Identify your values and goals for your career roadmap

Does finding a new career or job sound overwhelming or impossible? It's not a bad thing to feel this way about something that does not happen swiftly or overnight. There are many options to consider when thinking about professional development.

Use this SMART model by Professor Robert S. Rubin to get started as you identify if now is the time to make a career change, and to identify what you will need to do to make it a reality.

Specific: What do you want to achieve? Why do you want to achieve it? What will it take for you to get there? What resources are involved?

In the job search context, here is an example:
I want to change careers to become an IT Specialist. I want to do this because I want a career that challenges me and pays me fairly and will help me reach my financial goals. I want to make ;my family proud. I will need school for 6 months to get there and it will not cost me anything financially but I need to plan around my busy schedule.

Measurable: It is key to make sure you track your goals.
“It will take me 6 months, plus 2 months to find a job, I know I will have to adjust my work schedule to make this fit and make sure I am checking in with myself to monitor my performance."

Achievable:
How realistic is my goal? Am I okay with being patient if this takes longer than planned?

Relevant:
Is it the right time? Right life situation? What are my long-term plans within the time frame my career change will happen? Life happens

Time: How much time will it take me? Am I willing to be realistic about the time it will take to reach my goals?

After doing this exercise, you should be able to see what your goals are and what you need to do to reach them.

Learn more about SkillUp and explore our career training page here!