leader, you need to consistently produce high-quality content that displays your expertise and provides value to your audience. This could be in the form of blog posts, articles, videos, or podcasts.  

You should also interact with your audience 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 organisation 

Moving into leadership is a natural step for professionals. They seek long-term career growth. Leadership opportunities let you inspire and motivate others. They let you have a big impact on the organisation. If this is something you want, start developing your leadership skills. These include communication, decision-making, and problem-solving. 

Look for mentors and training programs. They will improve your leadership skills and give you valuable experience. You could also read our article on leadership styles to make yourself a better leader. 

20. Figure out where your skills and competencies align 

Assessing your strengths and weaknesses is crucial to your long-term success. It can help you identify the areas where you excel and need improvement. Understanding your passions and interests can guide you toward career paths. These paths allow you to use your skills and competencies. 

Matching your abilities to your career's demands boosts your chance of job satisfaction and growth. 

How do you build a career roadmap? 

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 effective 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 quantify or observe to track your progress. Instead of "become a better communicator," write "deliver at least three presentations to large audiences within the next year."
• 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 long-term goal is to become an environmental advocate, setting a short-term goal to volunteer for an environmental organisation would be relevant.
• 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 

Goal-setting strategies are important. By dividing a big goal into milestones, you can track your progress and stay motivated along the way. Create a timeline for achieving these milestones. This approach allows you to prioritise 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 important 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. 

Final thoughts 

Crafting a career roadmap is important for any professional who wants to achieve success. It leads to achieving your long-term work goals. Through strategic career planning and setting clear objectives, you can navigate your working life with purpose and direction. 

It's important to visualise how your long-term career plan aligns with your life goals. This allows your work to bring you fulfilment and satisfaction without hindering your personal development. 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? 
   ⁠You want to reach these milestones 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? 
   ⁠You aim to achieve this professional objective 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 essential to focus on areas of specialisation and growth. One potential long-term career goal could be to become an HR manager. Another goal could be to specialise in employee acquisition and become a recruitment manager.