Reflecting on Your Career Goals Before the New Year
The end of the year is the perfect time to pause, take a breath, and check in with yourself. Whether you're a student mapping out your future, a recent grad testing the waters, or a professional considering a pivot, a little reflection can bring clarity and confidence to your next steps.
Reflection has been shown to help learners evaluate progress, connect experiences to personal values and goals, and refine career plans. Without reflection, people may lose sight of what they’ve truly gained or what they want to pursue next. (career.ucsf.edu)
What Did You Learn This Year?
Start by looking back. What new skills did you build—intentionally or not?
- Did a class, internship, or job challenge you in a new way?
- Did you strengthen soft skills like communication, time management, or collaboration?
- What experiences energized you or gave you a sense of purpose?
Document these wins, big or small. They’re signs of what you value and where your strengths may lie.
What Did You Enjoy Doing?
Reflection isn't just about performance; it’s about joy and fit.
- What parts of your work or studies did you genuinely enjoy?
- When did you feel “in the zone” or proud of what you accomplished?
- What tasks or topics sparked your curiosity?
These moments can help point you toward career paths that align with your interests, not just your resume.
What Do You Want to Explore Next?
Once you’ve looked back, turn your attention forward. Ask yourself:
- What career areas am I curious about but haven’t explored yet?
- Is there a certification or course I’ve been meaning to try?
- Do I want to grow in my current path or pivot to something new?
This doesn’t mean locking in a five-year plan. It’s about setting intentions that help you stay proactive and open to growth.
Tools to Help You Take the Next Step
If risk management and insurance are on your radar or you’re just discovering them, MyPath has tools to help you explore:
- Career paths that match your strengths
- Blog posts with real-world advice
- Specific resources to support high school students, college students, career changers, and veterans
Give Yourself Credit and Space to Grow
Reflection isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about tuning in to what matters to you. As the new year approaches, give yourself credit for what you’ve accomplished and stay curious about what comes next.
Your path doesn’t have to be perfectly mapped. But taking a moment to look up and reassess? That’s how you keep moving forward.