What are your career goals?

- [Narrator] It feels lonely and confusing to not know, what direction to take your career in. But the truth is most of us figure it out, as we go by setting goals and taking action towards them. Determining what your career goals are initially, can help set the stage for your continued success, as a marketer and the long term. Here's how. The point of setting career goals, is that they provide a specific direction, for you to commit to as you progress. And will help to inform the strategy, behind your decision making. With that said, you want to think critically, about what interested you in marketing in the first place, as that can help determine some of the goals, you're looking to achieve. Have you always been interested, in how advertising influences decision making? Are you a heavy social media user? Are you looking to become part of, a growing industry with job security? Regardless of your initial interest, it can draw attention to what you'd like to accomplish, in your career in the short term, in the next few years, and in the long term later on. For example, if you've always been fascinated, by social media, then a short term goal, could be to land a social media focused role. On the other hand, if you're interested in managing, your own budget and team eventually, then a long term goal could be, to rise to a leadership position by age 30. Beyond what motivated your focus initially, take the time to think about what your motivations are, personally and professionally, and how a career in marketing can help fulfill your needs. One of my short term goals early on, was to work on a large brand social media presence. Which I eventually achieved by being, strategic with the decisions and actions I took. It is certainly okay if your goals are, a bit murky and unclear at first, as long as you continue to clarify them, as you progress in your career, and gain more first hand experience. Having a sense of what your career goals are, will help you choose a direction, in the marketing field initially. Whether that's working in analytics, programmatic advertising, or as a copy-writer. Choosing what types of jobs, in marketing to focus on is difficult, as there's many directions to take. But, it is essential that you do choose, one for the time being and commit to it. I recommend choosing a direction in the industry, based on your goals, where there's job availability, where you have experience, and some level of interest. You won't be stuck in this specific area, by committing to a certain job. As marketers are often exposed to, a variety of different tasks in any roll. This exposure makes it way easier to gain experience, and move into other areas of the marketing industry, and change your direction as you see fit down the line. Do your research and explore what career options, are available to understand what different roles, are worth learning more about, and what types of goals you should consider. With a few goals in mind, you'll feel less confused about a career in marketing, and more empowered to start taking action, one step at a time.