PERSONAL GOAL DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER PATH PLANNING | Build Your Best Self Fellowship

Objectives – By the end of this session, you will be able to:
• Understand what goal development means and why it is important.
• Distinguish between short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals.
• Apply the SMART goals framework to personal and career development.
• Map out a clear career path aligned with their skills, values, and aspirations.
• Identify tools and strategies to stay on track with their goals and career plan.

1. PERSONAL
GOAL
DEVELOPMENT
AND CAREER
PATH
PLANNING


Objectives – By the end of this session, you will be able
to:
•Understand what goal development means and why it is
important.
•Distinguish between short-term, medium-term, and long-term
goals.
•Apply the SMART goals framework to personal and
career development.
•Map out a clear career path aligned with their skills, values,
and aspirations.
•Identify tools and strategies to stay on track with their goals
and career plan.

2. WHAT IS GOAL DEVELOPMENT

Definition:
•Goal development is the process of
identifying what you want to achieve and
creating a clear plan of action to get
there.
•It’s not just about wishing — it’s about
deciding, planning, and acting.






Why It Matters:
•Goals give you direction → they act like a
GPS for your life and career.
•Goals build focus → help you prioritize what
matters most.
•Goals create motivation → when you know
where you’re going, you work harder.
•Goals enable measurement → you can track
progress and celebrate wins.

3. WHAT IS GOAL DEVELOPMENT

Example:
•Without a goal: “I just want a
job.”
•With a goal: “I want to become a
Human Resource Officer in the
NGO sector within 2 years by
gaining HR certifications and
internship experience.”






Key Message:

“Goals turn dreams into
plans, and plans into results.”

4. TYPES OF GOALS

Short-Term Goals
•Achievable within days to 1 year.
•Focus on immediate actions that build
momentum.
Examples:
•Complete a professional CV and cover
letter.
•Apply to 5 internship opportunities.
•Attend a networking event this semester.





Medium-Term Goals
•Achievable within 1–3 years.
•Bridge between short-term actions and
long-term vision.
Examples:
•Secure a full-time job in your field of study.
•Complete a professional certification (e.g., CPA,
SHRM).
•Save money to pursue a Master’s degree.

5. TYPES OF GOALS

Long-Term Goals
•Achievable within 3–10+ years.
•Reflect your big vision for life and
career.
Examples:
•Become a Country Director for an
NGO.
•Start your own consultancy firm.
•Buy a house and achieve financial
independence.




Key Takeaway:

Short-term goals build the
foundation, medium-term
goals create momentum,
and long-term goals give
you vision and purpose.

6. SMART GOALS FRAMEWORK
Identify Your Vision or Purpose
•Begin by asking: What do I really want to achieve?
•Align your goals with your personal values, career
aspirations, or organizational objectives.

Define Specific Goals
•Make the goal clear and precise, not vague.
•Example: Instead of “I want to be healthier,” say “I
will exercise for 30 minutes, 5 days a week.”


Make Goals Measurable
•Attach numbers, timelines, or milestones to track
progress.
•Example: “Save $2,000 by the end of six months.”
Ensure Goals Are Achievable
•The goal should be realistic given your current
resources, skills, and circumstances.
•Stretch yourself, but avoid setting goals that set
you up for failure.

7. SMART GOALS FRAMEWORK
Check Relevance
•Ask: Does this goal connect to my bigger vision or
priorities?
•This ensures you’re working on what truly
matters.

Set Timeframes
•Every goal needs a deadline or target date.
•Example: “Complete my professional certification
within 12 months.”


Break Goals into Action Steps
•List small, manageable tasks that will lead you to
the bigger goal.
•Example: To “publish a book in one year” → break
into outline chapters, write drafts, edit, find
publisher, etc.
Anticipate Barriers and Solutions
•Think of possible challenges and how to overcome
them.
•Example: If lack of time is a barrier, schedule
specific slots in your calendar.

8. SMART GOALS FRAMEWORK
Track Progress and Review
•Regularly check in on your progress.
•Adjust strategies if something isn’t working.

Celebrate Milestones
•Recognize small wins to stay motivated.
•Rewards reinforce the habit of goal
achievement.

9. SMART GOALS FRAMEWORK
What is SMART?
A powerful tool to make your goals clear,
realistic, and achievable.
SMART =
S – Specific → Clear and well-defined.
❌ “I want to improve my skills.”
✅ “I want to complete a digital marketing course.”



M – Measurable → You can track progress.
❌ “I want to apply for jobs.”
✅ “I will apply to 10 jobs by the end of the
month.”
A – Achievable → Realistic, considering your
resources and time.
❌ “I will become a CEO in 1 year.”
✅ “I will gain 2 years of leadership experience as
a team lead.”

10. SMART GOALS FRAMEWORK
R – Relevant → Aligned with your career path and
values.
❌ “I want to learn cooking.” (if applying for HR role).
✅ “I will attend an HR compliance workshop.”

T – Time-bound → Has a deadline.
❌ “I will start my Master’s someday.”
✅ “I will enroll in a Master’s program by September
2026.”



Key Message:
“A goal without a deadline is
just a wish. SMART makes your
goals practical and doable.”

11. CAREER PATH PLANNING – DEFINITION &
BENEFITS
What is Career Path Planning?
•The process of mapping out your
professional journey from where
you are now to where you want to be
in the future.
•It’s about identifying the roles, skills,
and experiences you need to grow
step by step in your career.

Benefits of Career Path Planning:
•Clarity → You know the direction your career is
taking.
•Motivation → A clear path keeps you inspired and
committed.
•Skill Development → Helps you identify which
skills you must gain at each stage.
•Better Choices → Guides you in deciding which
jobs, trainings, or opportunities to pursue.
•Long-Term Vision → Keeps you focused on your
dream career, not just your current job.

12. WHY GOAL SETTING MATTERS IN CAREER
PLANNING
1. Provides Direction
•Goals act like a career compass — they
show you where you’re going.
•Without goals, you risk moving randomly from
job to job without growth.
2. Builds Motivation & Focus
•Clear goals push you to wake up each day with
a purpose.
•Helps you focus on what matters most and
avoid distractions.

3. Helps You Track Progress
•With goals, you can measure how far you’ve come.
•Example: “Last year, I wanted to get an internship.
This year, I’m targeting a full-time job.”

4. Strengthens Decision-Making
•When faced with choices, your goals help you
decide: Does this bring me closer to my vision?

13. WHY GOAL SETTING MATTERS IN CAREER
PLANNING
5. Increases Confidence
•Achieving small goals gives you confidence
to tackle bigger ones.
•Success builds step by step.


Key Message:
“Career growth doesn’t just
happen by chance — it happens by
design. Your goals are the design.”

14. CAREER PATH PLANNING – DEFINITION &
BENEFITS
Example:
•Without career path planning: “I’ll just
take any job that comes.”
•With career path planning: “I want to
be a Finance Manager. Step 1:
Internship in accounting. Step 2:
Graduate-level finance role. Step 3:
CPA certification. Step 4: Finance
Officer → Manager.”

Key Message:

“Career path planning is like building
a road map — it doesn’t stop
challenges from coming, but it
ensures you don’t get lost.”

15. STEPS IN CAREER PATH PLANNING
1. Self-Assessment
Identify your skills, strengths, values,
and passions.
Ask: “What am I good at? What do I
enjoy? What matters most to me?”
Example: If you value helping people,
careers in HR, social work, or teaching
may fit.

2. Explore Career Options
•Research industries, roles, and organizations
that align with your skills and values.
•Use networking, informational interviews, and
online research.

16. STEPS IN CAREER PATH PLANNING
3. Set Career Milestones
Break your career into steps/stages.
Example: Intern → Assistant →
Officer → Manager → Director.
Define what success looks like at each
stage.

4. Identify Resources & Networks
•Training programs, mentors, fellowships, and
professional associations.
•Build relationships with people in your field
(LinkedIn, alumni, mentors).

17. STEPS IN CAREER PATH PLANNING
5. Continuous Learning &
Adaptation
•Careers evolve — be ready to learn
new skills.
•Example: Digital literacy, leadership,
or technical certifications.
•Stay adaptable to market changes.

Key Message:

“Your career path is not a straight
line. It’s a journey with steps, turns,
and growth opportunities. The secret
is to keep moving forward with
clarity.”

18. COMMON BARRIERS TO GOAL
ACHIEVEMENT & CAREER GROWTH
1. Lack of Clarity
•Not knowing what you want leads to
random decisions.
•Tip: Always define your goals clearly
(use SMART).
2. Fear & Self-Doubt
•Thinking “I’m not good enough” or
“What if I fail?” holds many back.
•Tip: Focus on progress, not perfection.

3. Poor Time Management
•Spending time on distractions instead of
actions that move you forward.
•Tip: Use planners, calendars, or set daily
priorities.
4. Limited Networks
•Opportunities often come through people
you know.
•Tip: Build connections — join LinkedIn,
attend events, talk to mentors.

19. COMMON BARRIERS TO GOAL
ACHIEVEMENT & CAREER GROWTH
5. Lack of Resources (skills, money,
training)
•Sometimes you don’t have the resources
right away.
•Tip: Start with what you have, then
gradually build capacity.
6. Giving Up Too Early
•Many stop when challenges come.
•Tip: Stay consistent. Small steps lead to big
results.

Key Message:
“Barriers are real, but they are not
the end. With planning, persistence,
and support, you can overcome
them.”

20. PRACTICAL TOOLS FOR FELLOWS
Journaling
•Write down your goals, progress, and reflections.
•Helps track growth and identify patterns.
•Example: End each week with: “What did I achieve?
What’s next?”
Vision Board
•A visual collection (pictures/words) of your goals
and dreams.
•Keeps your long-term vision alive and motivating.
•Example: Pin images of your dream career, house, or
workplace.

Goal-Tracking Apps & Planners
•Tools like Google Calendar, Trello, or Notion to
organize tasks.
•Example: Set reminders for deadlines (e.g.,
certification exams, job applications).
5. Accountability Partners
•Share your goals with a trusted friend/peer who
checks on your progress.
•Example: “Let’s both apply to 2 jobs this week and
update each other.”

21. PRACTICAL TOOLS FOR FELLOWS
Mentorship & Coaching
•Learn from people ahead of you in your field.
•Mentors provide guidance, accountability, and
encouragement.
•Example: A senior HR officer guiding you on
how to transition from internship to officer
role.
6. Continuous Learning
•Online courses, workshops, books, podcasts.
•Example: Coursera, LinkedIn Learning,
YouTube tutorials.

Key Message:

“Goals don’t achieve themselves. You
need tools, support, and daily habits to
make them real.”

22. CASE STUDY / EXAMPLE CAREER PATH
Case Study: A Fresh Graduate
Aspiring to Become an NGO
Program Manager

Step 1: Short-Term Goals (0–1 year)
•Secure an internship in an NGO.
•Build foundational skills (report writing, field
data collection, teamwork).
•Network with peers and supervisors.

23. CASE STUDY / EXAMPLE CAREER PATH
Case Study: A Fresh Graduate
Aspiring to Become an NGO
Program Manager

Step 2: Medium-Term Goals (1–3 years)
•Progress into a Program Officer role.
•Gain experience in project implementation
and community engagement.
•Enroll in a Master’s program or relevant
certification (e.g., Project Management, M&E).

24. CASE STUDY / EXAMPLE CAREER PATH
Case Study: A Fresh Graduate
Aspiring to Become an NGO
Program Manager

Step 3: Long-Term Goals (3–7 years)
•Transition into a Senior Program Officer /
Coordinator role.
•Lead small teams, manage budgets, represent
the organization in stakeholder meetings.
•Strengthen leadership and proposal writing
skills.

25. CASE STUDY / EXAMPLE CAREER PATH
Case Study: A Fresh Graduate
Aspiring to Become an NGO
Program Manager

Step 4: Dream Role (7–10 years)
•Become a Program Manager.
•Responsible for designing projects, managing
teams, reporting to donors, and influencing
organizational strategy.

26. CASE STUDY / EXAMPLE CAREER PATH
Case Study: A Fresh Graduate
Aspiring to Become an NGO
Program Manager

Key Lesson:

“Every big role is a journey of small steps.
Intern today, manager tomorrow — if you
stay consistent with your goals and plan
your path.”

27. CLOSING THOUGHTS / MOTIVATION
Key Messages:
•“Your goals are the seeds of your future. If you plant them with intention and water
them with action, they will grow into success.”
•“A career path is not built overnight. It is a journey of small, consistent steps.”
•“Don’t be afraid to start small. Even internships, volunteer work, and short courses
are stepping stones to your dream role.”
•“Clarity creates confidence. The clearer your goals, the stronger your direction.”

28. CLOSING THOUGHTS / MOTIVATION
Encouragement:
•Many successful people started where you are today — uncertain but willing to take the
first step.
•The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is not luck, but
persistence and planning.
•You are already ahead because you are here, investing in yourself through this fellowship.

“Leave this session with at least one SMART goal written down. Commit to
revisiting it every month. Your future is not built by chance — it is built by choice.”

29. ASSIGNMENT – PERSONAL GOAL
DEVELOPMENT & CAREER PATH PLANNING
Using what you’ve learned in this session,
prepare a document in google doc (1–2 pages)
that includes:
Three SMART Goals under each of the
category;
Short term
Medium Term
Long term
Clearly state the goals and explain why it is
important for you both personally and
professionally.
Submission Details:
•Submit via Google Classroom.
•File Name: YourName_Goal_CareerPath
•Format: Google Doc (1–2 pages).
•Deadline: 05/09/2025.

This assignment is not just for class — it’s a
roadmap for your own future. Take it
seriously and use it to guide your career
decisions.”

30. OPEN Q&A

31. THANK YOU!