Which career development goals have you set for yourself this year?
"The professional goal that I set for myself recently was to find a mentor to assist me in my career. Being newer to my profession as a business analyst, I felt it was important to consult and meet with someone more seasoned than I. This move to have a mentor can only benefit me, and, down the road, I hope to return the favor to someone else who needs a mentor."
The interviewer would like to know that you are motivated to better yourself personally and professionally. Career development can come in many forms:
- Conferences
- Trade shows
- Seminars & workshops
- Reading
- Podcasts
- Online coursework
- Finding a mentor
Discuss with the interviewer how you plan to develop yourself professionally this year, and be sure to tie it into how this goal will benefit their company, should they choose to hire you.
"This year, I have put requests to attend a few seminars and workshops on effective leadership and one on macroeconomics. I want to help my team and clients reach their goals while also feeling fulfilled and happy. I look forward to taking what I have learned so far and applying the concepts to this BA lead role with your company."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
My immediate goal is to secure a position at a company like this one where I can continue growing and improving myself personally and professionally. I enjoy challenges and look forward to opportunities where I will be able to assume more responsibilities.
Ultimately, I'd like to move into management with a focus on strategy and development and work my way into a long-term position where I can build a stable career. Right now, I'm focusing on improving my communication skills through continuing education programs outside of work. I'm very interested in leadership positions and know effective communication is critical.
While I'm happy as a member of any team I'm on, I'm looking forward to taking on leadership roles, eventually working my way into a manager or team leader position. I have been so lucky to have been surrounded by managers and team leaders who have been generous with their knowledge. I look forward to an opportunity to become a mentor for others like me within this field.
Kristine's Feedback
Great answer! Your interviewer will be convinced you take career development seriously. It's essential to keep your answer focused on the question at hand about your goals for the upcoming year. So, I revised your response a bit to highlight your career development goals in the coming year. I suggest you provide some specifics about your goals related to improving your communication skills. E.g., Are you working to improve your written English, spoken English, or something else?
My immediate goal is to secure a position at a company like this one where I can continue growing and improving myself. I enjoy challenges and look forward to opportunities where I can assume more responsibilities. Over the next year, I'll be focusing on improving my communication skills, and I've already begun the process by enrolling in continuing education programs outside of work. I'm very interested in leadership positions and know effective communication is critical. In the next year, I'd like to take on small leadership roles. Eventually, I want to work my way into a position as a manager and team leader. I have been so lucky to have been surrounded by the manager and team leaders who have been generous with their knowledge, and I look forward to an opportunity to become a mentor for others within this field. Ultimately, I'd like to move into management with a focus on strategy and development.
Anonymous Answer
My goals are to reinforce my skills with (things that I have that match the job description) while working to acquire new skills such as (things on the job description I don't have). This will help me to further my growth and be ready for more responsibilities.
Amanda's Feedback
This is a great response layout! Now, take it a step further and share how you're going to reinforce or acquire new skills. Are you attending a workshop, completing an online course, job shadowing with someone who has those skills, or jumping in on a project that will expand your skillset?
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