career planning essays

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Examples of Scholarship Essays for the “Career Goals” Question

Emily Wong is a writer at Scholarships360. She’s worked as a social media manager and a content writer at several different startups, where she covered various topics including business, tech, job recruitment, and education. Emily grew up and went to school in the Chicago suburbs, where she studied economics and journalism at Northwestern University.

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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Writing an essay is often the trickiest part of the scholarship application, not to mention the most time-consuming. However, the essay section also allows room for creativity and individuality. If you can communicate effectively, you can use the essay portion to stand out from the crowd. Let’s go over some tips for writing, as well as a couple of scholarship essay examples about career goals.

How to write a scholarship essay 

At this point, you’ve probably gained plenty of experience writing papers for school. However, it may still take a couple of tries to nail the scholarship essay. Since scholarship teams often have to get through a lot of applications, it’s important to stand out while staying concise. Here are some simple guidelines for writing scholarship essays.

See also: How to write a winning scholarship essay (with examples!)

Take five minutes to brainstorm

Before you even start your essay, take some time to gather your thoughts. Think about what you’ll want the paper to focus on. Why did you choose to pursue your career path in the first place? Where do you want to be in five years? How would this scholarship help you further your studies and work toward your goals?

Once you’ve jotted down a few ideas, choose one or two to center your essay on. Identifying the focus of your paper, it’ll make it easier to keep your thoughts organized. In turn, it’ll make it easier for the reader to follow.

Related : How to start a scholarship essay (with examples!)

Stay within the word limit

Unlike the four-page essays that you may have written in English class, scholarship essays are often only a paragraph or two. In order to respect the selection committee’s time, be wary of going too far about the specified word count. A general rule of thumb is to stay within 20 words above or below the limit. That may entail a few rounds of edits to get the wording just right.

Stay positive!

Feel free to use part of your essay to talk about your life’s challenges. After all, the selection committee often wants to give the award to a candidate who needs it. However, make sure your anecdote doesn’t devolve into a sob story. If you’re going to bring up hardships you’ve endured, try to balance it by talking about how you’ve overcome them. By demonstrating resilience, you can show readers how you would use the scholarship to succeed in your current situation.

Leave time to proofread

Especially for a short scholarship essay, proofreading can take as little as 5-10 minutes. Still, it can be tempting to just hit “submit” after your first draft. However, being too impulsive can leave your essay riddled with typos and grammatical errors.

Try to avoid unnecessary mistakes by finishing your draft at least 24 hours before the scholarship deadline. That way, you can proofread it with fresh eyes before you submit it.

If you’re struggling to close out your essay, read how to end a scholarship essay in five steps .

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How to write a 100-word “career goals” essay.

When writing a 100-word essay, you’ll have to choose your content carefully. Since space is limited, you’ll want to identify the most important details to include beforehand.

First and foremost, make sure to clearly communicate your current pursuits. Talk about your academic and extracurricular activities related to your career goals. Additionally, it’s important to be specific about what you plan to do in the future. Then, if you have extra room, you can talk about how the scholarship will help you reach your goals.

My name is Alison MacBride, and I’m a sophomore at the University of Illinois. I’m currently pursuing a major in Journalism with a minor in Natural Resource Conservation. After completing my program, I plan to combine my areas of interest to become an environmental journalist.

During high school, I volunteered at an eco-conscious farm, where I learned about how our actions affect the earth. Since then, I’ve been set on raising awareness for the environment. This scholarship would go a long way in helping me finish my degree with the skills I need to investigate and report about critical issues.

Word count: 100

How to write a 250-word “career goals” essay

For the 250-word essay, you can go into more detail. Give the readers some context by talking about how you first got interested in your chosen career. Storytelling can be especially effective in engaging your audience. Try to capture their attention by choosing one or two concrete examples and relaying them vividly.

Additionally, you can spend more time talking about the scholarship and how it’ll make a difference in your studies. Go into more detail about how and why you need the award, but remember to keep it positive! For more help, check out how to write a 250 word essay . 

I first decided that I wanted to pursue a career in environmentalism in early high school. The summer after my freshman year, I joined a volunteer program at an eco-conscious farm in my community. In addition to helping out with the operations, I learned about current environmental issues related to farming and other consumer industries.

After learning about the agricultural industry’s impact on the planet, I was inspired to make a difference. The next year, I started a monthly earth magazine at my high school in which we broke down environmental issues and offered tips on how to be more eco-friendly. When I started college, I founded an on-campus publication with the same mission.

In recent years, I’ve been troubled to see how some media outlets downplay the gravity of issues like climate change and deforestation. I’ve admired reporters who publish trustworthy and comprehensible information about environmental issues, and I aim to follow in their footsteps.

When I entered college, I was initially concerned that I wouldn’t have enough money to finish my degree. Fortunately, I’ve been able to cover most of my tuition using merit scholarships and paychecks from my part-time job on campus. Receiving this scholarship would allow me more time to focus on acing my classes and pursuing environmental advocacy work on campus.

Word count: 261

Final thoughts

Planning is essential in making your “career goals” essay clear and concise. Hopefully, these scholarship essay examples about career goals can be your guide to writing a scholarship-winning essay. Good luck!

Additional resources

Maybe you need to write a longer scholarship essay? We can help with our writing a 500 word essay guide ! Be prepared and learn how to write essays about yourself and how to craft an impressive personal statement . Learn the differences between a personal statement and a statement of purpose as the terms might come up on college websites. If you haven’t decided on a college already, check out our guide on how to choose a college . No matter where you are in your educational journey, make sure that you apply for all the scholarships you qualify for!

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Career Essay

Career essay generator.

How do you see yourself 5 or 10 years from now? That question kicks start your imagination and make you visualize yourself in your future career. Maybe you are thinking about it now, but you are likely confused about expressing it in words. Unlike other essay writing , writing your career essay is exciting because you are writing about yourself, your plans, passion, and aspiration. Learn how to make your career essay impressive by reading this article.

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What Is a Career Essay?

A career essay is a text people write to detail their goals or plans for the future. In this essay, people talk about the career they want in the future and the things they have achieved so far. People often ask you to write a career essay when you send an application letter for a scholarship or submit your resume for a job.

How To Write a Rousing Career Essay

You should write your career essay seriously because it might be a deciding factor for your future. That said, in writing your essay, there are a lot of things to consider and a process you need to follow. Your end goal in writing your essay is to convince people that you are determined to walk the talk and make the things you wrote in your descriptive essay to reality.

1. Devise an Engrossing Title

The first thing to think about when writing an essay is coming up with an attention-grabbing title. When people read your essay, they pay the most attention to your title. Also, another benefit of coming up with your title first is that it will serve as a guide for you for the whole essay. 

2. Introduce With a Hook

After devising a title, deliver the next blow with an introduction that piques their curiosity. To do that, begin your essay with a hook. Your hook can be a quote, a question, or you can even provide a statistic. If your introduction is good enough, it will secure the engagement of your readers.

3. Organize Your Ideas

Writing an essay is like taking your readers for a ride. You need to set the vibe and organize the flow of your thoughts. Don’t start too strong it might make the rest of your essay bland. You need to properly build up the development of excitement and make sure the order of your ideas makes sense. 

4. Polish Your Essay

Finalize your essay by proofreading it. When people talk about their passion, they tend to talk too much and include several unnecessary things. Make sure not to do that. Omit all the details that don’t contribute to the overall impact of your reflective essay. Also, don’t forget to review your text for grammatical errors. 

Why is career planning important?

People hustle every day to reach their dream careers. Having a target career gives you a direction and sets your path. Planning your career is essential because being indecisive about it might negatively impact your life. Not having a fixed goal is like not having an end destination. Preparing for it would also make your career action plan achievable.

What is a career genogram?

A career genogram traces back an individual’s family tree and examines the career timeline they pursued. The scope of this genogram reaches the grandparents, extended family, and even the person’s close friends. This graphic representation is helpful when a person has a hard time deciding about his or her career development plan .

What is career assessment?

Career assessment is the process of identifying what career would work best for you. Most assessments are in the form of a questionnaire . It includes questions about your interests, your skills, your hobbies, and your strengths. These are some examples of questions that would help assess your future career. The result of your career assessment might give you ideas on what path to take.

The moment people read your career essay, they often rate how likely you are to succeed. Show them a piece of your mind that would erase all their doubts about your success. They say manifesting works wonders, so manifest the future that you want best by composing a rousing career essay. 

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Career Goals Essay For Scholarships (With Examples)

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Scholarship programs often want you to write a career goals essay to see that you have a clear plan for how you’ll apply your education to a specific career path. This helps show a scholarship committee why you’re seeking funds for the next step on the path toward your success.

Answering “what are your career goals” effectively can help increase your odds of impressing landing a scholarship opportunity. If you’re a prospective student applying for scholarships, this article will provide tips on how to write a career goals essay, along with essays on career goals examples to help you get an idea of what scholarship committees are looking for.

Key Takeaways:

When you’re writing a career goals essay, make sure to write about the goals that are relevant to the scholarship.

Be honest and use your own voice to stand out in your scholarship essay.

Go into detail about how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.

What is a career goals essay?

Why scholarship essays ask about career goals, example career goals essay prompts, career goals essay examples, tips for writing a scholarship essay about career goals, what to write in a career goals essay if your goals have changed, career goals essay for a scholarship faq.

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A career goals essay is a personal written explanation that discusses your background, why you’re interested in participating in the program, and what career you’d like this degree to lead into. A scholarship essay functions to explain why you want to achieve your professional goals and how you intend to get there.

In almost every application process, a portion asks the candidate to answer an essay question. When applying to an educational program, like an MBA, the essay prompt usually relates to your career goals .

Scholarship essays ask about career goals to assess your enthusiasm for the program, learn more about how the scholarship will help you, and ensure that you’ve considered how the program will help you achieve your goals for the future:

Assess your enthusiasm. Passion is important for scholarship administrators, and if you’re able to articulate your enthusiasm for a specific career path , it will show that you’re determined to meet the requirements to reach that goal. The most specific and well-thought-out your essay is, the easier it will be for a reader to understand your devotion and commitment to the program and the field it will allow you to enter.

Learn how the scholarship will help you. Having a firm grasp of your career goals is great, but it’s equally important that you express exactly how the specific program relates to those goals. This shows that you’ve researched the merits of the program and understand exactly how it fits into your professional goals.

Show you’ve considered your future. This goes along with the first two points — show that you know how to set goals and consider the path toward achieving those goals, and you’ll have an easier time convincing the reader that you’ll know how to set goals while participating in the program. They’ll see that you know how to prioritize education because you have a clear vision for navigating your career path.

While some scholarships might come right out and simply ask, “What are your career goals?” most will rework the question into something different that still accomplishes the same goal.

Below are some examples of career goals essay prompts that a scholarship program could pose to its applicants:

Discuss your career goals. Many scholarships prefer the most direct approach when giving an essay prompt to their applicants. This type of question gives the candidate a lot of wiggle room to discuss their passions, motivations, and career goals.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years ? This question is often used as a prompt for a career goals essay because it gives the applicant a timeline to describe their aspirations. It forces them to be realistic about where their career will be and how they will accomplish this within the next ten years.

How will this scholarship contribute to your professional success? A scholarship committee wants to be sure that the money they’re giving will contribute to a student’s overall professional success. This question asks about the applicant’s game plan in the long-term and evaluates how this program is going to assist in their future.

What is your dream job ? Since a dream job is often categorized as a person’s career goals, this is a common question phrasing in scholarship essays. Asking about a candidate’s dream job answers whether this program aligns with the student’s long-term career goals.

What matters most to you and why? Sometimes, a scholarship essay prompt won’t ask about your career or future at all. Instead, they’ll ask a question like this that assesses your motivations , values, and character.

Use these examples of career goals essays for scholarships to help write your own. Pay special attention to how they’re organized, rather than the content, to inspire your own career goals essay:

Career goals essay example 1 – Discuss your career goals

When I was six years old, I was riding bikes with my older sister around our neighborhood. She had just taught me how to ride, and I was excited to have to freedom to explore with her. When she was rounding a particularly difficult bend to see around, a car happened to be coming along at the same time. It struck her. That bike ride changed our lives forever. Over the next year, I went with my sister every Tuesday and Thursday to her physical therapist ’s appointments to help her regain walking strength. Watching her physical therapist patiently assist my sister back to becoming herself awoken something in me. A passion for helping others in the same way eventually turned into a career goal of becoming a physical therapist myself. I decided to get my bachelor’s degree in exercise science. After graduating in 2019, I knew that the next step for me was to attend a graduate program in physical therapy. I was accepted to Lassell University Master of Science in Rehabilitation Services. This presented me with my latest goal along my career path, and I’m eagerly waiting to start. This scholarship would help me afford the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the Lassell University class of 2023, allowing me to continue working towards my ultimate career goal of becoming a physical therapist and helping others to become themselves again.

Career goals essay example 2 – Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years, I will have been successfully running my own construction business for about five years. I’m currently a second-year student at the University of Texas, pursuing a master’s degree in business administration. I decided to get my MBA because I knew it would be a positive asset toward my long-term career goal of owning a construction business. In my high school years, I worked as a construction apprentice for a local business. I loved many aspects of the business, such as building something from nothing. I knew that I wanted to incorporate this work into my long-term career, but I didn’t want to work as an apprentice . This led me to pursue business. In ten years and with the help of this scholarship, I will have graduated with my MBA almost a decade prior . After graduation, I plan to take a business administration internship with a carpentry business to help myself get a footing in the field. After about two years of this, I will have started my own construction business.

Career goals essay example 3 – What matters most to you and why?

The people I surround myself with matter most to me. Whether it be my relatives, friends, or professional acquaintances, I always care the most about the happiness of the people around me. Making the people around me happy matters the most to me because I truly because we find our happiness through others. I believe that this drive to make a positive impression on the people around me is what drove me towards a career as a nurse . I always thought of hospitals as places where people need someone to support them and make their day a little happier. I wanted to be one of those who spend their careers positively impacting people in need. This scholarship will enable me to finally afford nursing school and go after my dream job full force.

Career goals essay example 4 – What are your short- and long-term career goals, and how will earning this degree contribute to achieving those goals? Please provide a minimum of 200 words.

My short-term career goals involve working directly with underprivileged young people to increase the literacy rate in my community. As a student of an underfunded and understaffed school, I’ve seen firsthand how much of an impact early literacy education makes on long-term achievement. It broke my heart to see my peers embarrassed at their struggle with reading at an advanced age, and this shame added another dimension to their lack of opportunity. Being a literacy educator for young people would allow me to serve this community directly to show them not only the necessity of strong written communication skills, but the joy of reading for pleasure. This program focuses specifically on early literacy, and would provide me a direct route to a career in serving the community I hope to serve. As for long-term career goals, I hope to one day create a program where socioeconomically parents can bring their children for literacy education, not only to increase their ability to navigate the world of language, but also to instill confidence and joy in the written word. What drew me to this program was that it also has administrative, legal, and business dimensions that would set me on the path toward achieving this goal.

Here are some tips to keep in mind for writing a career goals scholarship essay:

Write about goals relevant to the scholarship. Although you may have many different kinds of goals for your personal and professional future, a scholarship essay only discusses objectives that are relevant to the program you’re applying for.

Be honest. Applying for a scholarship is stressful because the applicant’s education is usually reliant on receiving these funds in one way or another. Even though it’s tempting to exaggerate your skills or pretend you’re more passionate about something than you are to make yourself a more competitive applicant, it’s a bad move.

Use your own, unique voice. The essay portion of a scholarship application is your chance to stand out by using your voice. Nobody else, regardless of their academic or professional achievements, is you. Make this clear in your career goals scholarship essay by keeping your unique written voice engrained in the words you produce.

Be specific. A big reason that scholarship committees ask applicants to write a career goals essay is to determine how prepared they are in planning their long-term professional goals. They aren’t interested in providing a scholarship to students who aren’t going to follow through with their career plans.

Explain long and short-term goals . Even if the essay prompt asks you to describe where you see yourself in ten years, you still need to tell them the steps leading towards this picture of success.

Include the short-term goals that add up to your larger career objectives in your essay response. Explain how accomplishing the smaller goals gives you an advantage when tackling long-term ones.

Explain how the program and scholarship will help you. Before writing your career goals essay, consider how this program and scholarship will help you in your career. The answer to this question is essential.

Follow the essay formatting guidelines. This may sound obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to forget this step when your essay is finally flowing and when you’re scrambling to get it submitted on time.

Check, double-check , and triple-check the essay guidelines for content, word count, and formatting requirements. If you miss any of these steps, your essay may be immediately disqualified no matter how good it or the rest of your application is.

Many times career goals essays are written by students who have already completed at least some college or are applying to a post-graduate program and need more money to continue.

There’s a good chance that your career goals have changed since you started or graduated college. For example, say you wanted to be an engineer , so you got your undergraduate degree in engineering but realized you didn’t like it after working in the industry for a few years.

You decided that nursing would be more up your alley, and now you’re applying for a scholarship for a nursing program. While this isn’t unusual, it can make it more difficult to write a career goals essay since your past work doesn’t necessarily match your future goals.

In this case, you’ll simply need to explain why you changed your career path and why this next one is the best choice for you. Share your decision-making process to show that you haven’t taken the switch lightly, and talk about what you’ve already done to try to pursue this path.

How do you write a career goal for a scholarship essay?

You write a career goal for a scholarship essay by sharing your passion, explaining both your long- and short-term goals, and relating your goals to the scholarship.

Explain why you want to pursue the career you’re pursuing, where you hope to be in the future and how you plan to get there, and how the scholarship will help you do this.

How do you describe your career goals in an essay?

You describe your career goals in an essay by explaining what you want to do in your career, why you decided on this career path, and what you’ve done so far to make that a reality.

You can usually work these factors into any prompt you receive, so think through them before you start writing so that you can use them as an outline of sorts.

What are career goals examples?

Examples of career goals include:

Working as a grant writer for a nonprofit organization.

Becoming a department manager and eventually an executive in your field.

Owning your own plumbing company.

Caring for underserved communities as a nurse practitioner .

What are some goals for success?

Some goals for success include growing in your role, building your network, and finding joy in the job. Most careers don’t just happen overnight and require you to set the right milestones that work best for you. Not everyone will have the same goals for success.

How do you start a career goals essay for a scholarship?

You can start a career goals essay for a scholarship by directly answering the prompt. Most scholarship prompts include a word count of between 200 and 500 words, so it’s essential that you immediately respond to the prompt. Attention-grabbing sentences and narratives can be helpful for setting the scene, but an efficient and direct answer will show a clarity of mind that helps enhance the quality of your answer.

BLS – Career planning for high schoolers

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Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

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How to Write an Awesome Essay About Your Career Goals

• Before you begin, ask yourself a few key questions like:
• What are my short-term and long-term career goals?
• Where do I see myself in ten years?
• What events in my life have led me to have these goals?
• What major will help me reach my goals?
• What skills do I need to reach my goals?
• What impact do I want to have on society?

Career Goals Essay Template

Need more inspiration.

After you brainstorm the responses to these questions, look for common themes, or pick out the most interesting stories. You can build your main essay “thesis” or idea around this.

Once you’ve got the main idea, create an outline to put your ideas into essay format. This will give you a general idea of structure.

You can use the career essays template below to give you some ideas. But remember that some rules are meant to be broken, so don’t be afraid to be innovative and think outside the box!

Also, when you’re done, head over to Going Merry to apply for the Career Goals scholarship essay bundle (one essay, one application, multiple scholarships!). You might as well make that essay count. Sign up for Going Merry to apply for scholarships more efficiently.

Here’s a paragraph-by-paragraph breakdown:

Paragraph 1 : Establish the main theme of what you’re going to talk about. It should also grab the reader’s attention. For example, instead of starting your essay with something generic (e.g. Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a zoologist), get creative with it! Try something like My greatest memory as a young girl was going to the zoo for the first time or While most kids play house or school, I always wanted to play zookeeper.

Paragraph 2 : Elaborate on what inspired your career goals. Perhaps it was a relative, a TV show, or simply an experience that you had. Remember that old writing adage, “Show, don’t tell.” In other words, try to demonstrate your interest with story or description. 

Paragraph 3 : Discuss your short-term career goals and your intended major. How will your intended major help you reach these goals? What skills do you need to learn to reach them? At the end of the paragraph, try discussing how your short-term goals can help you achieve your long-term goals.

Paragraph 4 : Focus on your long-term goals and the impact that you hope to have on society. If you’re not sure what your long-term goals are, don’t sweat it; they’ll probably change anyways. You can instead focus on the difference you’d like to make overall. And don’t worry too much about the size of the impact…remember that just doing what you’re truly passionate about has a massive impact on those around you.

The last paragraph is your conclusion. You can use this paragraph to summarize what you discussed in the previous few paragraphs. If you want to be even more creative, try ending your essay with a question for your readers or a new insight. Good luck!

And now that you’re ready with that essay, put it to good use! You can recycle that same essay, when applying for the Career Goals Scholarship Bundle. We’ve joined together multiple scholarships (all requesting essays on career goals), into just ONE simple application! See more info here , or just sign up to get going.

Check out examples from other students just like you. Here are links to some great career goal essay examples:

• Example 1  
• Example 2  
• Example 3  

Or maybe you’re looking for help with an academic goals essay — we’ve got you covered there too.

Also, check out this helpful list of the 10 most common scholarship essay topics !

Sign up for Going Merry today, and upload your career goal essay right to your profile. It’s that easy!

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Writing Tips for a Career Goals Essay (2023)

Jennifer Finetti Mar 1, 2023

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For your college scholarship essay, you may be asked about your career goals. The scholarship committee wants to see how investing in your education will help your career. Do you have a definitive plan? Will a college education fit into that plan? These are the answers they want to see.

In this guide, we will provide some scholarship essay examples about career goals to jumpstart your essay writing.

Writing tips for career goals scholarship essays

Here are some quick tips for writing career goal scholarship essays:

• Write about career goals that tie into the scholarship. This doesn’t mean you have to lie about your career goals to make them fit. Find a way to relate them to the scholarship committee or other elements of the scholarship.
• Be precise about your career goals. Avoid vague statements that suggest you do not have a plan. Judges like to see determination because it shows they’re making a worthy educational investment.
• Discuss how your education will help you achieve your career goals. The scholarship will assist with your education. Show a connection between the two so they can see why you deserve this scholarship.
• If you mention multiple goals, indicate which one you feel most strongly about. Longer essays may allow you to mention a backup plan, but the committee needs to see where your focus lies.
• Avoid cliché statements. Describe how your specific talents, experiences, and degree pursuits will help you succeed.
• Point out solutions, not problems. You may mention struggles you’ve had in the past, but pinpoint how you will learn from them. Moreover, show how those struggles led to your career goals.
• Organize your thoughts in a fluid manner. This will most likely be in chronological order, starting with your degree and progressing through your career growth.
• Write, revise, rest, revise. This goes for any essay writing. Write the first draft from start to finish. Then read through it and edit any grammar or flow errors. Take a break, preferably overnight, and then re-read your content with fresh eyes.

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Example 1: Scholarship essay about career goals (100 words)

In a 100-word scholarship essay, you need to quickly make your point. There is not enough room for a lengthy intro or backstory. Use concise, comprehensive statements to deliver the most information in the fewest words.

I’m a sophomore at Texas Tech University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Companion Animal Science. After graduation, I hope to attend Texas A&M to become a veterinarian serving rescue organizations and animal shelters. I was born and raised in the south, where it is common for people to abandon animals in rural areas. Those animals then go into a rescue – emaciated, frightened, and confused. I want to work with rescues to provide affordable veterinary medicine to the animals they save. This scholarship would help me continue my education and potentially save thousands of abandoned animals in the future.

Word count: 99

Example 2: Scholarship essay about career goals (250 words)

With a 250-word scholarship essay, you have a little more room to discuss the details of your career goals. You can explain situations from your past that inspired your career pursuits. You could use one paragraph to talk about your short-term goals and another to talk about your long-term goals. Just make sure the big picture ties into the scholarship.

My name is Patrick Holden and I am a freshman at the University of Michigan, majoring in English and minoring in linguistics. I plan to become an English teacher, but this wasn’t always what I had in mind.  When thinking about my future, I always saw myself in some sort of corporate office, perhaps as an executive assistant or a loan officer at a bank. My father works in the finance office for a car dealership and my mother works at a call center. I assumed I would follow a similar, albeit boring, path in life. In my junior year of high school, everything changed. My English teacher inspired me in ways I could have never imagined. She got me to love writing, literature, etymology, and everything about the English language. She made me want to be a better student in all of my classes, and she helped me see the value of education. I decided then that I wanted to inspire other students just as she did for me. My parents are unfortunately not able to contribute much toward my college expenses. I have earned a tuition scholarship based on my ACT score, but I still need additional funding for books and supplies. English majors have particularly high book costs because we have to purchase multiple books for each class. With the help of this scholarship, I could afford to continue my degree and become an English teacher.

Word count: 240

Example 3: Scholarship essay about career goals (500 words)

With 500 words or more to play around with, you have plenty of space to talk about your career goals. Maintain the same theme throughout the scholarship essay. Each paragraph should connect to the next, and they should all work together to describe your career plan. Avoid making disconnected statements for the sake of word count. In the end, the scholarship committee should have a clear view of your educational plans and professional aspirations.

Internet marketing has gone from an optional method of advertisement to a vital step in business outreach. Even small businesses in remote towns look to the internet to attract customers and spread the word about their services. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing with an emphasis on Digital Marketing. With this training, I will be able to enter a profession that will only grow year by year. When I was younger, I found print advertisements to be fascinating. I loved reading the newspaper with my father just to see the full-page ads in between stories. When I got older though, those ads became less appealing because they were not adaptive. They seemed dated, static and ill-fit for changes in society. That’s when I discovered internet marketing. It was still in its infancy when I was in middle school, but by the time I graduated high school, it had become a staple in business development. I loved the way internet marketers had to constantly adjust to fit Google’s algorithms, new mobile devices, and new audiences. I knew this was the career for me. Originally, I planned to focus solely on business marketing because there were not many digital marketing degrees available. Over the last two years though, several schools throughout the country have developed internet marketing courses that explain fundamental methods of search engine optimization, website analytics, and more. These are the foundations I will build my career around. The best part about internet marketing is that there is always something new to learn. I can use my creative mind and exploratory nature to try new advertising methods that help businesses succeed. Every time they do well, I do well. This is the kind of job fulfillment most people can only dream of, but my educational plan and job prospects will allow me to achieve it. I have picked up some freelance jobs online to supplement my studies and help pay for my education. It is difficult to maintain a steady stream of income in freelance because I spend so much time on my school work. This scholarship could offset some of the costs and reduce my workload as a whole. While I will still work throughout the semester and full-time in the summers, having extra financial aid would greatly reduce my stress in college. I look forward to a future where I can use my marketing skills to help business owners achieve their career goals. I plan to spend the first few years after graduation working for a successful, long-standing digital marketing company. After I have enough on-the-job training to feel confident in my abilities, I will open my own internet marketing company in Chicago, where my family lives. I have a clear picture of where I will be in the next 10 years, and I know this degree is going to help me get there.

Word count: 481

• Scholarship Essay

Jennifer Finetti

As a parent who recently helped her own kids embark on their college journeys, Jennifer approaches the transition from high school to college from a unique perspective. She truly enjoys engaging with students – helping them to build the confidence, knowledge, and insight needed to pursue their educational and career goals, while also empowering them with the strategies and skills needed to access scholarships and financial aid that can help limit college costs. She understands the importance of ensuring access to the edtech tools and resources that can make this process easier and more equitable - this drive to support underserved populations is what drew her to ScholarshipOwl. Jennifer has coached students from around the world, as well as in-person with local students in her own community. Her areas of focus include career exploration, major selection, college search and selection, college application assistance, financial aid and scholarship consultation, essay review and feedback, and more. She works with students who are at the top of their class, as well as those who are struggling. She firmly believes that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can succeed if they stay focused and work hard in school. Jennifer earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from National University, and her BA in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz.

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What Is a Career Goals Essay?

An opportunity to expand, what to avoid in a career goals essay, final thoughts, how to write a career goals essay.

Updated January 15, 2024

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As the name suggests, a career goals essay is a personal document that outlines your professional plans.

It describes your educational and work history, and your ambitions for the future.

A career goals essay is generally used in three situations:

• When applying to a school or college
• When applying for a scholarship to fund education
• When applying for a new job

It allows the reader to better understand your personality and fully appreciate why you are making the application.

Career goals essays help admissions staff and hiring managers to select the ideal candidates for a position.

What Should a Career Goals Essay Contain?

A little backstory.

This essay is an opportunity for you to allow your personality and experiences to shine, so avoid generic statements.

The document should be personal and concisely describe your life experiences.

You should explain why you have chosen this career path.

If there was a pivotal moment in your life that led you to this application, be sure to highlight it.

Outline Your Goals

The main focus of the essay should be your goals for the future.

Readers want to see that you are ambitious and driven, with a genuine passion for the role or course you are applying for.

These career goals should be split into your short-term goals (looking over the next one to three years) and your long-term goals (which might look as far as 10 years into the future).

Show How This Application Will Help You Reach Your Goals

Critically, your career goals essay must show how this degree or job will help you achieve your goals .

If your long-term goal is to become a veterinary surgeon, studying a veterinary medicine program will obviously be essential.

However, your goal may be more nuanced than that. For example, you might want to become an expert in a particular piece of technology or software. Your application must show how your success in this role will enable you to become an industry leader.

This will also emphasize to the reader that you have done your research and understand the skills required for that particular sector.

You will have likely submitted a CV and covering letter at other points throughout the application process.

Remember, your career goals essay should complement these documents rather than repeat them.

This letter allows you to expand on the points mentioned in the earlier documents, aligning your previous experience with your goals for the future.

If you are writing a career goals essay as part of an application for a new job, be sure to refer back to the job description and person specification.

These documents highlight the exact type of individual the employer is searching for, so be sure your career goals essay matches the content in them.

Most career goals essays will be submitted via email, so an appropriate title is essential.

‘The Career Goals of [Name]’ isn’t a title that will make you stand out from the crowd.

Don’t forget, whether you are applying to a school or an employer, the reader will have the job of sifting through hundreds, if not thousands, of applications .

Where candidates have very similar experiences and education, their creativity and personality will be used to make the final decision.

Example titles:

How a Digital Marketing Degree Will Allow Me to Support Sustainable Businesses

How My Next Role in Nursing Will Help Me Help Others

An Introduction

Your introduction should set the theme for the essay, and crucially, outline your why .

Many candidates find the introduction the most challenging part of the essay to write. Therefore, it often makes the most sense to write it last.

Your introduction should be an honest and personable account of why you have chosen this field of study.

Starting with a generic opening paragraph will not inspire or motivate your reader. Stay away from phrases such as “I have wanted to be a lawyer ever since I was a little girl.”

This sentence tells the reader very little about your current aspirations.

It can also damage your integrity, as we all know most small children dream of being a movie star or astronaut before the job of lawyer ever springs to mind.

Example introduction:

Most individuals in the US are lucky enough to never need the law to protect them. However, many fail to see how the intricate details of the constitution support their life every day. I have a particular fascination with criminal law after being introduced to the field by a family friend. The monumental impact a lawyer can have on the life and welfare of an individual truly astounded me, and I have spent the years since investigating the effects of the American legal system. This is why I have tailored my education so far to prepare me for a legal career. I work every day on developing my research and analytical ability, and now feel ready to dedicate myself fully to the legal field.

School-Specific Content

Admissions staff, tutors and hiring managers want to know that their applicants have done their research.

You can show them that you have done yours by adding a small paragraph straight after your introduction showing why you chose this school to study at or this company to work for.

First example of school-specific content:

[Insert company name] has an incredible global reputation, with clients in every continent. I can see that staff retention rates are incredibly high, indicating strong career opportunities and the prospect of continuous development. The company values show that diversity and integrity are of the utmost importance, and I would love the opportunity to work for an organization whose principles align with my own.

Second example of school-specific content:

[Insert school name] is well known for producing the highest caliber of graduates, with an excellent global reputation. The school leaderboards show that the grades from [insert school name] ranked within the top five in the country for the past 10 years. I would be proud to associate myself with an establishment that holds itself in such high regard and am thrilled at the prospect of learning alongside the best.

Your Long-term Vision

Remember, it is crucial you show why and how you are actively working towards these goals. For example, merely stating, 'My long-term goal is to become a lawyer with my own practice’ is worthless.

The reader wants to see how this goal aligns with your personality and why you have chosen this route.

The goals set out in this essay should be precise and meaningful .

Example of long-term vision:

Law is an area of study that affects us all. The law protects us, and I am fascinated by its impact on both an individual and global scale. Of course, I want to graduate with a top-class degree, but I am also passionate about the connections and network I will build along the way. My goal is to open my own practice one day, specializing in family law. At the moment, I volunteer in my local practice, gaining experience and building a network that will help me later in my career. I believe the combination of world-class education and hands-on legal experience will help me to achieve this ambitious long-term goal.

Your Short-term Vision

Next, it is crucial to discuss your short-term goals .

If you're applying to school, your short-term goals will explain what you aim to achieve throughout the degree or program.

For a job application, these goals will outline your targets for your first year in the role.

Example of short-term vision:

In the short term, my goal is to build a network in the legal sector. I have already begun doing this through my weekly volunteering role. However, this degree will undoubtedly allow me to meet a much broader spectrum of people. I am excited to curate this network with a range of legal specialists, from students at the start of their careers to tutors with many years of experience in the industry.

The Conclusion

As with any essay, your conclusion should summarize what you have discussed throughout.

You should not throw in any new ideas, subjects or theories at this point. Otherwise, it indicates to the reader that you have not cohesively written the essay.

Your conclusion should be about the same length as the introduction, mentioning your final goals and the name of the establishment you are applying to.

You must outline again why you want to work for this company or study at this school. Using a statistic or fact will show that you have conducted thorough research.

Example conclusion:

I am immensely excited to begin my experience with [insert school name]. Ultimately, this education will allow me to fulfill my dreams of becoming a lawyer and one day opening my own practice. I will bring hard work, determination and enthusiasm to the law school, never forgetting why I began this journey.

Vague or Weak Statements

Every sentence in your essay should be specific to you.

For example, statements such as ‘I want to study medicine because it will allow me to get a good job’ does not show the reader that you are passionate or enthusiastic about this position.

Discussing Financial Remuneration

Whether the essay is aimed at a prospective employer or a college admissions office, they want to see why you want the position personally.

Someone solely focused on the financial rewards will likely not have longevity in the career.

Controversial Topics

Of course, there will be times where politics and current affairs are relevant to the discussion.

However, showing a one-sided argument that doesn’t align with the readers can alienate your application before you even begin.

A career goals essay is an opportunity for your personality to shine through. It isn’t a test of who has the best grades or the most experience , but a chance to show how this job or degree can change your life.

Although the reader is excited to hear about your goals, they are more interested in how this role links to your ambitions.

Be sure to constantly reflect upon how obtaining a place on this course, or securing the job role, is intrinsically linked to your goals.

A word limit is often applied to career goal essays. Where there is no limit, be sure to write no more than 1,000 words.

This piece should be concise and to the point, showing the reader you can effectively convey your thoughts and ideas.

You might also be interested in these other Wikijob articles:

Or explore the Jobs & Careers / Career Planning sections.

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Accepted Admissions Blog

Everything you need to know to get Accepted

February 29, 2024

• Writing Your Career Goals Essay

Check out all the blog posts in this series:

• Identifying the Ingredients of a Winning Essay
• Finding a Theme for Your Statement of Purpose
• Revise and Polish Your Application Essays

Your career goals essay demands a laser-like focus. A personal statement, by contrast, allows for some flexibility in its content, though you can – and often should – discuss your career goals. But a career goals essay has a particular and packed agenda. In fact, the prompt for a career goals essay could actually include multiple questions, and in such cases, you want to make sure you address each of them.

For example, in 2022, Kellogg asked applicants to its one-year program to respond to the following prompt: “Please discuss your post-MBA career goal, the current experience you will leverage to support the transition, and the Kellogg 1Y opportunities that will help you reach this goal.” 

This prompt has three parts: (1) What do you want to do post-MBA ? (2) Why is the 1Y program appropriate for you? And (3) what experience has so far prepared you to succeed in your target role? 

So, always pay close attention to your target school’s prompt to ensure that you answer all the questions within its “single” question. 

Three elements of a successful career goals essay

In addition to having a distinct theme , your career goals essay should achieve the following:

• Highlight specific career achievements. Choose from your most notable or defining experiences. These could be related to your work, community involvement, or extracurricular activities. The experiences you select should showcase your leadership skills , creative thinking, collaborative abilities, and personal reflections about what you learned or gained.
• Explain why your experiences and influences make your career goal a logical and wise choice.
• Demonstrate why you are suited to a particular field as a result of your education, experience, abilities, and enthusiasm. Ideally, the material you choose to include will also allow you to prove your knowledge about industry trends and suggest how your abilities and strengths can help you contribute to that field.

It’s a very tall order to achieve all this.

Putting these elements together to create your goals essay

Let’s take a look at a sample MBA Goals Essay and see how these three key elements are incorporated.  

You should be able to easily recognize why the writer’s opening is attention-getting for all the right reasons. The writer introduces herself as the supremely busy executive she visualizes becoming in the future. She trades large amounts of stock, rushes off to a Zoom conference, hurries downstairs, flags down a taxi, then hops on a plane. As she describes this whirlwind of activity, we can practically feel her heart pumping.

After establishing her voice and personality in this opening, she offers context for her MBA goal. Notice that in writing about her work as an accountant for a major firm, she provides relevant details, including how many years she has been in the field, her bilingualism, and her specialty area as an auditor. This information is her springboard to explain why she is pursuing an MBA: she’s bursting out of her limited role as an accountant. Her eyes and ambition are set on a larger playing field as an international investment manager.

Write an essay, not a list or CV

Outstanding career goals essays are not lists of an applicant’s roles and achievements. Instead, they have a narrative flow and arc that convey the candidate’s palpable excitement about their career choice. This writer’s enthusiastic, dreamy first paragraph achieves this, and she returns to that image at the end, where she paints her idealized (if frantically busy) future. She also proves her seriousness by noting that she registered for the CFA exam.

Connect your career goals to your reasons for choosing a particular program

Many essay questions, especially those for MBA programs , will ask why you have chosen the school you’re applying to. Be prepared to respond knowledgeably and enthusiastically. And the only way to become knowledgeable – and enthusiastic – is by visiting campus in-person or virtually, attending student recruitment meetings, participating in forums, reading student blogs, watching videos of students speaking about their experiences, communicating directly with students and/or recent alumni, and otherwise doing your homework. As part of your research, make sure you have familiarized yourself with the courses and specializations that are relevant to your goals.

Summary Tips

• Focus on answering each and every question asked in a career goals essay prompt. Often, there is more than one.
• Highlight specific achievements vividly and in a way that shows that your career choice is logical for you.
• Do the research so you can write about why the school is a good fit for you and do so with genuine enthusiasm.

In the next post in this series , we’ll explain how to take all this advice and apply it to create an exemplary first draft.

Work one-on-one with an expert who will walk you through the process of creating a slam-dunk application. Check out our full catalog of application services . Our admissions consultants have read thousands of essays and know the exact ingredients of an outstanding essay.

By Judy Gruen, former Accepted admissions consultant. Judy holds a master’s in journalism from Northwestern University. She is also the co-author of Accepted’s first full-length book, MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools . Want an admissions expert help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related resources:

• The Winning Ingredients of a Dynamic MBA Goals Essay , a free guide
• Grad School Personal Statement Examples
• Focus on Fit , podcast Episode 162

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Career Goals Essay: How to Earn an A grade

Updated 02 Jul 2024

Career goals essay is, essentially, personal statement or motivation letter with minor differences that focus on specific careers or choices behind them. As a mixture of skills, personal values, interests, experience, aspiration, and education, setting of career goals may sound clear in words, yet writing it down is more difficult as it requires structure. That's when our academic essay help writing services come in handy. Correct and accurate planning is as important as setting of right goal. Since there are different requirements followed in each degree, there are general rules that will help you to become successful leader. Make sure to look through provided example to see how degree like software engineering requires specific creative thinking.

Definition and Proper Structure Rules

A career goals essay speaks of what a student wants to be in the future and what personal and professional goals one wants to achieve. In addition to general (or specific, depending on a subject) career aspirations, professionals recommend listing the most significant achievements that make person good fit for chosen career, university, or job position. A good idea is to speak of educational programs, curriculum details to explain and justify choice being made. If there are any scholarships, mention them as well. For reference, you can consult one of our expert writers for scholarship essay examples about career goals or participate in the competition and ask " write my scholarship essay for me ".

Note that a career goals essay is not only listing diverse achievements and benefits, but explaining one's route towards success.

Majority of career goals essays should include this structure:

• Introduction with thesis

Introduction and thesis should have hook sentence that makes committee or an employer interested. Next, program or career position are specified. In thesis statement, specify why and what goals are planned for achievement.

• Main body paragraphs

Body paragraph in an essay on career is careful narrative about experiences, skills achieved, events, experiences a person has. There should be logical connection from point to point, so that future plans are made clear. Mention such facts of life and work in volunteering, diverse internships, special skills, talents, or foreign languages. Any awards of scholarships related to chosen program or career can be mentioned, too.

Conclusion part is a summary of all aforementioned points. It should specify a particular job position or a college.

• Call for action

A call to action is an accurate request, especially in a case of a job application. One can mention readiness for an interview or meeting with an admission committee member. It is like what are your career goals essay turned to action, a paragraph that speaks of your confidence and readiness to start with a college course or planned employment. As a general rule, keep it short, be emotional, if your subject and situation allow it.

Read Also: Essay on Leadership : Qualities, Essay Samples and Writing Steps

Expert Writing Tips for Successful Essay

Without a doubt, there is no universal recipe for a successful essay on career as each case is unique and special. Nevertheless, these writing tips should help you to feel confident that no important points are missed

• Always use your own style! Remember that your own voice is what makes a career goal essay successful! Do not just list your achievements, but allow a person reading your essay to feel and identify a person between the lines. Colleges in the United States review hundreds of career goals essays and scholarships applications, so they look for unique personalities that do not mimic others, but speak in their own style. Our essay writer service provides students professional academic writing assistance with any type of essay!
• Brainstorm your thesis statement! Write down several ideas or make sure to brainstorm them for accuracy and full reflection of your goals. Remember that thesis statement here has to tell of what you are planning to achieve, why, and how. Among numerous college essay ideas , it is important to choose one that reflects your goals and aspirations. Always be objective!
• Use clear and logical structure! A clear and logical structure is what will help reader to read an essay to its ending. Start with most important points that show you as a worthy candidate and continue with specific experiences and soft skills like patience, ability to work in time-critical and demanding situations, etc. Remember that a structure has to be engaging and related to provided thesis statement.
• Do not avoid listing your credentials only as your CV already does that! Try to connect achievements with future plans instead, so this way your career highlights relate to specified future goals.
• Create an outline! An outline is important when list of achievements and goals can seem confusing. You have to think critically as you sort out the best ideas.
• Always proofread your essay! Most colleges, as well as universities in the United States evaluate career goals essays by grammar rules and writing accuracy, so do not underestimate an importance of academic writing, grammar, punctuation. Make sure you check your assignment line by line and don't need to find who is going to " edit my essay ", but if you do our service is able to help you.

Need more writing assistance?

Connect with our top writers and receive a Career Goals essay sample crafted to your needs.

Educational and Career Goals Essay Examples

• Career Goals Essay Sample #1: Special Education Teacher for Autistic Children Career

As a child, I had a best friend who was on an autism spectrum. Being an avid reader, I used it as way to escape harsh reality of being bullied. Still, I realized that I have to work for others weaker than me. Reading to my autistic friend, I saw it as a chance to make a difference and be positive change in society. In high school, I used to work as a Teacher's Assistant by taking diverse educational responsibilities and helping to find common language with "problem children". Applying for XYZ college program, I hope to achieve…

• Career goals essay sample #2: Software Engineering Job Position

Choosing software engineering is something that has always been in my nature. Even in children’s games, I always tried to compose helpful guides for everyone to understand rules of the game. Making every product clear and accessible is what inspires and motivates me in daily life. As a special award winner in Maths and Physics volunteering projects, I had a unique chance of internship at XYZ company, which helped me to learn the basics of diverse software solutions and work methods of modern mobile market. This experience has helped me to analyze adjacent work positions and learn professional roles of different members of software team. Applying for XYZ position at your company, I hope to continue my education in practice by learning how to work in challenging and time-critical projects. As responsible and hard-working individual, I am known for settling down workplace conflicts by helping every person feel valued and special. Using my knowledge of Python solutions and iOS applications, I hope to contribute to team’s vision of meeting market demands. My goal is to create products that are timely and relevant for society’s needs. Providing my CV with a detailed description of software projects and applications that I have completed, I am ready for personal interview and professional evaluation test by one of XYZ company’s specialists. Aiming for excellence and high productivity, my goal is to make XYZ well-deserved leader in the field of engineering where every team member makes a difference.

A Final Bit of Writing Help From Professional Writers

Just when you need a little bit of help and advice with career goals essay, professionals at EduBirdie are ready to assist you online 24/7. Expert proofreading in any field, high-class professionals can help you deliver plagiarism-free essays.

A process of choosing writer with EduBirdie system is simple:

• Navigating to EduBirdie website, you choose  writer according to subject, credentials, list of essays completed.
• You can always choose between several writers that fit your requirements.
• Entire process is transparent, so you can control work of an assigned writer at every step of writing process.
• You pay for college essay only when you are fully satisfied with final result.
• Every essay is 100% plagiarism free and includes proofreading, checking for professional accuracy.
• You can always contact assigned writer directly through our system. If writer is not immediately in touch, you can always contact our support team 24/7.

From career goal topic ideas to polishing of a final essay, our writing experts can help you deliver one’s best in direct conversation, based on provided needs and requirements.

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Written by Jeremy Raynolds

One of the most hard-working and thoughtful personalities, Jeremy holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and Masters degree in Sociology. Jeremy likes to write about professional development, career growth, education, social issues, and motivation. He believes in the culture of sharing things and learning non-stop, which is why his writing reminds of talking with an old friend who truly cares.

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How to Write a Career Goals Essay: 5 Stages With Tips

• Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
• Icon Page 2299 words
• Icon Clock 11 min read

Career goals essays are pieces of writing where writers explain their selected profession path they wish to pursue. In this case, outstanding papers contain details on what an individual intends to achieve in a career. Basically, a person should include stages of professional development and their specific purposes. For example, five stages of identifying professional essays include defining a dream job, documenting specific goals, breakdown specific goals, making them measurable, and developing an action plan. Then, other important steps include breaking aspirations into short- and long-term objectives. Moreover, a clear order of execution of specific objectives contributes towards one’s level of success in a career. In turn, effective career goals essays follow a specific structure that includes the introduction, body, and conclusion parts. Hence, every applicant focuses on writing a perfect career goals essay by considering the concept of aspirations. Besides, an applicant should focus on professional and educational objectives.

General Features of Writing a Career Goals Essay

Career goals essays refer to a piece of writing where authors explain their selected professional path they wish to pursue. Basically, an outstanding career aspirations essay contains details on what an individual intends to achieve in a selected profession. Then, other important details include career aspirations, relevant achievements that can contribute towards achieving personal goals, and the ways that ambition can promote professional growth. Also, including short- and long-term goals play a crucial role in improving the overall quality of these papers. In this case, a career goals essay stands out from personal statements since they show the admission board of prospective employers that one’s professional purposes apply to the field of study or job position one intends to pursue. Hence, documents are unique since they allow scholars to help to create a strong impression and increase the chances of receiving a university admission or being hired in a company. 

Stages of Career Goals

Developing career goals is an important activity that successful students consider. Basically, the process allows people to identify their professional objectives based on personal strengths and interests. Besides, they establish steps that they must follow to make significant and specific contributions to the communities. The following stages are essential in developing aspirations.

Stage 1: Defining a Dream Job

Defining one’s dream is the first step in making long-term professional goals and obtaining the necessary motivation. Basically, this step enables an individual to make clear objectives on what to achieve in the future. In this case, an aspiring student or employee should take the time to study employment sectors and identify important professions. For instance, following this strategy ensures that an individual achieves the most satisfying goals to achieve through a career dream. In turn, prudent individuals base their specific purposes on specific gaps existing in a specific career. Also, one should focus on delivering a solution that can solve an existing problem in the labor market. Thus, defining a dream job is the first and important step towards leading a successful profession.

Effective use of creative ways can lead to an accurate and precise definition of career goals. For instance, one should rely on current and job skills that relate to childhood interests. In this case, successful aspirations must allow an individual to achieve youthful goals. Also, this strategy can increase one’s level of satisfaction. Therefore, one must relate childhood goals to a specific profession when developing specific purposes.

Stage 2: Documenting Career Goals

The second step in identifying desired goals is to document them accurately. In particular, a person must identify how specific goals would change situations and influence other aspects of life. Moreover, by noting personal purposes, this method allows one to envision the job and determine if it would satisfy personal desires. Hence, some important facts that a person must consider may include to:

• Envision the type and nature of the office.
• Envisage the dress of work.
• Consider the daily activities in the dream job.
• Develop a clear outlook of the success in the identified job.
• Spell out the meaning of success in the career identified.

The process of writing career goals downplays an important role in allowing an individual to identify specific steps to take in achieving aspirations. In this case, envisaging different employment aspects can allow a person to develop a strong connection with the future professional path. Therefore, writing one’s aspirations is an important step towards making a firm decision to pursue a specific career.

Stage 3: Breaking Down Specific Goals

Breaking career objectives into short- and long-term goals are the third important stage that an individual should consider. In this case, aspiring students or employees must identify the goals that they must achieve first. Basically, a clear order of execution of specific objectives contributes towards one’s level of success in a profession. Then, effective organization strategies play a crucial role in the achievement of one’s career goals. From a practical perspective, effective planning reduces the chances of wasting available resources in achieving specific objectives. In turn, breaking down aspirations leads to the identification of those that one can achieve immediately or after a specific period. Therefore, one should consider separating career goals following the following steps:

• Identify short-term goals – these objectives include those aims that one can achieve within twelve months.
• Identify long-term goals – these aims include activities that one can complete over several years.
• Develop strategic plans that can connect between two categories of goals.

Studying the prospects of a career enhances one’s ability to breakdown the desired goals. For example, every successful person takes specific steps to achieve the desired goals. In this case, one should learn from what mentors do to achieve their specific occupation objectives and successes. Then, exploring the professional development of mentors allows one to determine the specific steps to take in pursuing aspirations. In practice, one should consider exploring some opportunities, like online learning, additional certification, and mentorship that can lead to the development of hard and soft skills. Hence, one should consider studying future professional prospects when breaking down aspirations into short- and long-term goals.

Stage 4: Making Career Goals Measurable

Creating specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely (smart) goals enhances one’s ability to achieve desired outcomes. For example, an aspiring student or employee should create smart goals after outlining the incremental steps to reach the ultimate career path. Basically, this step allows an individual to identify the progress made in achieving occupational goals. Besides, one identifies the intended progress after a specific time. Then, other benefits of using smart goals include a clear development of plans that can allow an individual to move from one step in the professional path to the other. In turn, students should set specific deadlines for achieving career goals. Therefore, one should consider creating smart aspirations.

Stage 5: Creating an Action Plan

The last step in creating career goals includes developing an action plan. For example, individuals must identify the resources required to achieve specific goals created. In this case, seeking professional assistance and using online resources can help an individual to identify the necessary resources and steps required to achieve specific aspirations. Also, effective action plans allow individuals to take specific steps towards achieving the desired career goal. Therefore, one must consider developing an executable action plan.

Important Factors on How to Write a Coherent Career Goals Essay

• One should revise career goals at every stage – changing aspirations depend on new realizations that a person may experience after considering different factors.
• Reviewing and changing different professions can improve one’s level of satisfaction. In this case, an individual should rely on evidence-based approaches to settle on specific professional goals.
• Five stages identified above should provide a clear explanation of how the aspirant adapts the career, forms a clear concept, impact of professional experience, and anticipated future profession.

General Rules of Writing Good Career Goals Essay Examples

Career goals essay should have three main sections, namely the introduction, body, and conclusion. In this case, the primary goal of the structure is to allow an individual to communicate the career plan effectively. Firstly, the introduction should provide background information about the professional path identified. Secondly, the body section should provide clear and accurate details to support specific goals that one intends to take. Thirdly, the conclusion should sum up the entire essay without introducing new facts. Hence, some guidelines that one should follow in completing these three sections are:

1. Introduction

The opening paragraph should begin with a phrase that captures the reader’s attention. In this case, the opening statement should motivate the admission committee or employer to read through the essay. Then, other details should give an overview of the career plan. In turn, the introductory paragraph should not exceed 10% of the entire length of the career goals essay. Also, the primary aim of this section is to allow an interested person to understand what the applicant intends to do to achieve specific professional goals.

The body of the career goals essay should contain several paragraphs. Basically, every paragraph must focus on a single goal that the applicant intends to achieve. In practice, each body section must follow a sandwich rule. The method allows one to begin with a topic sentence, followed by supporting and explanations. Besides, each section must end with a summative and transitioning statement. In this case, each passage must provide adequate support to each professional goal and should take approximately 80% of the entire composition. Also, applicants must provide clear and accurate details to convince the intended audience.

True details convince admission committees than idealized concepts. For example, applicants should consider providing accurate details in the essay as opposed to idealized concepts. From a practical perspective, the body section should contain real-life cases that led to a professional choice. Besides, one should consider giving accurate facts and explanations on how various factors will improve the future occupation. In turn, some important factors that an aspirant should consider are the ways his or her career may contribute towards community development. Therefore, facts enhance the overall quality of the career goals essay.   

3. Conclusion

The ending paragraph should summarize the concepts provided in the essay. For example, an aspirant should bring the entire composition into a unique closure. Basically, individuals should link the opening and body sections. In turn, this section must show the readers that one has come to an end of the writing process. Hence, the ending passage should take approximately 10% of the entire essay.

Key Steps on Writing a Career Goals Essay Sample

Applicants should consider the following steps to ensure that they present outstanding essays.

• Writing several drafts – An applicant should consider preparing several drafts of the essay. Basically, this strategy allows one to refine ideas presented. In turn, revising drafts improves the overall quality of the paper. Also, one can add or remove some details to enhance the flow of ideas.
• Editing essays – Applicants should revise their essays to identify and correct grammatical errors and sentence structure. For instance, effective revisions lead to flawless papers, which appeals to the target audience. In turn, one should consider allowing peers to revise essays. Moreover, peer-reviewing is an important step in improving the sentence structure in the career goals essay.
• Including evidence – Prudent learners consider searching for adequate evidence concerning their profession to include it in the essay. In this case, one should include relevant experiences that can support future aspirations.
• Institutional requirements – One should consider specific requirements set by an institution for completing a career goals essay. In turn, some of the important factors that one should consider include the overall length of the paper and structure.

Writing a Perfect Career Goals Essay

Every applicant focuses on writing a perfect career goals essay. Basically, one should consider understanding the concept of professional goals before beginning the writing process. In this case, aspirations are forms of personal development aspirations that a person focuses on achieving by considering ambitions. For instance, graduates should focus on professional and educational objectives. Also, including details about anticipated salaries makes the entire essay vague. Therefore, an applicant should avoid including irrelevant details when preparing an aspiration essay.

Students should set aspirations for different stages of their careers. For example, effective plans should contain specific stages that one should accomplish. In this case, every stage should have specific goals. Also, one should include measurable and achievable goals. Therefore, applicants should include specific goals for each stage included in the career plan.

Effective essay career goals essay should include a clear description of adaptation, formation, maturity, and later career stated. Basically, the adaptation stage entails details on how an individual gained the competence and ability to learn from mentors on the significance of a specific profession. In this case, the formation phase explains how one will strive to work independently and become a useful employer. Then, the maturity step should entail details on how learners gain professional experiences. Besides, the late-career phase focuses on the scope of future career interests. Thus, an effective aspiration essay should include a clear description of all the stages that one should take in developing a career.

Summing Up on How to Write a Good Career Goals Essay

Career goals essays are pieces of writing where students explain their selected professional path they wish to pursue. Basically, outstanding papers contain details on what an individual intends to achieve in a profession. Also, one should include some stages of career development. In this case, effective essays follow a specific structure that includes the introduction, body, or paragraph sections. Besides, applicants must consider revising and editing career goals essays to improve the overall quality of papers. In turn, aspiring university and job applicants should:

• include career goals in each stage of professional development;
• rely on evidence-based approaches to settle on specific aspirations;
• revise career goals essays several times to achieve the desired quality.

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50 Inspiring Examples of Career Goal Statements

By Status.net Editorial Team on February 7, 2024 — 12 minutes to read

A career goal statement is a clear and concise description of your professional aspirations: it outlines what you aim to achieve in your career path, providing direction and serving as a guide for your professional decisions. Crafting this statement requires self-reflection to identify what truly matters to you in your career.

Think of your career goal statement as a compass. It helps you navigate through opportunities and choices, aligning them with your long-term objectives. A well-defined goal statement includes specific job titles or roles, industry preferences, skills you want to acquire or use, and the values that matter to you in a work environment.

For example, your statement might be, “I aim to become a Senior Software Developer at a tech company that values innovation, in the next five years.” This statement is direct, time-bound, and reflects personal and professional values.

When writing your own career goal statement, start by asking yourself some questions:

• What am I passionate about?
• Where do I see myself in five, ten, or fifteen years?
• What skills do I need to develop to reach my goals?

Your statement can evolve as your career advances and your goals change. Remember, it’s a living document meant to grow along with you. Keep it precise, make it inspiring for yourself, and let it reflect who you are and who you want to become professionally. By doing so, you’ll create a powerful tool to steer your career decisions and help achieve your ambitions.

Components of a Strong Career Goal Statement

A strong career goal statement effectively communicates where you see yourself in the future and how you plan to get there. The keys to crafting this include clarity in your aspirations and how your current path aligns with your long-term objectives.

Clarity and Specificity

Your career goal statement should clearly articulate the position you’re aiming for and the steps you plan to take to achieve it. For example, instead of saying “I want to grow in the tech industry,” specify “My goal is to become a Senior Software Engineer at a renowned tech firm within the next five years by honing my skills in mobile applications development and leadership.”

Alignment with Career Objectives

Ensure that your statement aligns with your broader career objectives. For instance, if you’re determined to enter the field of environmental sustainability, your goal statement could specify, “I will secure a role as a Sustainability Project Manager by gaining expertise in renewable energy solutions and contributing to conservation projects.”

Brevity and Conciseness

Keep your statement concise; it shouldn’t be longer than a short paragraph. A crisp, well-worded statement would look like, “Within three years, I aim to advance to a Lead Graphic Designer position by consistently delivering innovative designs and taking on more strategic projects.”

Personal Motivation

Include a sentence about what drives you towards this goal, which gives a personal touch to your career goal statement. You might say, “I am committed to becoming an industry-recognized financial analyst by developing cutting-edge quantitative models, fueled by my passion for data-driven decision making.”

The Purpose of Career Goal Statements

A career goal statement helps you and others understand where you’re aiming in your professional life. It serves as both a guide and a benchmark for your career progression.

Professional Development

Your career goal statement is a powerful tool for professional development. It’s a declaration of your ambitions, which often falls into specific categories like acquiring new skills, achieving certifications, or reaching a new position. For example, you might aim to become a certified project manager within the next two years, highlighting the steps and skills you’ll need to get there.

Job Search Focus

When you’re on the job hunt, having a career goal statement gives you a lens to evaluate potential job opportunities. Imagine you’re an engineer seeking roles in renewable energy projects; your career goal statement would specify this preference, allowing you to target your job search and tailor your applications to match your aspirations.

Performance Management

During performance evaluations, your career goal statement offers a clear outline of what success looks like for you. It can act as a communication tool between you and your supervisor, ensuring that you’re both aligned on your targets. If your goal is to lead a team, your performance metrics might include leadership training and successful project outcomes.

Personal Reflection and Growth

Your career statement doubles as a checkpoint for personal reflection and growth. By setting specific goals like enhancing your public speaking skills or learning a new programming language, you create a framework for personal progress, tying these improvements back to your broader career objectives.

Writing Your Career Goal Statement

A career goal statement is a clear and concise description of your professional aspirations. It’s important to chart a course for your career by setting strategic goals and outlining the steps you plan to take to achieve them.

Self-Assessment

Start by evaluating your interests, strengths, weaknesses, and values. This step helps you align your career trajectory with your personal attributes and ambitions.

• If you enjoy creative problem-solving, you might aim for a role in strategic development.
• Someone with a natural talent for communication might target a career in public relations.

Research and Exploration

Learn about the industries and positions that align with your interests and skills. Find out what qualifications you may need and what career advancement may look like in those roles.

• Researching the field of data science might show you the importance of skills like programming and data analysis.
• Exploring the healthcare industry could lead you to consider roles ranging from a health administrator to a nurse practitioner.

Articulating Your Goals

Clearly state your short-term and long-term career objectives. Make them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

• Short-term goal: Completing a professional certification in digital marketing within the next year.
• Long-term goal: Becoming a chief marketing officer at a technology company within the next ten years.

Revising and Refining

Your career goals are not set in stone. Periodically review and adjust them to reflect your growing skills, changes in the industry, and personal life changes.

• Revising your goal to include leadership skills if you’re aiming for management positions.
• Refining your goals to focus more on work-life balance if personal circumstances change.

Examples of Career Goal Statements

When crafting your career goal statement, be specific and align your goals with your desired career path. This section will provide examples for different career stages to guide you.

For Recent Graduates

As a recent graduate, your goal statement should reflect your eagerness to apply your education in a practical setting and grow professionally. For example:

• “My goal is to secure a role as a software developer at a forward-thinking tech company where I can contribute to innovative projects and hone my coding skills in real-world applications.”

For Mid-Career Professionals

For you in mid-career, a statement should focus on advancing your current skills and taking on larger responsibilities. For instance:

• “I aim to elevate my expertise in digital marketing to become a marketing manager, where I can lead strategic campaigns and impact the company’s growth directly.”

For Career Changers

As someone looking to change careers, your statement needs to leverage your transferable skills and express your commitment to the new field. Consider this example:

• “I intend to transition into the field of data analysis, leveraging my extensive background in market research to deliver actionable insights and drive decision-making processes.”

For Executive-Level Positions

Your executive career goal statement needs to showcase your vision for leadership and your ability to steer the company to new heights. An example could be:

• “I am determined to apply my 15 years of managerial experience to a Chief Operations Officer role, focusing on optimizing company-wide operations to boost profitability and efficiency.”

50 Examples of Career Goal Statements

• 1. “To secure a challenging position in a reputable organization to expand my learnings, knowledge, and skills.”
• 2. “Seeking a role at (…) Company where I can contribute to the team’s success while developing my skills as an accountant.”
• 3. “To achieve a lead position in software development that allows me to design innovative solutions and manage a dynamic team.”
• 4. “To become a primary school teacher that inspires young minds and fosters a love of learning.”
• 5. “Aiming to leverage my experience in customer service to become a leading sales representative within the next five years.”
• 6. “To grow into a senior role within the marketing department, contributing to the company’s strategic goals and brand development.”
• 7. “Seeking a position as a clinical practice assistant for a health organization that focuses on the development of innovative medical treatments.”
• 8. “To secure a position as a human resources manager and contribute to an organization’s employee engagement and professional development strategies.”
• 9. “My goal is to become a project manager within a progressive tech company, leading innovative projects to successful completion.”
• 10. “Aspiring to be a top journalist within a major media outlet, reporting on significant global events that shape our world.”
• 11. “To develop a career in finance, eventually becoming a chief financial officer for a well-established corporation.”
• 12. “To obtain a managerial position in the hospitality industry, providing exceptional guest experiences and leading a successful team.”
• 13. “Looking to apply my graphic design skills in a dynamic advertising agency, producing high-quality work for a variety of clients.”
• 14. “To establish myself as a leading real estate agent within the community, known for diligently serving clients and achieving their property dreams.”
• 15. “To become a senior software engineer, specializing in machine learning and artificial intelligence, contributing to cutting-edge technology advancements.”
• 16. “Aspire to join an international non-profit organization, focusing on human rights advocacy and contributing to meaningful change.”
• 17. “To earn a position as a lead researcher in a top-tier biotech firm, focusing on the development of life-saving pharmaceuticals.”
• 18. “To be recognized as an expert in environmental law, working to protect natural resources and promote sustainability.”
• 19. “To secure a role as an art director within a prestigious agency, driving creative strategy and inspiring a team of designers.”
• 20. “Aiming to become a chief operations officer, optimizing organizational processes and enhancing overall efficiency.”
• 21. “To advance my career in the field of education technology, developing innovative tools that facilitate learning and growth.”
• 22. “Seeking to become a master electrician, overseeing complex projects and mentoring apprentices in the trade.”
• 23. “To climb the ranks to a senior data analyst role, transforming data into actionable insights that drive business strategy.”
• 24. “To become a leading figure in digital marketing, known for crafting high-impact strategies that generate measurable results.”
• 25. “Aspiring to be an executive chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant, creating world-class cuisine and leading a top-tier culinary team.”
• 26. “To secure a position as a cybersecurity expert, protecting sensitive information from threats and vulnerabilities.”
• 27. “Aiming to be a respected leader in the field of public health, influencing policy and improving community health outcomes.”
• 28. “To establish a career as a professional musician, performing internationally and sharing my passion for music with diverse audiences.”
• 29. “Seeking a role as an aerospace engineer with a focus on sustainable design and innovation in air travel.”
• 30. “To become a leading architect, known for designing eco-friendly and innovative structures that enhance the urban landscape.”
• 31. “To grow into a senior role in supply chain management, optimizing logistics and contributing to the company’s profitability.”
• 32. “Aspiring to become a senior content creator, producing engaging and informative content that resonates with a wide audience.”
• 33. “To secure a position as a labor and delivery nurse, providing compassionate care and supporting families during a pivotal life event.”
• 34. “To become a principal consultant, offering expert advice and solutions to businesses in my area of expertise.”
• 35. “Aiming to be a top sales manager, driving team performance and exceeding company sales targets consistently.”
• 36. “To secure a leadership position within the field of environmental science, contributing to research and advocacy for climate change mitigation.”
• 37. “To become a recognized expert in user experience design, creating intuitive and user-friendly digital products.”
• 38. “Seeking a role as a professional event planner, executing unforgettable events that exceed client expectations.”
• 39. “To advance to a senior technical writer position, producing clear and concise documentation that supports product development.”
• 40. “Aspiring to be a chief diversity officer, fostering an inclusive workplace culture where all employees can thrive.”
• 41. “To become a lead mechanical engineer in the automotive industry, contributing to the development of innovative and efficient vehicles.”
• 42. “To secure a position as a business analyst, helping organizations to improve processes and systems for better performance.”
• 43. “Aiming to become a senior environmental consultant, providing actionable strategies for sustainable business practices.”
• 44. “To establish myself as a professional photographer, capturing moments and stories through my lens for global publications.”
• 45. “Seeking a role as an investment banker, helping companies to grow and investors to achieve their financial goals.”
• 46. “To become a thought leader in digital transformation, guiding enterprises through the integration of new technologies.”
• 47. “Aspiring to be a senior policy advisor, influencing legislation and policy decisions that impact the public sector.”
• 48. “To secure a position as a professional interpreter, facilitating communication in multiple languages for international organizations.”
• 49. “Aiming to become a leading expert in nutritional science, contributing to healthier lifestyles and dietary choices.”
• 50. “To establish a career as a professional speaker and author, sharing my expertise and inspiring others in my field.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you write an effective career goal statement for your resume.

When you write a career goal statement for your resume, start by reflecting on your strengths, skills, and experiences. Then, identify the kind of position you’re aiming for and how your career path aligns with the goals of the company. Use action words and quantify achievements where possible.

What are some examples of short-term career goals in professional development?

Short-term career goals might include obtaining a professional certification, improving specific job-related skills such as public speaking or technical proficiency, or networking to connect with industry leaders. These goals are typically achievable within a few months to two years.

What should be included in a personal career goal statement?

Your personal career goal statement should include your career interests, the competencies you wish to utilize, the type of environment you thrive in, and how you see your career progressing. It gives employers a glimpse into your aspirations and professional philosophy.

Can you give examples of comprehensive goal statements for students?

An example for a student might be: “Graduate with a degree in Environmental Science and secure an internship with a leading sustainability organization, to contribute to effective climate change solutions.” This states the education aim and the practical, immediate objective after graduation.

How do you frame a career goal statement for entry into graduate school?

A career goal statement for graduate school should express your academic interests, how the program aligns with your career plans, and what you intend to accomplish professionally with the advanced degree. This could be working towards a specific research field or role in academia.

What elements make up a compelling and succinct one-sentence career goal?

A compelling one-sentence career goal is specific, mentioning the desired industry or role, is realistic, and includes a timeframe. For example, “To become a certified project manager within the next year and lead technology-related projects in a Fortune 500 company.”

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Essay About Career Goals: Top 5 Examples and 3 Prompts

Career goals are milestones that demonstrate your development. Read some examples for inspiration to write a thought-provoking essay about career goals. 

Why might you need to write an essay about your career goals? When applying for universities, internships, and full-time jobs, you may be asked about your plans for the future. This helps the company or individual decide whether you are a good fit for the position.

Setting career goals can start with making a vision board, jotting down your aspirations, or even telling loved ones about them. There is no need to start big; it can be as simple as learning a new language or skill. It’s the process that counts, and the process can be ongoing and will likely lead you to identify further goals. 

If you want or need to write an essay about career goals, here are some examples to give you inspiration and some prompts to help you choose your own approach to the essay.

1. My career goals changed after uni, and that’s okay by Hazel M.

2. how my career goals & self-perception have changed now that i’m in my 30s by audrey gonzalez, 3. how to keep your career goals on track by clare whitmell, 4. my dad scorns my career goals. how do i keep us from falling out by annalisa barbieri, 5. why career plans are not always the answer by melody wilding, top 5 writing prompts on essay about career goals, 1. what are the benefits of having a solid set of career goals, 2. should you disregard others’ input when setting career goals, 3. when it comes to career goals, is there a blueprint to success, 4. guidance on setting career goals in the education sector, 5. does the socioeconomic status of an area affect the career goals of a population.

“If life has taught me anything, it’s that planning too far in advance can be more troublesome than it’s worth. I still have 30 years left before retirement and I’m open to anything – who knows? Maybe that editor job will happen after all. The most important thing, however, is not to be disappointed if it doesn’t; to appreciate the here and now, and pause long enough to look at how far you’ve already come. So, if your plan doesn’t pan out (or several years in you realise it might not be for you), that’s okay. You haven’t failed or disappointed anyone, you’ve just taken a different path. Chances are, you’re exactly where you need to be.”

Here the author describes how different her life is compared to how she envisioned it in her youth. When establishing her career goals, she planned to work as the editor of a national newspaper; however, she is not dissatisfied with the path her life has taken. 

Hazel M. initially pursued her goals by moving to London but soon realized she preferred a different location and a line of work she could manage independently. Setting goals for the future is always sensible, but never be afraid to choose a different path if you feel your current route is not working. The author demonstrates that choosing goals is a fluid and ongoing process. For more inspiration, see these articles about achievements .

“When I think back over the last decade, it’s a little weird to recognize just how much I’ve changed, both in my attitude toward my career and my perception of myself. I’ve gone from coasting along with whatever job pays the bills to actively broadening my marketable skills, and from constantly second-guessing my adulthood to being adult enough to say I don’t know, but I will soon .”

Similar to the previous essay, Gonzalez details how her life has deviated from her original plans. She realizes she was only doing jobs to stay financially stable and that her career goals were not as well-thought-out as she had believed. She also began to see herself as an adult rather than a mere student or an intern. 

Finally, Gonzalez realized that by taking a more proactive approach, bolstering her existing skills, and learning new ones, she could access broader and more rewarding opportunities. Gonzalez’s essay perfectly shows how career goals should not only be about money.

Looking for more? Check out these essays about work .

“Persistent effort and the willpower to stay the course are the fundamentals for achieving any sort of change. But you’ll also need a strategy for staying motivated when you experience setbacks and obstacles. Learn from these and use them as a spur to change what isn’t working rather than allowing them to chip away at your self-confidence.”

Whitmell gives readers tips on how to formulate career goals that are targeted, measurable, realistic, and achievable in a given timeframe. An essential piece of advice she gives is to have a positive mindset and be confident in yourself. 

Being determined, confident, and optimistic will help you bounce back from whatever setbacks you may encounter at any point in your career. And we all experience setbacks; however, they must be viewed as an opportunity for growth and part of the learning curve. You might also be wondering, why write goals down?

“Your dad may never understand you in the way you want, but that shouldn’t result in a broken relationship. He should respect your choices, because they will be the building blocks of your life, not his. You are a whole different person from him, with your own fears and hopes. These are worthy of discussion.”

Barbieri responds to a reader at odds with her father over her career goals in this article. The author recommends finding the right time for the reader to talk to her father and finding common ground regarding the reader’s career goals. These goals reflect her passions, and even if her father disagrees with them, he should at least respect them. 

“The idea of a five-year plan is so popular because it promises certainty –– that if we follow a linear path to success, happiness will follow. But trying to predict the future is a losing battle. It’s impossible to know what your priorities will be a few years from now, let alone the opportunities you’ll be presented with.”

In her article, Wilding writes about how strict career goals are not always beneficial. She discusses how they can leave you obsessed and “stuck” trying to fulfill these goals. She also provides insight on how to plan your career, including pursuing your passions, using failure for improvement, and not looking too far into the future. 

Having career goals can help you feel prepared for the future. But what good does it do? Discuss the benefits of setting career goals. Include the drawbacks of having a fixed plan too early and the importance of revisiting it incrementally. Remember, your dreams and aspirations will change as you progress through life, and your goals should accommodate this.

We have heard about basing career goals on “what you want.” However, should you still listen to the opinions of others, such as your parents, as is the dilemma in Barbieri’s essay? Or should you follow your gut? The people closest to us know us well and sometimes better than we know ourselves. How do we choose when to take advice and when to follow our instincts. You can include career advice services offered to teenagers and school leavers. This advice is sometimes based on a snapshot of a person by an unfamiliar advisor. Is this advice valid?

Explore the process of developing career goals. Look at the examples of recognizable entrepreneurs and compare the steps they took to develop and achieve their goals. Are there similarities between their methods? Is it possible for someone to take a blueprint to success and apply it to their own career path?

Analyze the current system for helping students develop career goals within your country or state and compare it with other countries. Look at the most effective strategies and back them up with statistical data. How are we teaching young people to plan for their future, and is there scope for improvement? You can include your personal experiences of career support for comparison.

Pick a locality, region, or country and assess the socioeconomic status. Then discuss how this may affect the aspirations of the population, particularly those leaving education. You might consider populations dominated by industries such as mining or manufacturing. Does the nature of the environment hamper potential or does it fuel determination to achieve alternative career options. Include some examples of your findings.

Check out our guide packed full of transition words for essays .

If you are interested in learning more, check out our essay writing tips !

Essay on Career Plan

Students are often asked to write an essay on Career Plan in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Career Plan

What is a career plan.

A career plan is a set of steps that helps you think about what job you want in the future. It’s like a map that guides you to choose the right classes and activities that will help you reach your dream job. It’s important to start planning early so you can be ready when it’s time to work.

Why Make a Career Plan?

Making a career plan is useful because it gives you a clear goal to work towards. It can help you make good decisions, like picking subjects that match the job you want. It’s a way to make sure you’re always moving forward towards your dream.

How to Build Your Plan

To build your plan, start by thinking about what you enjoy doing. Then, learn about jobs that fit those interests. Talk to people who do those jobs and ask for advice. Write down the steps you need to take, like which subjects to study, and follow them one by one.

Changing Your Plan

It’s okay if your interests change as you grow. Your career plan can change too. It’s a flexible guide that can adapt as you learn more about what you like and don’t like. Always be open to new ideas and opportunities that might come your way.

250 Words Essay on Career Plan

Why is a career plan important.

Having a career plan is important because it gives you direction. It helps you know what subjects to focus on in school and what kind of activities or jobs to try. Without a plan, it’s easy to get lost and not reach your job goals.

Steps to Make a Career Plan

First, think about what you love to do. Do you like drawing, solving math problems, or helping people? Your interests can give you clues about what jobs might make you happy. Next, learn about different jobs that match your interests. Talk to people who do those jobs, read about them, or watch videos.

Then, set clear goals. Decide what job you want in the future and write down the steps to get there. This might include finishing school, going to college, or getting special training.

Updating Your Plan

Remember, your interests might change as you grow, and that’s okay. It’s good to review your career plan regularly and make changes if needed. This way, your plan always matches what you want and who you are becoming.

In conclusion, a career plan is a powerful tool to help you reach your dream job. It’s a personal guide that keeps you focused and moving forward towards the career you want to have in the future.

500 Words Essay on Career Plan

Why you need a career plan.

Having a career plan is important because it gives you direction. Without a plan, it can be hard to know what steps to take to get the job you want. With a plan, you can figure out what you need to learn, what kind of experience you need to gain, and how long it might take you to achieve your goals.

1. Know Yourself The first step is to think about what you like to do and what you’re good at. Do you enjoy working with computers, or do you like to help people? Knowing your interests and skills is the starting point.

3. Set Goals After you know what job you want, set some goals. These can be big goals, like becoming a doctor, or smaller goals, like taking a science class.

4. Make a Plan Now it’s time to make a plan. Write down the steps you need to take to reach your goals. This might include getting good grades, joining a club, or getting a part-time job.

Changing Your Career Plan

It’s okay if your interests change as you grow up. Your career plan is not fixed; you can change it anytime. If you discover a new passion or find out more about a job that sounds better, you can update your plan to fit your new goals.

Getting Help with Your Career Plan

You don’t have to make a career plan all by yourself. You can ask for help from your parents, teachers, or school counselors. They can give you advice and help you understand more about different jobs and what you need to do to get them.

A career plan is a guide to help you find your way to the job of your dreams. It’s made up of knowing yourself, exploring options, setting goals, making a plan, and then taking action. Remember, it’s fine to change your plan as you learn more about what you enjoy and what you want to do. With a good career plan, you can work towards a future that excites you and makes you happy.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Career Goals — Overview of My Career Plan

Overview of My Career Plan

• Categories: Career Career Goals Dream Career

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Published: Feb 8, 2022

Words: 1490 | Pages: 3 | 8 min read

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Essay on Career for Students and Children

500+ words essay on career.

Career is a very important thing in one’s life. Whatever career path you choose to follow, it will impact your life greatly. Your career will define your status in a society in addition to your lifestyle. In other words, your career will determine your social circle and relationships.

Therefore, it is extremely important to choose the correct career path . From a very young age, we aspire to be something or the other. While someone aims to be a doctor, some wish to become a painter. Our career choices depend on a lot of things. Thus, it is important to consider all factors before choosing a career path.

How to Choose your Career?

You must consider a number of factors before deciding on your career. Each factor plays a significant role in your choice. Firstly, always assess yourself thoroughly. You must understand your area of interest to choose a career. For instance, someone who dances well can surely become a doctor, but his interest will always be in dance. Thus, ensure that you have the caliber to perform well in the field you choose. This will come from your area of interest itself.

After that, you look for the opportunities available as per your area of interest. Now that you are aware of what you like and dislike, you can easily look for occupations matching your passion. Make a list of the occupations you can get into following your interests. Furthermore, shorten the list you have prepared. You must do so as per what suits you best. Consult with your seniors and parents to make informed decisions.

Most importantly, acquire the skills for the career option you are interested in. Ensure you earn the qualifications and degrees for it. Try taking training programs to enhance your skills. This will give you an upper hand in knowing whether you are correct in choosing the specific career plan. Furthermore, create an impressive resume which can help you get the right opportunities.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

How to Achieve your Career Goal?

There are steps you need to take before achieving your career goal. As they say, success doesn’t come overnight. You must work along the way to accomplish your goals. There is always hope if you have the will. Firstly, create profiles on different job portals to attract the employer’s attention. When you maintain your profile well, you will be able to get good career opportunities.

Moreover, always maintain your network. Build a solid network and create sources in the field. This way you can update yourself with the latest happenings in the industry. In addition, try to attend the related seminars and workshops that happen related to your career choice. You will meet influential people of the same field who can broaden your thinking.

In short, always remember to stay determined. You can easily achieve your career goal if you set your mind to it. In other words, people usually distract themselves easily. You must not do so and focus on your career path to achieve your goals efficiently.

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How to Create a Career Development Plan That Works

Published: Jul 10, 2024 By Andrea Moran

Setting career goals can be a daunting prospect. After all, how are you supposed to distill your professional hopes and dreams into a single document? But making a career development plan doesn’t have to be intimidating. And in fact, it can do wonders for your ability to focus and your sense of accomplishment.

Before touching on how to create a career development plan that works, first let’s review what it is in the first place. In a nutshell, it’s writing down exactly what your long-term career goals are and the steps you need to take in order to achieve those goals. While some corporations collaborate with their employees in order to assure mutually beneficial objectives, many people decide to develop one of their own. Here are a few ways to create a path you can (and want to) stick with.

Get a clear view of the “now”

Before you set your eyes to the future, take a few moments to consider the present. Where are you in your career right now? Consider things like what kinds of skills you have, what tasks you do and don’t like doing, your individual motivation style, etc. Forbes suggests comparing your past experiences and skills to your current position as “a basis for your future career potential.”

Decide on your goals

The idea of setting goals can feel overwhelmingly vague, so it may help to break them down into short-term and long-term targets. Get as specific with them as possible and be sure that all of them are actually achievable in a realistic timeframe.

Get real about your skills (or lack thereof)

A good career development plan involves you knowing what skills you have that will help you reach your goal—as well as a clear understanding of what skills you’re lacking in order to get there.

When you’ve identified what skills you need, either to make yourself an expert in your current role or to land the job of your dreams down the road, get to work on filling in those gaps through online courses, an advanced degree, or professional workshops.

Discover resources and people who can help

You don’t have to do it all alone. Explore what kinds of resources you have at your disposal to help you make your goals possible. Your office might have suggestions for certain career development classes or you could look into mentorship programs. Joining forces with others who share your goals (or who have already made them happen and can help guide you) is a great way to learn how to make your dreams possible.

Celebrate the little things

Because advancing your career can take many years, some people tend to lose sight of what they set out to do. In order to avoid that, you should consider including mini milestones to aim for and celebrate. Whether you treat yourself to a night out with friends or a relaxing massage, having those smaller achievements acknowledged can go a long way in sustaining the mental fortitude needed to reach long-term goals.

Give yourself (and your plan) a checkup

Just like going for your yearly checkup, you should periodically look at your career plan to make sure you’re still on track. Whether it’s every few months or once a year, it’s worth sitting down with yourself to see where you are and if anything needs adjusting. After all, your plan isn’t permanent—it can (and probably will) shift and change as circumstances do. And that’s ok! Just update it so it fits your new needs and keep right on going.

Speaking with your manager or boss about your career goals can be a great way to ensure you’re all on the same page about what the next few years will bring for you on a professional level. But even if your office doesn’t have a specific template to follow, don’t let that stop you from making and following through with the steps needed to make your career dreams come true.

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Samuels Family Latino and African American High School Internship Program (LA-HIP)

The overall goal of the Samuels Family LA-HIP is to provide students who identify as an underrepresented minority in medicine and science with the opportunity to learn hands-on laboratory-based research and to support them in their quest to become scientists or physician scientists. Eligible students are those who are applying in the Fall of their Junior year of high school, and who have a strong interest in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). 

Click here to apply to LA-HIP

What Is The Samuels Family LA-HIP?

The Samuels Family LA-HIP was founded 17 years ago, and has trained over 200 high school students from the Los Angeles area. LA-HIP is a comprehensive yearlong high school internship program that combines biomedical research with intensive college counseling guidance. Our interns have access to college level didactic instruction in biology, SAT prep classes, and college application workshops. Students perform cutting-edge biomedical research experiments under the mentorship of scientists at The Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles during the summer before their senior year.

Eligibility and Application Details

LA-HIP’s purpose is to provide students from underrepresented minorities the opportunity to experience laboratory research and excel in the sciences.

Eligibility Criteria

• Identify as an underrepresented minority in medicine and science*
• Be a current Junior in high school
• Have a Social Security Number or DACA Number

*(e.g. Black, African American, Hispanic, Latino/a/x, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander)

Students must complete an online application. For the class of 2023, the application will open on Monday, November 7, 2022 and will close Friday, February 3, 2023. The summer science program will start on Monday, June 26, 2023 and end with the Science Symposium in the beginning of August. College preparation with the program continues through the academic year.

How to Apply

Click here (link will open 11/7/2022 - 2/3/2023) to complete our online application.

The complete application consists of the following components:

• Personal information
• Academic Information
• Extracurricular activities
• Personal Statement and Essay
• Recommendation Letter by a science or math teacher or counselor
• Unofficial or Official High School Transcript

A panel of science and education experts select participants based on their academic strength, extracurricular activities in STEM, quality of essay writing, and the recommendations submitted by a teacher or academic counselor. Students may apply to other summer programs, but if admitted into LA-HIP, students are expected to decline all other summer program offers. LA-HIP is a time intensive program, that requires students to attend all required program elements. Finalists will be announced by the end of March of 2023.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. For questions please contact Emmanuel Obasohan at [email protected] .

2020-2021 LA-HIP Application Essay Prompts

Application essay 1.

Tell us your story. We want to learn about who YOU are. Where do you come from and where do you want to go? Limit to 300 words.

Application Essay 2

We want to know about your interest in science. How have you explored the world of science and what fascinates you about it? Limit to 250 words.

Application Essay 3

Thought experiment: you've just made a life-changing scientific discovery. What is it and how will it impact the world? Limit to 250 words.

Program Details

Application and Program Timeline

For the class of 2023, the application will open on Monday, November 7, 2022 and will close Friday, February 3, 2023. Notice this application requires at least 1 letter of recommendation, but no more than 2. To ensure your application is submitted on time, make sure you notify your recommender as soon as possible.

The summer science program will start on Monday June 19, 2023 and end with the Science Symposium in the beginning of August. College preparation with the program continues throughout the academic year. As we encourage students to apply to other programs, if a student does accept the offer to participate in LA-HIP, they will be expected to not participate in any other programs during the summer that would interfere with the program elements.

A program orientation for accepted students and their families will be held in early April 2023 to describe program guidelines, expectations, and the on-boarding process. Due to the time commitments required by this program, it is important for students and their families to attend all mandatory meetings.

Laboratory Research Training

LA-HIP is a laboratory-based research training program that offers hands-on experimentation in projects relevant to pediatric health and disease (e.g., regenerative medicine, cancer and blood diseases, diabetes, neuroscience). During the seven-week long summer program, interns work full-time learning and performing research in a laboratory of a faculty scientist in The Saban Research Institute. Students learn cutting-edge techniques and methodologies normally not learned until college or graduate school. Their research is part of the overall program of the laboratory, and thus they participate in making scientific discoveries and advances. Interns are also instructed in the art of keeping a laboratory notebook, interacting with other scientists and presenting their results in laboratory meetings. Interns also write a scientific abstract and present their accomplishments at the Science Symposium at the end of the summer.

Preparing for College

To help prepare students for college, they work with professionals from Mosaic College Counseling and The Princeton Review. College counselors provide personalized insight into the college selection and application process, and financial aid. These mandatory counseling sessions help prepare interns for the complex processes involved in applying for college. LA-HIP takes its interns to local campuses where they participate in informational sessions and campus tours to prepare for recruiting visits later in the year. Furthermore, interns are prepared for college through workshops and readiness exercises (time management, goal setting, self-advocacy, note taking, etc.). These activities help interns to become competitive college applicants and guide them to the schools where they will thrive. Students will also be immersed in an SAT course to prepare them for the standardized testing that is required for admission to many universities and colleges.

What Else Do We Offer?

The Samuels Family LA-HIP provides a stipend, Metro card and meals at the hospital cafeteria to all accepted students.

What Are We Looking For In Interns?

LA-HIP is looking for curious students interested in how the living world works, and who have a genuine interest in STEM and/or medicine. We want to train students who are dedicated to their education, have an enthusiasm for learning and have a vision for their own professional career. Interns must be dedicated to completing the program and demonstrate professionalism while working in The Saban Research Institute.

LA-HIP Staff

Mark R. Frey, PhD , who joined CHLA in 2010, is a basic and early-translational researcher focused on epithelial biology and intestinal disorders. In particular, he studies how cell-cell interactions driven by growth factors maintain the intestinal stem cell niche but are deregulated in chronic disease. Dr. Frey’s undergraduate work was in the History of Science and Medicine at the University of Chicago. From there, he went on to a PhD program in Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he studied cell cycle regulation in cancer, followed by postdoctoral work on intestinal inflammation at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Frey is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

Dr. Frey was appointed Director of LA-HIP in late 2019. Prior to this role, he was a lab mentor for the program for nine years. He also serves as Director of the Programs in Biomedical and Biological Sciences (PIBBS) PhD feeder program, an interdisciplinary graduate program that provides USC biomedical graduate students with a core curriculum and laboratory rotations and facilitates placement in topic-specific dissertation programs (cancer biology, stem cells and regenerative medicine, etc.).

Program Administrator

Danielle Nunez, MPA , joined the Saban Research Institute at CHLA as a Program Administrator in September 2023. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s and Gender studies from Loyola Marymount University and holds a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from California State University, Long Beach. In her role as the LA-HIP Program Administrator, Danielle’s objective is to provide public high school students with the opportunity to learn hands on laboratory-based research and supports them in their goal to become scientists or physician scientists. She is responsible for the coordination and organization of the program within the Training, Education, Career Planning and Development Office. Danielle works to foster a positive learning environment for students that will encourage their academic and personal growth.

Program Coordinator

Emmanuel Obasohan, MHA , was appointed Program Coordinator for the Samuels Family LA-HIP at The Saban Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in September 2022. He completed his educational journey at Sacramento State University, obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and a Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration. From there, he applied to work as an LA-HIP Administrative Intern and then was brought on as a Research Training Coordinator to the Training, Education, Career Planning and Development Office in Research Administration team at CHLA. As the LA-HIP Coordinator, his goal is to facilitate an environment that allows students to recognize their full potential so that they can continue to succeed. Emmanuel is responsible for the organization and coordination of the program to promote the advancement of both academic and personal development.

Our Interns

Our interns come from many different high schools in the Los Angeles area. The Samuels Family LA-HIP has accepted more than 200 students since 2006. All alumni have graduated from high school and matriculated to college.

LA-HIP Class of 2023-24 College Decisions

What Do Our Interns Say?

“LA-HIP is a fantastic program that allows high school students to gain lab experience. I enjoyed being a part of the LA-HIP program because it allowed me to meet new people who shared my passion for science.” — Aura Ramirez Rivas, Class of 2022

“My research experience was by far one of the most amazing and memorable experiences of my life! Becoming a researcher for the summer and working in a lab boosted my confidence and helped me in finding my sense of purpose in the world. I encourage everyone to apply to LA-HIP and become a part of our big and awesome family!” — Heidy Paniagua, Class of 2021

“My LA-HIP experience was beyond anything I could have imagined, I gained so much knowledge in so little time while thoroughly enjoying my working environment. I met really great people and learned a lot about developmental biology.” — Andrea Lanz, Class of 2021

“LA-HIP is what opened me up to research and pushed me to pursue an MD/PhD. I owe a lot of my accomplishments to the support I have received from them and from Dr. B. Currently, as a sophomore in college I work within a molecular genetics lab where I can apply what I have learned not only inside the classroom but also what I have learned through my LA-HIP experience.” — Analeyla Herrera, Class of 2019

“The Samuel’s Family Latino and African American Internship Program was an overall life-changing experience. I was surrounded by people who were exceptional, and I was constantly challenged and encouraged to ask questions and think critically about research, science, and medicine.  This program has increased my confidence academically and elevated my focus on reaching my goals in the field of medicine. LA-HIP has definitely shaped me into the person I am today, and it has opened new doors and opportunities such as building connections with other laboratory members and principal investigators, as well as receiving the proper mentorship and guidance into the exact steps that I need to take to achieve my goals.” — Mirleth De Los Santos, Class of 2017

“LA-HIP has given me a head start on my research career. The techniques I learned in Dr. Frey’s lab at The Saban Research Institute opened the doors to so many other research opportunities. Since finishing the program in 2017, I’ve been able to continue my path in research by being a part of several projects such as running Western Blots to understand the effects of bisphenol-A at Harbor-UCLA’s Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, to creating and designing scaffolds for the engineering of cardiac muscle tissues within CSULB’s Therapeutic & Regenerative Systems Laboratory. As a junior in college, I would say it’s a big accomplishment to already have so much knowledge about the lab and even a couple of publications under my belt.” — Gabriela Pena Carmona, Class of 2017

Our Supporters

The Samuels Family LA-HIP is funded by grants and donations, and was initiated in 2005 with a generous gift from Lori and Theodore Samuels, a member of the CHLA Foundation Board of Trustees. Lori and Ted have consistently supported the program since its inception, and LA-HIP was named in their honor in 2013.

The program has enjoyed strong support for many years from additional donors and foundations including:

California Institute For Regenerative Medicine (CIRM)      The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation      Doris Duke Charitable Foundation      Achieving America Foundation      David and Marianne Fisher      Emil Bogenmann, PhD, EdD      Fletcher Jones Foundation      Leonetti/O’Connell Family Foundation      Mary Adams and O’Connell and Kevin O’Connell      National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases      Richard and Ruth Lavine Family Foundation      Rose Hills Foundation

We would like to thank all the contributors for their generosity.

If you are interested in donating to the Samuels Family LA-HIP, please contact us at [email protected] or [email protected] .

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LA-HIP LinkedIn Group

We have created an LA-HIP LinkedIn Group. We hope that this group will serve as a valuable resource to connect with other alumni, stay up to date with the latest LA-HIP news, and learn about events, job opportunities, and career resources. If you are a LA-HIP student alum or former mentor and would like to stay connected, please click the link here: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14230307/

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Bollywood Stars, Prime Ministers and the Kardashians Attend the Ambani Wedding

After months of lavish prewedding festivities that have captured the attention of onlookers worldwide, Anant Ambani, the youngest son of India’s richest man, married Radhika Merchant in Mumbai.

By Sadiba Hasan

Reporting from Mumbai, India

On Friday afternoon, Sneh Zala, 24, waited for celebrities to arrive on the red carpet for the wedding ceremony of Anant Ambani, the youngest son of India’s richest man, and Radhika Merchant, a daughter of a fellow business tycoon.

The red carpet was set up in a room adorned with lanterns and red and orange garlands and floral arrangements. Mr. Zala, a photographer working for Manav Manglani , one of Bollywood’s top paparazzi, had already shot several of the couple’s prewedding functions, which began in March .

It’s not every day that Kim and Khloé Kardashian, John Cena and Boris Johnson gather in Mumbai for an Indian wedding. All four were in attendance on Friday at the Jio World Centre in traditional Indian garb.

Mr. Zala was one of about 100 media members clamoring next to the red carpet, not a common addition at most weddings. But given the sheer number of celebrities present — Bollywood superstars, several members of the Indian cricket team, former prime ministers and billionaire businessmen — and the fabulous Indian clothes on display, a runway seemed in order.

When Mr. Cena came out wearing a baby-blue sherwani, one photographer shouted, “Welcome to India.”

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