Setting Goals for Your College Experience and Beyond

How do you define success? Is success about money, friendship, or power? Is it about achieving excellence in college and beyond or about finding a sense of purpose in your life? For most people, success is a combination of all these factors and more. Although luck or “who you know” may play a role in success, first and foremost it will be the result of intentional steps you take.

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Score! Do you have friends who are lucky or have a knack for getting what they want? What seems to be luck can often be a function of careful planning and setting short- and long-term goals.

So, in your quest for success, where do you begin? First, it is important to establish goals: goals for today, this week, this year, and beyond. Although some students prefer to “go with the flow” and let life happen to them, those students are more likely to flounder and less likely to achieve success in college or in a career. So, instead of “going with the flow” and simply reacting to what college and life present, think instead about how you can take more control over the decisions and choices you make now that lay the foundation for the achievement of future life goals. Even though it is easy to make vague plans for the future, you need to determine which short-term steps are necessary if those plans are to become a reality.

As you plan your college experience and life goals, think about your personal strengths. For instance, do you like to talk, deal with conflict, and stand up for yourself? Are you a good reader? If your answers to these questions are “yes,” you may want to consider a career in the legal profession. Are you a good science student and enjoy working with your hands? If so, you might want to think about dentistry. Your campus career center can help you discover your own unique strengths—and weaknesses—which can influence your direction as you explore career choices.