How to Figure Out Your Career Goals as a Newbie (Without Losing Your Mind!)

How to Figure Out Your Career Goals as a Newbie (Without Losing Your Mind!)

So, you’re fresh out of school (or maybe just sick of your current job), and you have no clue what you want to do with your life. Welcome to the club! Figuring out your career goals can feel like trying to solve a puzzle without knowing what the final picture looks like. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.

If you're feeling lost, confused, or just a little overwhelmed, here’s a simple, no-pressure guide to help you find your career path. Grab a coffee (or a snack—snacks make everything better), and let’s get started.

Step 1: Get to Know Yourself

Before you start applying for random jobs just because they sound good, take a step back and ask yourself:

What are my strengths? Are you a people person? A problem solver? A creative thinker?

What kind of work excites me? Be honest—what kind of tasks make you feel energized?

What do I value? Flexibility, high salary, work-life balance, or a job that lets you work remotely?

If you’re struggling, try taking a career quiz (there are plenty online) or ask your friends what they think you’re good at. Sometimes, the people around us see our strengths better than we do.

Step 2: Explore, Explore, Explore

If you don’t know what you want to do, the best thing you can do is try different things. Think of it like dating—sometimes, you have to go on a few “bad dates” (aka jobs or internships) before you find the right match.

Here’s how you can start exploring different career options:

Google is your best friend – Look up different job roles and industries that seem interesting.

Watch YouTube videos – Search for “A Day in the Life of a Business Analyst” and see if it excites you.

Talk to real people – Find professionals on LinkedIn, around you, or attend networking events.

Intern, volunteer, or freelance— Test the waters before committing to a full-time job.

You don’t have to have it all figured out today. Just start exploring.

Step 3: Set Some Goals (But Keep Them Flexible)

Once you have a general idea of what interests you, set some short-term and long-term goals. Don’t stress—these aren’t set in stone. Think of them as your guidelines, not rules.

Short-Term Goals (Next 1-2 Years):

Learn a new skill like coding, graphic design, or social media marketing.

Get an internship or entry-level job in an industry that excites you.

Start building a professional network (yes, networking is important—even if you're introverted).

Long-Term Goals (Next 5+ Years):

Work your way up to a leadership role.

Start your own business or side hustle.

Find a career that makes you happy and pays the bills.

Comment below: Where do you see yourself in five years? Or what’s your dream job?

Step 4: Try, Fail, Learn, Repeat

Let’s be real—your first job probably won’t be your dream job, and that’s okay. Every experience teaches you something—even the ones that aren’t great. If you try a job and hate it, great! Now you know what you don’t want.

The key is to keep learning and adapting:

Take online courses.

Find a mentor in your industry.

Stay open to new opportunities—you never know where life will take you.

Remember: your career is a journey, not a race. You don’t have to have all the answers right now. Just keep moving forward, and you’ll figure it out along the way.

What’s one thing you’re excited to learn about your future career?

Have you ever had a job you hated? What did you learn from it?

Let's chat!