my five year plan essay

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Going somewhere? Write the 5-year plan you need to achieve it

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What is a 5 year plan?

The benefits of creating a 5 year plan, how to create a 5 year plan in 6 easy steps, 5 year plan examples.

You may have heard of SMART goal setting (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound goals), but have you ever heard of HARD goal setting?

Society has been pushing SMART goals since the early ’80s, but a 2020 study found that people who set SMART goals are much less likely to love their jobs , while people who set HARD goals are 53% more likely to love their jobs. 

But, what are HARD goals? HARD goals are defined as: 

• Heartfelt 
• Animated 
• Required 
• Difficult 

They are goals for which you have an emotional connection, strong visualization, great urgency, and difficulty. 

While there are laudable aspects of SMART goals, the study shows serious problems regarding the ‘achievable’ and realistic’ aspects of SMART goal-setting. 

Methodologies that emphasize creating difficult goals are far more likely to be successful and generate higher employee engagement.

In this article, we’ll show you how to use HARD goals to make a 5 year plan, as well as show you two 5 year plan examples.

A 5 year plan is a personal and/or professional list of goals that you want to achieve in the next 5 years. 

Oftentimes, 5 year plans include smaller, concrete goals, to help you achieve the larger goals on your list. 

For example, if a long-term goal is to buy a bigger house, then a smaller goal might include setting aside a certain amount of money each month to go toward a deposit on a home loan. 

Or, if one of your long-term goals is to be a certified nurse, then a smaller goal might include finding the best nursing program in your area or applying for a student loan.

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One of the best things about a 5 year plan is that it can significantly motivate you to create the life you want to live. Notice we said “create the life “ not just “achieve the goal.” A 5 year plan that works for you will be more effective if you think of your life holistically — how do you want to feel? What values will you be living? — as you create it. 

Whatever the specific goals you have in mind — whether it’s starting a business, becoming certified or developing expertise, competing in an event, having a child, or taking a big trip — a 5 year plan can help you move from dreaming into doing, wish into a reality. 

Here are some other benefits of creating a 5 year plan:

• It creates a starting point for a career, start-up idea, or personal goal . If you have a goal without a plan, it may not ever happen. But, if you know you want to be a real estate broker by 2026, you’re in a better position to start the process and take actionable steps to achieve that.
• It helps you stay focused and aligned with your ambitions, rather than your dreams constantly hanging out in the back seat. 
• It’s a consistent reminder of what you’re aiming toward, and what you need to do to get there. 

The trick is: keep your plan as visible as possible, make sure it’s what you deeply desire, and make sure your goals are specific, measurable, time-bound, and HARD. 

What should be included in a 5 year plan? 

Grab a pen and a piece of paper. Visualize your life 5 years from now, and write down everything you see without thinking or judging . If any fears, doubts, or negative emotions come up, that’s normal. The key is to ignore them and not attribute any meaning to them.

Use the following categories to help you write your complete brainstorm. 

How do you want your nutritional health , mental fitness , physical health , and mental health to look in 5 years?

Are you interested in being vegan? Do you want to lose weight? Do you want to start a yoga practice ? Would you like to regularly meet with a therapist? 

Relationships

Imagine your future professional relationships, friendships, and familial relationships. What do you want them to look like?

Do you want to join a networking group? Are you interested in starting a book club? Do you want to adopt a child? Do you want to take more trips with your partner?

Visualize your financial goals in these buckets: 

• Bills 
• Everyday expenses (i.e. groceries) 
• Flexible spending (i.e. entertainment) 
• Emergency savings 
• Goal savings 
• Investments 

What do you see?

Will you be contributing higher amounts to your 401(k)? Are you planning on saving for higher education? What do you want your emergency savings to look like? Do you want to save for a big trip?

Career/business

What are your career and business aspirations?

Do you picture yourself leading a huge team or an entire corporation? Do you want to be a digital nomad? Are you planning on starting a blog? 

The truth is, the world of business and how people buy and use goods and services is constantly changing — and fast. Don’t get hung up on roles and titles. Especially if you’re early in your career, you will discover career aspirations and opportunities that don’t even exist today. That being said, spend time thinking about what types of activities interest you, what type of environment you enjoy, what type of impact you want to make day-to-day.

If you’re feeling stuck about your career goals, consider:

• Taking career assessments
• Making a list of various career paths
• Finding the overlap between things you like and what companies are hiring for
• Working with mentors
• Building your network
• Creating your own job or business that lines up with your interests
• Listing your passions, values, skills, and interests, then finding or creating jobs that match some parts of the list

If you’re still unsure about your dream job, don’t worry. Go after jobs you’re interested in, learn from them, and eventually, you’ll come across pursuits you’re excited about. Many people also worry if they don’t have a passion. The reality is that pursuing interests and immersing yourself in the work is a good way to discover and develop passion . It’s also okay if you’re multi-passionate and interested in several jobs. 

Personal/spiritual/religious development

How do you want to grow personally and/or spiritually?

Are you interested in starting a home church? Do you want to work with a life coach or career coach? Do you want to meditate more? Would you like to start a gratitude or prayer practice? Do you want to build resilience ? 

Environment/organization/space/home

How do you picture your future environment?

Are you living in a tropical bungalow in Bali? Are you in a newly decorated and renovated home? Do you have a custom pool in your backyard? Are you living with your family to save money? Are you embracing minimalism?

Recreation/fun

What kinds of hobbies will you have in the future?

Will you be snowboarding every winter and surfing every summer? Are you interested in joining a soccer league? Do you want to take up cooking or art classes? 

Service/contribution

What kind of meaningful contribution would you like to be a part of?

Are you interested in volunteering for a vegetable co-op? Will you be tutoring kids on the weekends? Being a mentor ? Do you want to buy monthly groceries for one of your friends in need until they get back on their feet?

• Focus your plan
• Consider potential goals
• Determine your 'why?'
• Identify annual goals and create monthly goals
• Research how to reach your goals
• Adjust and revisit as needed

Here’s how to use your notes to create your plan:

1. Focus your plan

Take a look at your notes and decide which specific areas to focus on. 

You might decide that you’d rather focus on a few areas, like your health and career, or you might decide that you want to focus on all areas. 

Once you decide, grab a piece of paper for every area you plan to focus on and write the area of growth at the top of each. 

For example, if you decide just to focus on health and money, you’ll write ‘health’ at the top of your first paper and ‘money’ at the top of your second paper. 

2. Consider potential goals

Next, divide each paper into two columns. The left column will be for ‘goals,’ and the right column will be for ‘action steps’ or ‘skills.’ 

Then, decide which goals you want to achieve for each category. Remember that ‘specific’, ‘measurable’, and ‘time-bound’ are positive aspects of SMART goals. That said, the ‘achievable’ and ‘realistic’ aspects of SMART goals can deter you from going after more audacious goals. 

Challenge yourself to leave your comfort zone with HARD goals. 

This doesn’t mean setting goals with no chance of success. But, setting goals with, let’s say, a 50/50 chance of success is difficult and ambitious enough to give you a real sense of accomplishment when you succeed.

For example, on your ‘health’ paper, let’s say you decide to write the following in the ‘goals’ column: 

• Be more active
• Increase nutrients 

Then, you might write the following in the ‘action steps’ or ‘skills’ column: 

• Eat raw and organic fruits and vegetables three times a day 
• Walk for two hours a day
• Take a daily multivitamin and add superfoods to morning smoothies 

Next, decide between long-term and short term goals:

Review your list of goals. Decide which are better suited for short-term goals and which are better suited for long-term goals. 

For example, you might decide that being a teacher in Peru is a long-term goal while researching places to live in Peru is a short-term goal. You might start outlining your short- and long-term goals with a 30-60-90 day plan . 

3. Determine your ‘why?’

What’s your big ‘why?’ Why do you want to be a Teaching English Foreign Language (TEFL) teacher in Peru? 

Write your reason down and hang it in a place where you’ll see it daily. 

For example, “I want to be a TEFL teacher in Peru, so I can learn Spanish, help students develop their English skills, and fulfill my dream of exploring South America.”

4. Identify annual goals and create monthly goals

First, establish annual goals that will help you reach your 5 year goals. 

For example, if one of your 5 year goals is to adopt a child, then your first annual goal will probably consist of setting interviews with adoption agencies.

Next, break down your annual goals into monthly goals. 

For example, if your annual goal is becoming a TEFL teacher in Peru, your monthly breakdown could look like this:

• Month 1: Research reputable TEFL programs and set online appointments with TEFL advisors to decide which program you like best
• Months 2-3: Take your TEFL course, study for exams, and write essays
• Month 4: Take your final TEFL exam and wait for your certificate 
• Months 5: Edit your resume and look for a short TEFL internship
• Month 6: Intern with a TEFL academy and ask for feedback from your mentors
• Month 7: Create a lesson plan portfolio and start looking for jobs
• Month 8: Set up job interviews 
• Month 9-10: Land a job from one of your interviews and buy your plane tickets
• Month 11: Move to Peru, find a furnished apartment, and get to know your neighborhood
• Month 12: Start work at your new job as a TEFL teacher 

5. Research how to reach your goals

Next, research the best ways to reach your goals. 

If you plan on moving to Peru, are there some YouTube channels you can check out with tips on how to move? If you plan on creating a start-up, can you meet with some start-up experts that can mentor you? If you plan on learning how to bake macarons, is there a French macaron cookbook you can buy?

6. Adjust and revisit as needed

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. While the 5 year plan is designed to help you stay focused and persist despite bumps and detours, sometimes the unexpected is you.

As you start working on your goals, you may realize that your interests and passions don't quite align. This is where self-directed learning can help.

Plan for periodic review, reflection, and adjustment as part of life. If your long-range plan still feels right, zoom in to your monthly goals. Decide if your monthly goals are working or if you need to adjust them.

For example, you might find that trying to conduct online interviews with a Peruvian academy is impossible. So you could decide to fly out early to meet directors in person instead. 

You may also decide that creating weekly or even daily goals is essential to hitting your monthly goals.

Revisit and revise your plan as often as needed (at least once a year). You might be surprised at how fast you reach some goals while other goals might take a bit longer than expected.

Here's an example of a 5 year plan for a student interested in being a Certified Public Accountant (CPA):

Here’s a personal 5 year plan example for someone interested in becoming fluent in Spanish:

Creating a 5 year plan is one of the best ways to see your dreams come to life. 

At BetterUp, we love seeing individuals reach their fullest potential and achieve their dreams. Request a demo today to find out more.

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Maggie Wooll, MBA

Maggie Wooll is a researcher, author, and speaker focused on the evolving future of work. Formerly the lead researcher at the Deloitte Center for the Edge, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Princeton University and an MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Maggie is passionate about creating better work and greater opportunities for all.

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Ten 5-Year Plan Examples (For Inspiration)

A 5-year plan is a strategic outline that sets forth objectives, strategies, and actionable steps intended to be implemented over a five-year period. Its purpose is to achieve long-term goals, and is used by a wide range of people and organizations – from governments to businesses to individuals and couples.

Your plan should provide a clear roadmap and framework for achieving long-term objectives by breaking them down into actionable steps and milestones.

Begin crafting your 5-year plan by setting clear, specific, and measurable goals, then break them down into yearly, monthly, or even weekly actionable steps, ensuring each action aligns with the ultimate objectives and adjust as needed for flexibility and responsiveness to change.

How to Create a 5 Year Plan: Rules to Follow

Creating a 5-year plan involves a structured approach to identifying long-term goals and breaking them down into manageable, strategic steps. Here’s a generalized guide:

1. Define Clear Objectives Start by crystalizing your long-term aspirations and aims into defined objectives, ensuring that each goal adheres to the SMART criteria – being Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This foundational step provides a clear vision and purpose for your 5-year plan, acting as a guiding light throughout its duration.

2. Develop Actionable Steps Translate your long-term objectives into actionable steps, subdividing them across a logical timeline with distinct targets set for each year. This dissection of your overarching goals into smaller, tangible steps makes the goals seem more achievable and manageable and will help you to assess your progress along the way. You should have short-term goals that you can get started on immediately, which may be stepping stones along the way.

3. Implement and Monitor Embark on the journey by starting with the immediate or short-term actions that you set out in the previous steps. An ongoing monitoring process is important to ensure you are on track. Monitor on a regular basis (weekly, monthly, or quarterly) and make adjustments whenever needed to keep yourself on track.

4. Seek Feedback and Improve Continuously Actively seek feedback from mentors, peers, and professionals in your field, utilizing their insights to refine your strategies. Cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and be ready to adjust your path based on the knowledge and skills you acquire along the way. Maintain a growth mindset and stay adaptable to changes and new opportunities that may arise. Ensuring consistency in your actions and staying persistently focused on your objectives will build momentum towards your goals.

5. Celebrate Milestones Regularly acknowledge and celebrate achieved milestones, as this not only provides a motivational boost but also ensures that you’re recognizing and valuing your progress. One of the big upsides of having milestones in your 5-year plan is that you can measure progress by watching milestones tumble as you progress. Celebrate it!

Remember, periodic evaluations of your plan’s effectiveness are crucial. It’s vital to stay willing to modify your goals and strategies based on the insights gained during the implementation phase and any evolving external circumstances.

5 Year Plan Examples

1. recent highschool graduate.

Goal: “Within 5 years, I will achieve an entry-level job in my career of choice. To get there, I will need to excel at university and graduate with a strong resume.”

• Year 1: Enroll in higher education, secure part-time work or an internship, and join related clubs for networking.
• Year 2: Focus on specialized courses, gain practical experience through internships, and attend industry events.
• Year 3: Assume leadership in campus organizations, initiate career-related projects, and enhance your professional portfolio.
• Year 4: Complete degree, gain advanced experience via internships, and start a comprehensive job search in the desired field.
• Year 5: Secure entry-level position, seek continuous learning opportunities, and explore potential career advancement pathways.

2. Teaching College Student

Goal: “My 5 year goal is to be an employed educator in my preferred subject of teaching. This requires me to graduate with a quality education degree, gain valuable teaching experiences, and network with educators and professionals.”

• Year 1: Enroll in related training and coursework, join education-focused clubs on campus, and look for volunteer opportunities in educational settings.
• Year 2: Narrow down a focus in your preferred subject, get practical training through tutoring or assistant teaching, and attend educational conferences or seminars.
• Year 3: Engage in student teaching placements, initiate a project or research in your area of interest, and start networking by attending education career fairs.
• Year 4: Complete degree with a focus on courses relevant to your preferred subject, gain further experience via internships or student teaching, and prepare for teacher certification exams.
• Year 5: Pass the teacher certification exam, secure a teaching position, and seek professional development opportunities for continual learning and growth.

3. Business College Student

Goal: “In 5 years, I aim to secure an entry-level management position in my desired industry. I’ll need to graduate from a strong business program, gain practical work and leadership experience, and build my professional network.”

• Year 1: Enroll in pertinent business courses, seek out internships, and join business-oriented clubs and organizations on campus.
• Year 2: Focus on core business classes like finance, marketing, and operations, and secure summer internships. Attend networking events and workshops.
• Year 3: Pursue specialized business courses based on your area of interest, take on leadership roles in campus organizations, and work on a project related to your chosen business sector.
• Year 4: Finish degree with high grades, pursue an industry-aligned internship, and begin building a comprehensive job search strategy.
• Year 5: Secure an entry-level business position, start networking within your chosen industry, and pursue opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement.

4. Young Couple in their 20s

Goal: “In 5 years, we aim to be financially stable, advance in our respective careers, and perhaps start a family. This will require careful financial planning, professional growth, and personal development.”

• Year 1: Outline joint financial goals, start saving a certain percentage of income, and take roles that offer career growth.
• Year 2: Focus on upgrading necessary skills for job advancement, look for investment opportunities, and start discussing and planning for family expansion.
• Year 3: Check progress against career goals , increase savings and investments, and incorporate family planning into lifestyle decisions.
• Year 4: Evaluate career advancement, reassess financial standing, and prepare personally and financially for the potential addition of a family member.
• Year 5: Consolidate career positions, ensure financial stability, and consider starting a family, based on personal circumstances and readiness.

5. Married Couple in their 30s

Goal: “In 5 years, we aim to have substantial savings for downpayment on a house, secure strong positions in our respective jobs, and raise a well-adjusted family. This will require continuous financial planning, career progression, and balanced family life.”

• Year 1: Re-evaluate financial goals and plans, remain committed to career advancement, and take proactive measures for work-life balance .
• Year 2: Implement changes to career paths if needed, continue regular savings for house and emergency fund, and ensure a healthy balance between work hours and family time.
• Year 3: Evaluate career growth and make adjustments as necessary, increase savings for the house purchase, and start considering suitable neighbourhoods/schools for family life.
• Year 4: Secure strong positions in chosen careers, maintain a growing saving fund, and begin house hunting while ensuring the emotional and educational needs of the family are met.
• Year 5: Finalize the savings for the house down payment, ensure job stability, purchase a house, and aim for a balanced family life with time for personal and professional growth .

6. Couple in their late 50s

Goal: “In 5 years, we aim to transition smoothly into retirement, secure our financial futures, and spend quality time with our loved ones. This will require financial planning, health management, and nurturing personal interests.”

• Year 1: Evaluate financial standing and retirement savings, work to finalize career commitments, and pursue healthy lifestyle habits.
• Year 2: Work on increasing retirement savings, plan succession in the job, and start exploring interests that could be pursued post-retirement.
• Year 3: Review financial plans with a financial advisor to ensure a comfortable retirement, begin passing on important career responsibilities, and develop further hobbies and interests.
• Year 4: Smooth transition out of working life, finalize retirement funds, and invest in health by joining wellness courses or activities.
• Year 5: Fully retire, manage retirement funds wisely, retain active social life through hobbies, interests, and family, and ensure regular health check-ups.

7. Early Career Professional

Goal: “In 5 years, I aim to be in a leadership position within my industry. This will require professional development, networking, and a strategic approach to my career progression.”

• Year 1: Set clear career goals, seek mentorship, and start building a strong professional network.
• Year 2: Pursue opportunities to advance skills, whether through on-the-job training or further education, and deepen industry connections.
• Year 3: Take on more significant responsibilities within your role, start attending industry conferences, and pivot your career path if necessary based on market trends.
• Year 4: Seek roles with increasing responsibilities, continue professional education to stay updated, and expand your influence within your professional network.
• Year 5: Secure a leadership role in your industry, continually update your skill-set to stay competitive, and solidify your position within your professional network.

8. New Business Goals

Goal: “In 5 years, our cafe will be a profitable, beloved local establishment, having expanded to a second location. This will require dedicated work in customer service, marketing, and business strategy.”

• Year 1: Have a strong start with rigorous staff training, dedicated customer service, and an aggressive marketing plan to establish the brand.
• Year 2: Consolidate operations through the refinement of offerings based on customer feedback, intensify local marketing efforts, and aim to break even financially.
• Year 3: Enhance customer loyalty through reward programs and community events, initiate a profit-making plan, and start considering expansion ideas.
• Year 4: Achieve a consistent profit margin, continue focusing on customer satisfaction while building a strong presence in the community, and start finalizing plans for a second location.
• Year 5: Expand to a second location, ensure both cafes are profitable, and continuously work on the upkeep of quality, and customer engagement.

9. Mentorship Goals

Goal: “In 5 years, I aspire to have positively influenced numerous individuals in their personal and professional development. This will require continuous learning, networking, and enhancing my mentoring skills.”

• Year 1: Understand your mentees’ needs, develop personalized mentoring strategies, and also focus on continuous learning.
• Year 2: Improve mentoring skills through workshops and certifications, increase your network of professionals and keep up-to-date with industry trends.
• Year 3: Offer mentees opportunities for exposure and growth within your network, seek feedback on your mentoring, and adjust strategies as necessary.
• Year 4: Nurture long-term relationships with mentees, measure the impact of your mentoring, and seek new mentees, if capacity allows.
• Year 5: Expand your mentoring practice by possibly writing a book, starting a blog, or hosting workshops based on your experiences and successes. Be proud of the positive impact you’ve made and continue refining your mentoring strategies.

See More Goals for Mentorship Here

10. Retirement Goals

Goal: “In 5 years, I aim to be comfortably retired, leveraging my savings for a stable financial future, and enjoying my interests and hobbies. This will require smart financial handling, health management, and personal development.”

• Year 1: Finalize retirement savings and plans, tie up loose ends at work, and identify hobbies and pursuits of interest for your retirement years.
• Year 2: Begin to transition out of work life and into retirement, adjusting your lifestyle to match your post-retirement budget. Start to engage more actively in hobbies and pursuits.
• Year 3: Officially enter retirement, reorganize your finances as needed, and continue to invest time in personal interests and social activities.
• Year 4: Ensure your funds are being managed wisely based on your lifestyle, maintain a balanced schedule with activities that bring you joy and keep you healthy.
• Year 5: Continue to monitor financial status and adjust spending as needed, stay active by finding new hobbies and interests, and seek opportunities for lifelong learning and growth.

See Also: 10 Year Goals Examples

Before you Go

To get started with your goalsetting, I recommend using the SMART Goals format. Here’s a printable template I’ve provided for you:

Get the Google Docs Template Here

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• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Social-Emotional Learning (Definition, Examples, Pros & Cons)
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Writing a 5-Year Plan: Best Tips & Examples to Get You Started

Last Updated: April 16, 2024 Fact Checked

Creating a 5-Year Plan

What is a 5-year plan, benefits of a 5-year plan, sample 5-year plans, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Shannon O'Brien is the Founder and Principal Advisor of Whole U. (a career and life strategy consultancy based in Boston, MA). Through advising, workshops and e-learning Whole U. empowers people to pursue their life's work and live a balanced, purposeful life. Shannon has been ranked as the #1 Career Coach and #1 Life Coach in Boston, MA by Yelp reviewers. She has been featured on Boston.com, Boldfacers, and the UR Business Network. She received a Master's of Technology, Innovation, & Education from Harvard University. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 788,856 times.

If you have ideas for things you want to accomplish in your life, a 5-year plan can help you get to where you want to go. A 5-year plan allows you to plot out specific, concrete steps that will help you create the life you envision—but how do you get started? We talked to life and career coach Shannon O'Brien for tips on how you can get your life on track with a 5-year plan.

Writing an Achievable 5-Year Plan

• Visualize yourself in 5 years. Note the changes that need to happen to get you there.
• Find your "why"—the reason you want to accomplish these goals.
• Learn what resources and knowledge you need to accomplish your goals.
• Create specific, measurable short-term goals to work toward your larger goals.

• Think about improvements you might like to see in areas like your health, relationships, career, family, community, religion or spirituality, or hobbies and recreation.
• For example, if you see yourself as a physically fit person running in a marathon, you might design a health-focused 5-year plan with the goal of getting in shape and starting a regular running training program.
• If you're working on a career-focused 5-year plan, you might create a fictional résumé for yourself in 5 years. This helps make the goals you set along the path to success more concrete. Just don't submit your fictional résumé for a job opening! [2] X Research source
• HARD goals are things that you can't imagine life without. If you didn't achieve these things, you would feel as though something was missing in your life. [4] X Research source

• For example, if you want to become more physically fit , your first answer might be so that you feel better about your body. But if you keep digging, you might find that what you're really concerned about is being around and being healthy for your family. Your family is your core value.
• For example, if you have a 5-year goal of running in a marathon, running a 5K wouldn't be a suitable goal for Year 1. There are many Couch-to-5K programs that can be completed in 30 days, so that goal wouldn't be challenging enough.
• For example, if your 5-year goal is to run a marathon, your short-term goals would likely involve running shorter distances, or running a shorter distance at or under a specific time.
• Choose goals that are based on your performance, not on the outcome. These are more specific and measurable. For example, rather than setting a goal of being fluent in a language, you might set a goal to learn 10 new words every day. [11] X Research source
• For example, if you have a goal related to physical fitness, you might need to buy a gym membership or hire a personal trainer.
• Some goals might require you to learn things. For example, if one of your goals is to teach English in Venezuela, you might need to learn Spanish first.
• You might hang a copy of your 5-year plan in your bathroom so you can reflect on it while you're getting ready in the morning, or near your desk so you'll see it while you're working.
• Don't be shy about your 5-year plan—share it with friends and colleagues who can cheer you on, help motivate you to achieve your goals, and hold you accountable.
• For example, what if your 5-year plan was to run a marathon, but you're running half-marathons with ease after 1 year of training? It's not going to take you 5 years to get ready for the marathon, so you might revise it to a 2- or 3-year goal.
• Sometimes you'll also want to revise your plan due to a change in circumstances beyond your control. For example, you'd likely scrap your 5-year plan to pay off your student loans if the federal government announced all student loans were being forgiven.
• The most important thing to remember about a 5-year plan is that it's never set in stone. A lot can happen in 5 years, so it could be that everything in your plan will change.
• The point of the plan is to show a way that you can achieve your goal, even if it ends up not being the way you ultimately get there.
• Any 5-year plan tends to center around your goals, but goals and plans are two very different things. Your goals are what you want to achieve while your plan is like a roadmap that tells you how you're going to get there. [16] X Research source
• Your plan's flexibility also helps motivate you because you aren't as worried about being derailed if you hit a snag. Because you have the big picture in mind, you know you can work through any challenges that come your way.
• If your plan includes a goal that other people are involved in, the plan also gives those people clarity on what they need to do to achieve the goal collectively.
• You don't have to wonder if the next steps you're taking are leading in the right direction because you've already plotted the whole thing out.
• A clear path also enables you to see how to quickly regroup and get headed toward reaching your goal again if you become sidetracked.
• The plan also allows you to see the whole path clearly so you can understand how each small step that you make is gradually getting you closer to achieving your goal.
• For example, if you have a 5-year plan to become partner of your firm, you might take on projects that set you apart from your colleagues or actively pursue promotions. This gives you more control than if you just waited for the higher-ups to notice you.
• When you're plotting out your 5-year plan, you'll naturally think about stumbling blocks that might arise. Then, you can figure out what you'll do to get around them if they do come up.
• With a 5-year plan, you'll feel like you're on top of things because you have all of the details mapped out. Taking care of the details like this allows you to see the big picture and celebrate all the small accomplishments that eventually lead to major success.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://students.carleton.ca/log/five-year-plan/
• ↑ https://capd.mit.edu/resources/creating-your-five-year-plan/
• ↑ https://public.summaries.com/files/samples/hard-goals.pdf
• ↑ Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM. Life & Career Coach. Expert Interview. 24 September 2021.
• ↑ https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/personal-goals.html
• ↑ https://www.mindtools.com/a5ykiuq/personal-goal-setting
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-cross-examined-life/202401/learn-first-plan-later-drafting-a-useful-five-year-plan
• ↑ https://www.berkeleywellbeing.com/my-10-year-plan.html
• ↑ https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2010-04488-003
• ↑ https://www.mindtools.com/blog/whats-the-point-of-business-plannin-benefits-of-a-5-year-business-plan/

About This Article

To write a five year plan, come up with some goals that are as specific as possible, which will make them easier to track. For example, instead of saying "I want to be making more money," you could say "I want my salary to increase by 15 percent." Once you've made a list of goals, write out a plan for achieving each one. Also, break your goals up into a series of short-term goals so that you feel like you're accomplishing things along the way. For help choosing goals and working toward achieving them, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Develop a 5-Year Career Plan

• Mary McNevin, Ed. D.

Stop setting annual goals, and start thinking longer term.

Having a long-term plan for your career can help you reduce career-related stress, increase your perceived employability, and allow you to connect more deeply with your purpose. But how do you move beyond yearly career goals and create a five-year plan?

• Brainstorm. Start by thinking about how you want your career to develop and what you need to do to get there. This requires self-reflection. You’ll need to identify your primary goal, your passions, how your existing skills contribute to both those things, and your areas for improvement.
• Gather feedback. We’re not aways the best judges of our own capabilities and strengths. That’s why it can be important early in your planning process to gather feedback from your superiors, mentors, and peers. They may help you discover career opportunities you never considered for yourself, clue you into strengths you may be overlooking, and share insights regarding your areas for growth and development.
• Map it out. After doing some self-reflection and gathering feedback, it’s time to organize the information you’ve collected. Consider keeping track of your plan in PowerPoint. For example, slide 1 should outline the career goals you identified in your self-reflection. Slide 2 should list out the skills you already have and the ones you would need to achieve your ultimate career goals. Slide 3 should highlight the development activities you plan to pursue over the next five years to help you achieve your goals. And slide 4 should present all of the possible obstacles that might prevent you from achieving your goal and how to address those challenges.
• Iterate. Unlike year-long goal setting, the process of creating a five-year plan is never complete. One way to ensure you’re keeping your plan updated is to set a quarterly calendar reminder. This will help you address any new developments in your life or career and make changes where necessary.

“Where do you see yourself in five years?”

• MM Mary McNevin, Ed. D. is an executive coach, talent advisor, and former CLO and talent executive. She is a growth-oriented talent management executive with 20+ years of experience in learning, talent management, succession planning, and strategy development. Dr. McNevin earned her doctorate (EdD) from the University of Pennsylvania through an interdisciplinary program between the Graduate School of Education and the Wharton School of Business. Her dissertation focused on Executive Coaching in the C-suite. Dr. McNevin also holds an MBA from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and an MS in Education from the University of Pennsylvania.

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• How to Answer “Where Do You...

How to Answer “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”

7 min read · Updated on March 25, 2021

Even if you don't know where you see yourself in five years, there's a right way to answer this question during an interview.

“Where do you see yourself in five years?”

There is perhaps no interview question as daunting or mind-numbing. No worries, though — hiring managers and employers aren't concerned with your actual plans. When asking this question, an interviewer isn't expecting you to know 100 percent where you see yourself in the future, but they do want to know if you have ambition, goals, focus, and drive. They want to know you've at least considered your future and what you'd like to accomplish.

Why hiring managers ask these types of interview questions

So, if hiring managers don't actually care about your path in 1,820 days, why do they ask this silly question? Well, asking "Where do you see yourself in five years?" is more about getting insight into your hopes, aspirations and goals for the next few years. Interviewers ask about objectives you have set to give them an inside look into how you operate and structure your thoughts. The interviewer wants to understand more about your career goals and how their position would fit into your grand plan. Companies want trustworthy, detail-oriented, and dedicated team members who are willing to take a leap — not a noncommittal employee who is only sticking around until a better opportunity arises elsewhere.

Hiring managers may pose this common interview question in different ways.Below are a few examples of similar job interview questions that aim to uncover the same information:

What are your long-term career goals?

What is your ideal dream job at this stage in your career?

What are you looking for?

How do you define success?

What is most important to you in your career?

What is your five-year plan?

What is your goal in the next five years?

Where will you be in five years?

Before the interview

Preparing for "where do you see yourself in five years".

No one has a crystal ball and knows where they will be in five years, and the hiring manager is aware of this. They are not looking for you to lay out a specific plan, detailing everything you are going to do. Instead, focus on what your dreams are, where you would like to take your career path next, and how you plan to do this. Also, be sure to focus on how you plan to help the company. Hiring managers want candidates who will add value to the team and help advance the company. And don't forget to be realistic — hiring managers are as likely to reject a far-fetched idea just as quickly as no idea at all.

Think about the answer to this question ahead of time. Consider practicing your response out loud with a trusted friend so you can hear yourself speak and make tweaks if needed. While developing your answer, keep in mind what the hiring manager or interviewer wants to know when they ask you this question: your work-related goals, ambitions, desired training, and so on. What type of positions do you see yourself occupying? What type of training? Are you interested in leadership positions, or would you like to keep your focus on the technical aspects of your work? Provide quantifiable answers when possible.

Write out your five-year plan. While it's hard to know exactly what you'll be doing or where you'll be in five years, try visualizing and imagining where you would love to be, the type of culture you'd like to be in, the types of positions you'd like to maintain, the type of experience and accomplishments you'd like to have had, and so on. Take these items into consideration and then make a list of them with a roadmap as to how you'll achieve them. This will help you share where you see yourself in five years from an honest and thoughtful perspective.

During the interview

Answering "where do you see yourself in five years".

When answering this question, be honest and be yourself. Sharing what you think the interviewer wants to hear may seem like a good idea, but if it's out of alignment with your truth, you can get in trouble down the road if you do get hired. Plus, it's much easier to be yourself than to try to be someone you're not.

Also, keep your answer specific and work-related. The interviewer doesn't need to know that you plan on having two kids and a white picket fence in five years. In fact, if you do share this, they might hear, "I'm going to be taking a lot of time off from work to take care of my kids after they're born. Work is not my priority." It might seem unfair, but it's true. Keep your answers to-the-point and about your work goals and visions.

An example response:

Let's say you're interviewing for an HR position at an organization and are asked, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" You might answer as follows:

"In five years I would like to expand my horizons by jumping in feet first and learning as much as I can, as quickly as I can, with the organization. From there, I'd seek out opportunities — at least one to two a year — to expand my knowledge through training and educational opportunities to support my job. I'd love to participate in at least one project geared toward leadership training, if the opportunity arises. I also understand that the organization has a strong volunteer team, and I'd like to be an active participant of that team, as well. At some point, I'd also like to be considered for a supervisory or management level role."

Keep it primarily work-related, show ambition, show that you've done your homework, and provide quantifiable long term goals. The key is to be confident, honest, clear, and succinct, and, of course, to answer the question.

What not to say when answering "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

While it's important to understand the right way to answer, it's also good to keep in mind what an interviewer does not want to hear when they ask you, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" In short, be careful how you answer this popular interview question, and try to avoid answers like this: 

That you plan on a short-term tenure with the company. If an organization is going to invest time and resources in you, they want to believe you'll be with them for the long haul or at least five years. Employees may now be spending less time in a role before moving on, but you definitely don't want to let the cat out of the bag that you don't plan on being with the organization for very long (unless you're interviewing for a temporary position).

That you haven't given any thought to your future with the company or life in general. Whatever you do, do not respond, “I don't know.” If the answer doesn't come to you at first, take a few seconds to think about how you have grown over the last five years. Consider the natural flow of progression and formulate an answer. Again, one of the main reasons this question is asked is to find out if you have goals and are excited about your prospective future with the company. They also want to know that you have ambition and a good work ethic and that you've considered how you might handle your work if you were to be hired.

That you want their position. Yes, the interviewer wants to know you're ambitious, but you don't want to let it be known that you're very eager to move up and see yourself in their position, especially if it's a small company where such opportunities are few and far between.

The chances are good that you'll be asked this question at some point during your career. Luckily, now you know you've got the skills to answer with a slam dunk. 

Before you can answer this question, make sure your resume is getting you the interviews. Check your resume with a free review today by one of our career experts. 

Recommended Reading:

How Should I Answer "Tell Me About Yourself" During the Job Interview?

Talking About Your Short and Long-Term Goals During The Interview

How to Answer “Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?” — Even if You Got Fired

Related Articles:

Is It an Interview or Not? Interview Tips for Either Way

What Kind of Job Candidate Are You?

How to Ace an Interview With a Little Help From a Friend

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Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Diversity — The Path to my Future: My Life in Five Years

The Path to My Future: My Life in Five Years

• Categories: Diversity

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Words: 650 |

Published: Mar 8, 2024

Words: 650 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

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Personal development, career goals, social circle, philanthropy.

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20 Smart Answers: “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”

By Status.net Editorial Team on April 10, 2023 — 10 minutes to read

Why Do They Ask This Question?

When you’re asked “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?,” the interviewer wants to gain insight into your career aspirations, personal goals, and how you envision growing within the company or industry. This question also helps interviewers understand whether your long-term goals align with the opportunities that the company or job may provide.

Before you go into the interview, take some time to reflect on what you genuinely want to achieve in the next five years. Consider the following aspects:

• Areas you wish to specialize in or skills you want to refine
• Leadership opportunities you’d like to explore
• Professional certifications or training programs you plan to complete
• Any goals related to the company’s values or industry trends

Understanding your own goals will help you create a truthful and thoughtful response that showcases your ambition and commitment to personal growth. Moreover, demonstrating how you plan to utilize and develop the skills gained in this role will show the interviewer that you’re a good fit for the company.

It’s important to remember that your answer should be tailored to the specific position or industry you’re interviewing for. You want to show the interviewer that your long-term goals are a natural progression from the job you’re applying for. Feel free to express enthusiasm for the company, industry, or role, but avoid making unrealistic claims or commitments.

Tips for Structuring Your Answer

Being honest in your response means sharing your true career aspirations, while still trying to keep your goals realistic and attainable within the company. Your response might include the following aspects:

• Specific job titles or roles you aspire to reach
• Skills you plan to develop or improve
• Any certifications, trainings, or educational goals you intend to achieve

Be Adaptable

Show flexibility in your answer by acknowledging that change is inevitable and that you’re willing to adapt to the company’s needs as well as your own professional growth. You can tell your interviewer that you’re open to new opportunities within the organization.

• Highlight your ability to learn new skills and take on new challenges
• Discuss how you can grow within the company and contribute to its success
• Emphasize your willingness to embrace change and adapt as needed

Show Your Commitment

• Express how you see your professional growth aligned with the company’s goals
• Discuss the ways you intend to contribute meaningfully to the organization
• Reiterate your excitement to be part of the company’s future

Addressing Uncertainty

It’s natural to feel uncertain about your future, especially when asked to predict where you will be in five years. However, using some strategies, you can form a thoughtful response that communicates your aspirations and adaptability.

Firstly, consider discussing your long-term goals in broad terms. Even if you’re unsure about the specifics, try to focus on the direction you’d like your career to move. For example, mention professional growth opportunities or attribute you’d like to develop. This approach demonstrates ambition without being too rigid.

Example: “In five years, I hope to have built on my skills and gained more responsibility within this company. I’m eager to learn from experienced team members and eventually take on leadership roles.”

Secondly, when you are not entirely sure about the exact positions or steps, you can emphasize a growth mindset. Talk about continuously improving and adapting to changing situations, which would show that you’re flexible and resilient.

• Constant learning
• Embrace challenges
• Adapt to change

Example: “I’m committed to continually expanding my knowledge and improving, which is why I’m enthusiastic about your company’s focus on innovation. Wherever I see myself in five years, I’ll be ready to adapt and grow.”

If future possibilities are vague, mention that you’re open to exploring various paths or contributing to different projects. Clarify that you’re excited to work with the company and discover opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

Example: “I’m excited about the wide range of projects your company is involved in. While I may not know the precise role I’ll fill in five years, I’m eager to contribute to a company like yours and find my unique path.”

Setting Realistic Goals

When crafting your answer to the oft-dreaded question, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”, it’s crucial to set realistic goals. Establishing achievable objectives demonstrates not only your ambition but also your clarity about what it takes to advance your career and thrive in the company.

One way to set realistic goals is to consider the job role and how it aligns with your long-term aspirations. Analyze the job description and requirements, and think about how they fit with your personal growth plans. Start by identifying the necessary steps to progress in the company or your field, and incorporate them into your answer. Here are some tips to help you:

• Reflect on the skills or experience you need to acquire in the next five years. For example, perhaps you’ll need to complete a specific certification or training to advance in your industry. Mention this in your response, acknowledging the importance of self-development and continuous learning.
• Consider potential career paths within the company. Research and identify possible roles you might transition into, ensuring your answer aligns with the organization’s structure and growth opportunities. This demonstrates a commitment to the company and its future.
• Think about your personal life and how it may impact your career trajectory. It’s essential to recognize that your personal circumstances could play a role in determining your career path over the next five years. By balancing work and personal life, you can set realistic expectations for yourself and your employer.

As you formulate your response, keep in mind that it’s perfectly normal to not have an exact plan for the next five years. However, it’s crucial to demonstrate a strong work ethic, flexibility, and willingness to learn and grow within your role and the company.

Aligning with Company Vision

It’s also useful to consider the company’s vision and values. Doing so shows interviewers that you have done your research and genuinely care about the potential role you might play in the organization’s future.

Take some time to familiarize yourself with the company’s mission statement and objectives. Visit their website, read up on any press releases, and research the history and recent accomplishments. This information will give you a solid foundation to align your long-term career goals with the organization’s vision.

Next, reflect on your personal values and career aspirations to find a meaningful connection with the company’s ethos. Use your research to identify opportunities for growth within the organization and emphasize how your contribution can serve as a catalyst for furthering their mission.

• Review the job description thoroughly and understand the key responsibilities and required skills.
• Reflect on your unique strengths and how they can contribute to the role and the company’s success.
• Think about possible career milestones within the role and how they align with your long-term goals.
• Consider the company’s projects or initiatives you would like to be involved in or lead, helping the organization grow and evolve in the future.
• Prepare to communicate these points with confidence and enthusiasm during the interview.

An example of a well-aligned response could be:

“In five years, I see myself holding a leadership role within your company’s marketing department, where I can contribute to the development and execution of successful marketing strategies. I’m especially excited about the potential opportunity to work on your company’s sustainability initiatives, as I believe strongly in environmentally-conscious business practices.”

Focusing on Skills and Growth

When answering the question “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”, focusing on skills and growth is an excellent approach. This shows employers that you’re dedicated to improving yourself professionally and highlights your commitment to the role you’re applying for.

Improving Current Skillset

Identify the key skills relevant to the job you’re seeking, and consider how you can enhance these skills over time: this can include further training, mentorship, or hands-on experience.

For example, you might say something like:

“In the next five years, I plan to hone my expertise in project management. I would like to collaborate on more complex projects and learn from experienced professionals in the field. I also plan to pursue a certification in Agile methodologies to streamline processes and deliver higher-quality results.”

This answer demonstrates your ambition, as well as a desire to contribute positively to the organization.

Acquiring New Skills

Besides improving your current skillset, it’s important to consider acquiring new skills. Employers appreciate candidates who are adaptable and committed to their professional development. Think about which additional skills could help you be more effective in your role or support the company’s goals.

“I am eager to learn more about data analysis tools like SQL and Python to inform and optimize our marketing strategies. I believe this will allow me to contribute more effectively to data-driven decision-making within the team and help the company achieve its larger objectives.”

“In the next five years, I plan to become an expert in Python programming and machine learning. I’m committed to taking courses and attending workshops to expand my skillset, which I believe will be an asset to your company’s tech team.”

“My goal is to develop my skills and expertise in this field, and in five years, I hope to have become an expert in my area of work and be recognized as a thought leader in the industry.”

Leadership-Focused Examples

Discussing your aspirations for a leadership role demonstrates your interest in taking on responsibility and driving teams to succeed. Emphasize your ability to guide others and create a positive work environment:

“As someone with a passion for teamwork and collaboration, I see myself in a leadership position in the next five years. I’m eager to mentor junior colleagues and help foster their professional growth, while also contributing to the overall success of the company.”

“In five years, I see myself as a senior member of this organization, having taken on more leadership responsibilities and contributing to the growth of the company.”

Career-Focused Examples

“In five years, I see myself in a mid-level management position within the marketing department. I plan on using the next few years to further develop my skills in marketing strategy and data analysis, and I truly believe this company is the perfect place to grow and achieve those goals.”

“I am excited about the opportunity to learn and grow in this role, and in five years, I hope to have taken on new challenges and responsibilities within the company.”

“I am passionate about making a positive impact in the world, and in five years, I see myself working on projects that have a tangible impact on people’s lives and the environment.”

“In five years, I hope to have built strong relationships with my colleagues and clients, and have a reputation for being a reliable and trustworthy partner in business.”

“I am committed to continuous learning and personal growth, and in five years, I hope to have completed additional training and certifications that will help me progress in my career.”

“I am excited about the potential for innovation and new technologies in this field, and in five years, I hope to have contributed to the development of new products or services that can benefit our customers.”

“In five years, I see myself in a leadership role within the company, mentoring and coaching others to help them achieve their full potential.”

“In five years, I hope to have made a significant impact in this company and have grown both professionally and personally. I see myself taking on more responsibility and leadership roles, while continuing to develop my skills and expertise in my field. Ultimately, I would like to be seen as a valuable asset to the company and contribute to its continued success.”

“In five years, I see myself having made a meaningful impact in this industry and having established myself as a thought leader and expert in my field. I am someone who is constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve, and I hope to have brought new ideas and approaches to the table that have helped move the industry forward. I also hope to have built a strong network of contacts and collaborators who share my passion for this work.”

“In five years, I see myself having built a successful and fulfilling career in this industry, while also maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I believe that it’s important to have a sense of purpose and meaning in one’s work, but also to prioritize personal relationships and hobbies outside of work. I hope to have found that balance and to be living a life that feels both rewarding and fulfilling.”

Your answer doesn’t need to be set in stone or overly specific; instead, focus on showcasing your skills, growth potential, and flexibility in the ever-evolving professional landscape.

To summarize:

• Align your goals with the company’s objectives
• Emphasize your desire for growth and development

Crafting the perfect response takes time, so give yourself an opportunity to reflect and practice before your interview.

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Five Year Plan, Essay Example

Pages: 3

Words: 772

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First Semester

• Skills seminar
• Information literacy
• Computer technology
• Anatomy, physiology
• Medical terminology

Second Semester

• Laboratory technique
• Medical reimbursement
• Office administratio
• College math
• Medical emergency

Third Semester

• Career development
• Law and ethics
• Laboratory techniques
• Medical billing
• Clinical office proc.
• English composition

Fourth Semester

• Semester psychosocial
• Microbiology
• Word processing
• Art and science elective
• Medical assisting

In order to successfully job hunt and network it is important to utilize the education that has aided in the personal preparation. I will achieve my desired position in the healthcare field from the knowledge gained from the four semesters outlined above. First semester will cover freshman skills seminar which will briefly outlines the expectations of what we will learn over the course of our education. Information literacy will help in the identification of information and the ability to locate, evaluation, and efficiently utilize what we have learned. The fundamentals of computer technology are important for achieving my job as well. Computers are utilized in every field and having an adequate knowledge of how to use them is important. Anatomy and physiology is learning the functioning of self. This is the self being of action and reaction. The last course of the first semester is medical terminology. This is where I will learn the proper terminologies and meanings of terms used in the medical field.

The second semester I will learn about laboratory techniques. This is important in understanding biological methods. Medical reimbursement will cover the funding and details in securing payment for services. Medical office administration addresses the details in running a medical office. This included the medical terminologies and specifics necessary to successfully run an office. College math will also help with achieving any desired job I pursue; it will also help with life in general. Understanding math is important in business, as the bottom line in any field is typically determined by numbers. Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their effects on the human body. This is the basic understanding of the modes of actions of drugs. Lastly, I will use my knowledge in medical emergency for allied health professionals. This will aid me in addressing any medical emergency that may arise in my professional field.

The third semester will help me achieve my desired career in several areas. The career development seminar covers personal development for my chosen field. It shows the details and benefits of many different avenues. Laws and ethics for healthcare professionals is a vital class for my future. There are many ethical issues that will arise and knowing how to address them is important. The laws are also important to knowing the guidelines of my medical career. Laboratory techniques will help me know the correct way to utilize data and avoid potentially dangerous outcomes. Medical billing will cover the coding and proper procedures for ensuring payment. Clinical office procedures will aid me in understanding the necessities of running an office. I will learn the right and wrong way for implementing office procedures. Lastly, English composition, this is important for any career and life in general. Being able properly articulate in a manner that comes across both professional and educated is something that will be vital in my career search.

The fourth semester will aid in my future job search in many different areas as well. The psychosocial aspects of healthcare address certain areas of illness and disability along with chronic illnesses and rehabilitation. Microbiology for allied health professionals provided an understanding for the principles of immunology and microbiology. This is important for being able to handle infectious disease and the systematic approach for handling it. Word processing is important in business as well. This is used for producing and storing written text and most businesses used some type of Microsoft product for handling business. The art and science elective is good for general knowledge in a liberal arts field. Lastly the medical assistant externship will allow me to gain a hands on experience in my given career field.

I will take several steps to successfully find the job I am looking for. First I will utilize the resources available at the university to find potential openings in my chosen career field. Having an inside recommendation from a school or professor could have a lot of weight in getting an interview. I would also make a list of potential positions from job search engines such as career builder and the local paper. I will then create a cover letter summarizing my experience and education based on the requirements of the job. Once I have my resume and cover letter complete, I will take it to the potential employers. Following up after they have had time to review it will hopefully land me several interviews. I then will have the option to chose which one best suits my future career endeavors.

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10-Year Life Plan Essay

Educational plan, lifestyle plan, works cited.

Planning ten years of my life seems like a kind of challenge now. We can’t predict what will happen to us after several months. However, I believe that great success is impossible without personal motivation and clearly defined goals. Thus, my life plan essay should start with a clear objective.

In ten years, I want to own an event company that can be the best in its field. I have always been fascinated with this idea. The following 10-year life plan essay will consist of three parts that can help me structure my future and achieve all my goals.

I would like to organize great performances at different events every day. Can you imagine a holiday that never ends? And this will be my work. I will make people happier. Now I need to plan all the steps to help me achieve my dream.

The first step of the way of my goal’s achievement is education. My education will be done at the University of Nevada, where I am planning to study hospitality management as a major and event management as a minor. I am sure of the importance of hard study for my future work. I need to get at least a 3.5 GPA. The multiple locations can help me gain a diversified background and extend my knowledge.

Therefore, I want to do some internship while studying. Perhaps, I will visit different countries to explore the modern tendencies of business start and its future development. Swope says: “I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure, which is: “Try to please everybody” (Swope).

Therefore, I am planning to get experience in different fields because I am sure of their future importance for my business. The examples of some international companies can help me understand how to make my business prosper. To extend my experience, I will start my practice during the study.

I think that education is very important. The lack of knowledge can lead to the business’s incapacity and collapse. Today, the diploma plays a significant role. It gives an appropriate status and respect. A man with a diploma looks more confident and, of course, qualified.

Accreditation provides much more opportunities in life. Therefore, I am planning to study hard and get as much knowledge as possible. I am sure that the university I chose can help me achieve my goals. My education will give me the base for my future business.

It is the most important part of the life plan, which should clarify the goal and approaches to its achievement. Nowadays, the leaders of all companies know the value of settings achievable and understandable goals. Such issues are called smart goals, which need to get better results. These smart ideas help me share my vision of the business with the possible assistants (“Life Planning”).

My attention is turned to the use of certain tools that may help my project. For instance, I need to identify and list all the barriers that may be between me and my goal. I shouldn’t be scared of possible problems because it is an integral part of my future success. Being realistic, I realize all the difficulties I should overcome.

In the beginning, I have to clarify who will be involved in my business. This can be a family company, or I can cooperate with a wide circle of partners. What results do I want to achieve? I want to own a successful company that will be famous around the country.

Choosing the place location, I prefer my native city because it will be easier to find clients and partners. Thinking about these questions, I can clearly understand all the important keys to my goal’s achievement. I will get so many opportunities, so I shouldn’t be lazy in its use (Ashton 8). This is why I think it is the most important period of my life.

My lifestyle should accomplish my educational and professional background and skills. I am planning to do a huge social work and to promote equality among people. I want to help everyone that I can. But I have to learn more from the closest one.

My business will be closely related to people from different communities. Therefore, matching my wants, I should be ready to keep my mind open to different cultural issues and views. I plan to visit many countries to learn about cultural features. This will help in my work with clients.

According to Bukofsky, even my religious and spiritual conditions are very important for my business (34). Family relations also play a huge role in the business success achievement. Life planning is a process that may lead a person to take a more active role and to think about the future. Thinking about my future, I imagine a family that will support me and give me more motivation.

I totally agree with Carlson that “self-actualization is the key to self-help” (9). Although no one can control all life’s events, it is better to try being over random chance and fate.

There is a difference between the person who goes to one’s goal and the man who can easily be influenced by random events. I will structure my life according to the daily plan. This will allow me to follow the main idea, which will lead to success. The life plan is a perfect method to figure out what is really important in life.

I have so many ideas and interests in different fields. I am fascinated by people who can concentrate on the most important idea and follow the plan. However, I should follow my own life plan for the future result. I agree with the statement of Barnett that people should discipline themselves. Following the main idea of life, it is possible to get better results and to make it fast (Barnett).

I have always been a goal-setter. Thereby, my Ten Year Plan is focused on achieving my high ideals and realistic goals. From time to time, it seems that goals are something that we strive to achieve but fail due to personal reasons or social barriers.

However, I am completely sure that a good life plan and motivation can lead to success in spite of all problems that may occur. My Ten Year Life Plan helps me to specify my goals and to see the key moments and the most important steps which can lead me to success.

Ashton, Robert. The Life Plan: 700 Simple Ways to Change Your Life for the Better . 1st ed. UK: Prentice Hall, 2006. Print.

Barnett, John S. Discipline Yourself for Godliness . Tulsa, OK: Mullerhouse Publishing, 2007. Web.

Bykofsky, Sheree, and Richard Carlson. Me: Five Years from Now: The Life-Planning Book You Write Yourself! 1st ed. New York: Hyperion, 1999. Print.

“Life Planning”. myGoals, n.d. Web.

Swope, Herbert. “Failure Quotes.” Wisdom Quotes . Wisdom Quotes. Web.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, October 30). 10-Year Life Plan Essay. https://ivypanda.com/essays/ten-year-life-plan/

"10-Year Life Plan Essay." IvyPanda , 30 Oct. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/ten-year-life-plan/.

IvyPanda . (2023) '10-Year Life Plan Essay'. 30 October.

IvyPanda . 2023. "10-Year Life Plan Essay." October 30, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/ten-year-life-plan/.

1. IvyPanda . "10-Year Life Plan Essay." October 30, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/ten-year-life-plan/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "10-Year Life Plan Essay." October 30, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/ten-year-life-plan/.

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