How to Answer: What are your professional goals for the next five years?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Cigna Corp job interview.
21. What are your professional goals for the next five years?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer asks this question for two reasons. They want to see if you have professional goals and a plan to achieve them. Setting goals to improve and grow professionally shows that you are motivated and dedicated to your career. The hiring manager also wants to see if your plans include working for Cigna. Companies invest a lot of money and time to hire and train employees, and the interviewer wants to see if your plans include working for Cigna if hired for the internship position. However, they understand this is an internship position, so they do not necessarily expect you to stay with the company after your internship.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 27th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on the professional goals you have planned for the next five years and how you will achieve them. Since you are still finishing college, you want to concentrate on obtaining your degree and then look for a job in your field. Or, you may plan on pursuing higher education, working towards a master's degree. Be sure to highlight that you see yourself with the company in five years if that is your goal.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 27th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid saying you have not planned that far in advance. If you do not have professional goals, the hiring manager will determine that you are not motivated and inspired to grow in your career. If you are not motivated to succeed, the hiring manager may pass you over for another candidate.
Written by Krista Wenz on April 27th, 2022
Answer Example
"My professional goals in the next five years are to be hired for the internship position, gain experience, finish my Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, and work with your company as a Marketing Specialist."
Written by Krista Wenz on April 27th, 2022