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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.

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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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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.

Learn about our editorial policies

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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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
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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.

Career Goals Essay Writing: How to Create It Like a Pro

Source: Unsplash.com

Any essay writing is a quite challenging task that requires attention, motivation, and effort. More than that, it is a time-consuming process that demands to have excellent writing skills. On the other hand, crafting a career goals essay allows demonstrating your aspirations and targets to the scholarship committee or add valuable data to your college application.

Here are the basics of writing this type of paper and professional tips on how to use educational and career goals essay examples to create your own outstanding document. Use the following expert advice and let yourself stand out.

What Should You Start With?

The first thing you need to do before you start planning your essay on career goals and aspirations is to ask yourself a few questions. Ask yourself what your long-term and short-term career targets are, and where you see yourself in five or ten years. Also, think about the major and relevant skills that will help you achieve your goals and how you want to improve society.

Once you brainstorm the ideas and prospective answers, you will find the most interesting and common topics. All of this will help you choose the main idea and craft an outline for your career goals essay examples, scholarship essay, or another paper.

Choosing the right format and relevant information to support your ideas is essential to make a well-structured document. You can stick to the rules, use career goals essay examples as a template, or let yourself be creative and innovative.

Why Do You Need Career Goals Essay Sample

Writing skills are essential for anybody entering college or university. Demonstrating your abilities on paper is the first thing people will get to know about you before they even see you in person. Thus, scholarship essay examples about career goals are so widespread among both students and job hunters.

Firstly, you are asked to craft such a paper to enter the college or university and explain why you’ve chosen this particular major. Later, you will also need this piece of writing to market yourself to potential recruiters. So, it’s important to craft a persuasive and impressive document.

If asking the above-mentioned questions doesn’t seem enough, you can ask your parents or tutors as almost everybody has completed this task at a certain point in their lives. Knowing what your career goals are, essay writing will be done much faster and with no hassle.

More than that, preparing your answers in advance and writing them on paper will facilitate the interviewing process in the future when you apply for your first job .

What Is Academic and Career Goals Essay?

The title of this piece of writing speaks for itself. This paper is meant to showcase what an applicant wants to achieve in the future and what career goals he or she has. The person needs to write about their greatest accomplishments and achievements so far as well as career aspirations.

Also, you should include the reasons why you think this particular role or education can help you become successful and reach your aims.

An educational and career goals essay is a significant document that can define whether you will accept the prospective recruiter or the admissions board. These people will carefully look at whether your career ambitions correspond with their company goals or whether you have the necessary skills for the field you want to study.

In other words, you need to craft this essay to outshine the competition and persuade the admissions board to let you enter their college or persuade the employer to hire you.

Proven Tips to Craft Your Essay

There are certain professional tips and advice from career experts that will help you turn your good future career goals essay examples into a great one. Here is what you should keep in mind and follow:

Think about the introduction as this part is the first one that other people will read. Explain your future targets and goals and how you’ve chosen them. Also, make a point about the possible ways to reach these career goals.

Remember that this is your own piece of writing so that you can be creative. There are a lot of education and career goals essay examples available on the Internet these days. You can look at them and think about what you can take or omit to make your own document shine. Don’t even think about copying someone’s work, as your paper will be checked for plagiarism. Instead, showcase your personality and create your own unique style.

It’s worth creating a few drafts of the paper if necessary. Make sure you include only the most relevant and interesting information and omit any details that don’t correspond with your career goals or things you want to achieve.

Structuring your document will help the reader to understand the main points better and find the necessary details. Although this piece of writing can be creative, there still should be a certain structure so that your thoughts are well-organized and easy to understand.

The Structure of Career Goals Essay

Any essay of your career aspirations as well as a nursing career goals essay should consist of the following 5 paragraphs:

• The thesis statement. This is the first paragraph where you should tell your main point of writing and what you will tell the reader . Try to grab the attention of the prospective employer or admissions board from the very beginning. Don’t use generic phrases. Try to be creative and have a personal touch.
• In the second paragraph, explain who or what has influenced you or inspired you to have such career goals . Let’s suggest you want to write a nurse practitioner career goals essay sample. Were you the oldest of several kids and had to learn responsibility from an early age? Are you now willing to take care of and help others? Don’t hesitate to tell your own story.
• In the third paragraph, you can talk about your short-term career goals . If you are writing an essay for the college or university, explain how the chosen major will help you achieve your targets and what skills you should acquire to reach them.
• In the fourth paragraph, explain your long-term career goals . Don’t worry if these goals change in the future. Focus on what you can achieve or how you can help society. What difference can you make if you are given a chance?
• The last paragraph is used to make a short summary of the main points. Make an impressive conclusion so that the readers believe you.

Nurse Career Goals Essay Sample #1

This is a great example of an impressive career goals essay for a future nurse. It has a persuasive introduction, and thesis statement demonstrating why the writer is willing to continue her college education and find a part-time job.

More than that, the author explains her achievements and work experience. She understands that she needs to improve her skills and pursue a college degree in nursing to outshine the competition in the future and land a decent job.

She is sure that she is a relevant candidate to enter the college and receive a part-time position as she has 10 years of work experience and has already worked as a Certified Nurse Assistant and Home Health Aide.

If you need more inspiration to craft your own paper, here is another example of a well-written essay.

Career Goals Essay Sample #2

This nursing career goals essay sample from one of the best essay writing services is well-structured and contains all the necessary and relevant information to grab the reader’s attention. A strong thesis statement is eye-catching and tells about the writer’s aim to find a position in healthcare. She tells about her vast work experience starting from being a unit clerk and becoming a Preventive Nurse at the moment.

The writer has already had numerous jobs accepting new challenges and acquiring new skills to move up the career ladder. She clearly states the short-term goal of getting a Bachelor of Science in nursing, as well as a long-term goal of opening a care facility specializing in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

The writer is sure she is a relevant candidate as she is a determined and skilled person who wants to grow and develop her abilities and help society.

Hopefully, these tips and samples will help you write your own unique career goals essay and pursue your dream!

50 Career Aspirations Examples

Career aspirations refer to the long-term professional goals and ambitions someone has in their career, often linked to advancing up a particular career ladder, obtaining specific skills, or transitioning into a different field or industry.

In this article, I’ll present a list of copy-and-paste career aspirations you can use, adjust, and improve upon, for writing down your own aspirations and goals for a resume, performance review, or really any other context! But first, I’ll present a few simple tips for getting started.

Career Aspirations Examples

1. Entrepreneurship I aspire toward starting an online business from scratch and building it up to profitability. To get there, I intend to work with a vibrant start-up for five years to develop the requisite skills, mindset, and networks for my own eventual business venture.

2. Senior Management I would like to progress into a C-suite level position within a technology-oriented firm. To accomplish this, I am willing to take on increasing levels of leadership responsibility within my current organization, seeking to understand all aspects of company operations.

3. Subject Matter Expertise I aspire to establish myself as a subject matter expert in my field. Working alongside industry pioneers on high-profile projects and dedicating time to continual learning are crucial steps in my journey.

4. Project Leadership My ambition is to excel as a project leader, managing cross-continental teams on infrastructure development. I’ll begin by seeking a project manager role within my organization and continually improving my management skills.

5. Teaching and Academia My aspiration is to join the faculty of a prestigious business school, teaching on the subject of entrepreneurship. To pave the way, I will aim to author relevant case studies and seek teaching opportunities within my business network.

6. Break the Glass Ceiling I’m well aware that in our industry there are very few women at the very top, and I want to make it my mission to demonstrate that there are strong women who can achieve the top in this industry if we can sieze the opportunity.

7. Public Service I wish to secure a role in public service, eventually to become a city mayor. To work towards my aspiration, I will aim to hold office in my local council and actively participate in community projects.

8. International Roles I aspire to hold an international role within my firm, incorporating diverse business practices to achieve global competence. My plan involves gaining deep knowledge of my organization’s operations and learning new languages to ease communication barriers.

9. Consulting I’d love to transition into a consultancy role, guiding businesses in efficiency and profitability. I’ll seek out varied assignments within different industry sectors to gain the breadth of experience I need.

10. Directorship My ultimate career aspiration is to join the Board of Directors at a major corporation. I intend to start by seeking non-executive director roles to learn the ropes of governance and strategic direction.

11. Leadership Roles My aspiration is to advance into leadership roles in my area of interest. To achieve this, I’ll start by putting my hand up to take leadership in the current team projects I’m involved in, and I’ll network with current leaders to seek their mentorship.

12. Networking Expert I aim to build a diverse, robust professional network. I intend to achieve this by attending industry conferences, seminars, and networking events offered throughout the year.

13. Global Impact I aspire to be an active participant in shaping a better world, using my chosen field as a force for good. I plan on attending lectures and workshops addressing global challenges.

14. Advocate for Change I intend to raise my voice for social issues through campaigns, movements, and debates. I’ll do this by being a fierce advocate within my company for diversity, equity, inclusion and sustainability projects.

15. Sustainable Innovator I dream of developing sustainable solutions for environmental challenges. I’ll initiate this by incorporating sustainability principles into my projects.

16. Thought Leader I plan to become a subject matter expert in my field to inspire and lead others. Attending seminars, conducting research and presenting my findings will help me craft my own unique perspective.

17. Technology for Good My goal is to leverage technological innovations to address pressing societal issues. Participating in hackathons for social causes and researching the ethical implications of technology can help me get started.

18. Civic Leader I wish to take on active civic roles, shaping policy and advocating for community needs. Gaining experience as a student government representative can be a productive first step.

18. Social Entrepreneur I envision creating a business that solves social problems while being economically sustainable. Participation in social enterprise workshops and start-up competitions will provide me with foundational knowledge and experience.

20. Author a Book I aspire to write a book, sharing my thoughts, ideas, or research with a broader audience. To achieve this, I’ll start by engaging in writing projects at college, honing my skills.

21. Launch a Podcast I envision myself starting a successful podcast—sharing dialogue, insights, or stories that inspire audiences. I plan to take audio production classes and set up mock-ups for practice.

22. Conference Speaker I aim to present my work at a renowned conference, engaging with other professionals and sharing ideas with the global community. Being involved with research or innovation projects at college will set the groundwork for this.

23. PhD Degree I aspire to attain a PhD, delving deeper into my area of interest and contributing to the body of knowledge. I’ll start by seizing research opportunities at college and building a solid academic record.

24. Innovator/Inventor Becoming an innovator or inventor, translating my ideas into groundbreaking products or processes, is my goal. I’ll kickstart this through joining innovation clubs and participating in competitions.

25. Start a Nonprofit I dream of starting a nonprofit organization, focusing on a cause I am passionate about. I plan to gain initial experience by volunteering or interning with nonprofit organizations.

26. TEDx Speaker I envision sharing my innovative ideas on a TEDx stage, influencing people around the globe. I’ll start by strengthening my public speaking skills whenever I have opportunities at work.

27. Professional Mentor I’m keen on developing others professionally and aim to become a reputed mentor in my field. To work towards this, I will seek out mentoring opportunities at career fairs and within professional networks.

28. Influential Blogger I aspire to become a blogger, sharing thought-provoking content relevant to my field. I plan to hone my writing skills through courses and publishing articles on my own blog.

29. Research Grant Awardee My goal is to secure a prestigious research grant, enabling me to delve deep into my field of interest. I will actively seek research projects at college and aim to publish my findings.

30. Green Energy Specialist My dream is to become a specialist in the green energy sector, helping to reduce humanity’s carbon footprint. A starting point would be selecting relevant coursework and participating in sustainability-related projects at college.

31. Mastery of Skills I aspire to become an expert in my role’s critical skills, making them my strength. To do so, I aim to consistently partake in professional development courses and seminars.

32. Active Community Involvement I am keen on making a significant contribution to my local community. Hence, I will seek out volunteering opportunities and partake in service projects facilitated by my employer or local organizations.

33. Advanced Research Proficiency My goal is to excel in industry-specific research, contributing significantly to my field. To enhance my research competence, I’ll engage in any research opportunities within my organization or attend research-focused conferences and workshops.

34. International Exposure I aim to gain an international perspective via international roles or assignments. I intend to actively seek global projects or consider opportunities to work in different geographical locations within my organization.

35. Hands-on Experience My objective is to acquire more practical experience in various aspects of my field. To do so, I shall pursue different projects within my organization or consider part-time jobs that provide broader exposure.

36. Personal & Professional Growth My ultimate goal is to achieve sustained personal and professional growth throughout my career. I aim to leverage all personal development resources available, from workshops to networking events.

37. Improve on my Weaknesses I am increasingly aware that I have several weaknesses that I’d feel very personally accomplished if I can overcome. This includes public speaking, contributing in meetings, and networking. If I can emerge in 5 years confident in those three areas, I would feel very accomplished.

39. Reach a Desired Income Level My honest aspiration is to hit a six-figure income level, which I think would be really fulfilling for me because it would make me feel more valued at work, and earn enough money to feel comfortable in my non-career lifestyle as well.

40. Create an App My long-term goal would be to bring together all of the pain points I experience in my daily work and develop an all-in-one app that helps people like me to address these pain points, which would simultaneously improve people’s experiences in the workplace and improve productivity .

41. Optimize my Life I have the aspiration that I can optimize my life to minimize all procrastination, successfully manage my time, and operationalize my tasks in order to be as productive as possible, which I would find very fulfilling.

How to Come up with Career Aspirations

Here are some tips to get you started on coming up with some good career aspirations:

• Define your passion first. Passion is the fuel for your career journey. If you don’t love what you do, it’s likely that you won’t find satisfaction or success. Identify what you love, what excites you, and channel this into a career aspiration. For example, if you’re an animal lover, a career as a veterinarian or zookeeper could be right up your alley.
• Consider your skills. Sometimes, it’s good to align your career aspirations with what you’re good at and find you can contribute to the world. Identify the skills you have that make you stand out from the rest and that you can leverage to effect change. These could be technical skills or soft skills .
• 3. Consider your core values. What are the core principles that guide you? Working in an industry or a position that aligns with these values will provide a higher level of satisfaction. Suppose you value sustainability; a career in renewable energy or green design could be a suitable aspiration.
• Finally, establish clear goals. After answering the above questions for yourself, it’s time to establish clear, actionable goals that will help you reach your career aspirations. Whether you aspire to be an executive director or a freelance artist, setting targets such as earning a specific certification or building a portfolio can pave the way to your ultimate career objective. I recommend setting long-term SMART career goals that will help you to achieve your aspirations.

With that in mind, let’s dive into some copy-and-paste career aspirations that you can use for yourself, your next performance review, or even place on your resume.

Career Ambitions Ideas for Specific Careers (Best for High School Students)

42. STEM Careers I aspire to be an engineer, driven by my fascination with how things work. To get started, I plan to join the school’s robotics club and take advanced studies in mathematics and sciences.

43. Teaching Career My aspiration is to become a high school teacher, engaging young minds and instilling in them a lifelong love for learning. Volunteering as a tutor for younger students will allow me to gain initial experience in teaching.

44. Medical Career I aim to pursue a career as a doctor, using my skills to help save lives and improve patient health. Participating in science fairs and securing an internship at a local hospital is the first step in this journey.

45. Entrepreneurial Venture My goal is to become an entrepreneur, creating and owning a successful business. To start, I’ll participate in entrepreneurship-based competitions and seek mentorship within my community to understand the ins and outs of running a business.

46. Legal Career I aspire to be a lawyer, defending justice and ensuring fair treatment for everyone. I plan to join the debate club to enhance my argumentative skills and critical thinking as a preliminary step in this direction.

47. Creative Arts I envision myself as a professional artist, manifesting my imagination in intriguing works of art. I will begin by enrolling in advanced art courses and contributing to school art exhibitions.

48. Athletics My dream is to become a successful athlete, representing my country in international competitions. To start, I’ll join the school athletic team to practice my skills, dedication, and sportsmanship.

49. Social Work I hope to be a social worker, making a substantial difference in the lives of people. Starting as a volunteer for local community service programs will help me understand what social work involves.

50. Computer Science I aim to secure a role in the field of computer science, influencing technology developments around the globe. My initial step will involve participating in coding competitions and choosing computer science subjects at school.

51. Journalism Career I aim to become an accomplished journalist, reporting crucial issues with openness and objectivity. Joining the school newspaper or yearbook committee is my first step towards honing my writing and reporting skills.

How to Answer the Career Aspirations Question in an Interview

When answering the question “What are your career aspirations?” in an interview, it’s important to start by reflecting on your personal career goals. Begin by acknowledging these goals but frame them in a way that showcases how they align with the company’s objectives.

For instance, you can say, “My career aspiration is to develop into a role where I can continuously challenge myself and contribute meaningfully to innovative projects. I am particularly interested in [specific aspect related to the company’s field], and I see a lot of synergies between my personal growth goals and the direction in which your company is heading.”

Then, delve into how these aspirations fit with the company’s vision and culture. Mention specific aspects of the company or the team that resonate with you. For example, “I am impressed by your company’s commitment to [specific company value or project], and I believe my skills in [your skillset] would not only grow in such an environment but also contribute significantly to your team’s objectives.”

Conclude by emphasizing your eagerness to grow within the company. Express your enthusiasm for the potential to evolve professionally in a way that supports the company’s long-term goals. This shows that you are not only looking for a job but a career path that is mutually beneficial.

Remember, the key is to strike a balance between your personal ambitions and how they can add value to the team and the company as a whole.

Defining your career aspirations is a powerful step in charting your professional path. It gives you a sense of purpose, direction, and motivates you to achieve your full potential. Remember, aspirations grow and change as you gain more experience and knowledge, so they’re not set in stone. Refine them as you progress in your career journey. Wishing you all success as you set and work towards your dynamic, impactful, and meaningful career aspirations.

Further Reading

Clear, J. (2018).  Atomic habits: An easy & proven way to build good habits & break bad ones . Penguin.

Daw, N. D. (2015). Of goals and habits.  Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ,  112 (45), 13749-13750.

Donovan, J. J. (2008). Goal Setting: How to Create an Action Plan and Achieve Your Goals.  Personnel Psychology ,  61 (4), 931.

Doran, G. T. (1981).  There’s a S.M.A.R.T. way to write management’s goals and objectives.  Management Review.

Hidayat, R., Moosavi, Z., & Hadisaputra, P. (2022). Achievement Goals, Well-Being and Lifelong Learning: A Mediational Analysis.  International Journal of Instruction ,  15 (1), 89-112.

Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2010).  Work motivation and job satisfaction: Light at the end of the tunnel . Psychological Science.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Social-Emotional Learning (Definition, Examples, Pros & Cons)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ What is Educational Psychology?

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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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• Applying For Scholarships

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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career development

7 Meaningful Answers to "What are Your Career Aspirations?" in an Interview

Learn the best approaches to answer interview questions about your career aspirations. We provide example answers and explain what makes them meaningful.

Together Team

Published on 

August 9, 2023

Updated on 

Time to Read

mins read time

“What are your career aspirations?”

This has to be one of the most commonly asked questions in interviews besides the standard questions about the candidate’s professional background, skills, and experience.

"Career aspirations" refer to an individual's long-term professional goals and ambitions, encompassing the desired achievements and personal growth they seek throughout their journey.

Interviewers inquire about your professional aspirations to gain insights into your long-term motivations, passion, and alignment with the company's vision, helping them assess if your goals and the organization's objectives are in sync. 

The key to providing meaningful answers is to be genuine and demonstrate a clear connection between your career aspirations and the value you can bring to the organization. Tailor your responses to the specific job and company, and let your passion for personal and professional growth shine through.

7 examples of answers about career aspirations

When asked about your career aspirations, a meaningful answer that goes beyond personal growth will help you differentiate yourself from other interviewees. Here are seven meaningful answers that can make a lasting impression on interviewers:

1. Pursuing continuous learning and skill development 

Example: "My career aspirations are centered around constant growth and skill enhancement. I am committed to staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in the industry. In the coming year, I plan to pursue specialized certifications and attend industry conferences to learn from experts . By continuously improving my skills, I aim to bring innovative strategies to the table and contribute to the company's success in reaching new audiences."

While the above example is a generalized statement on continuous learning , you can improve it by naming specific skills and certifications that you mean to acquire.

2. Making a positive impact on society and the environment

Example: "Beyond personal career goals, I am passionate about creating a positive impact on society and the environment through my work. I aspire to work for a company with a strong commitment to sustainability. I envision aligning my career with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and actively participating in corporate social responsibility initiatives. I find immense fulfillment in contributing to a greener and more sustainable future, and I believe that my dedication to these causes will resonate with the organization's values and mission."

The above answer will help you showcase your interest in contributing to a larger purpose by making a difference in the world. Make it your own by discussing any volunteer work you are involved in to emphasize your commitment to meaningful impact.

3. Becoming a thought leader and influencer in the industry

Example: "My ultimate career aspiration is to become a thought leader and influencer in my field. I plan to publish research papers, contribute to open-source projects, and participate in conferences to share my knowledge. Additionally, I aspire to become an active member of industry forums and engage in public speaking opportunities to promote advancements in the industry. By becoming a recognized authority, I can position the company as a leader in our space."

Turn the above example into a highly specific answer by mentioning your area of expertise and your topic of research. Give examples of other thought leaders in your industry and how they helped establish their organizations as leaders in their space.

4. Embracing leadership opportunities

Example: "As a seasoned manager, my career aspiration is to take on more significant leadership roles and contribute to the growth of the organization's talent. I envision leading cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative work culture, and mentoring emerging managers . A company can grow and succeed faster when the more experienced members of the team empower and guide others."

Communicate your interest in taking on leadership roles and guiding others to success. Make the above example your own by discussing your leadership style and how you plan to inspire and motivate team members.

5. Driving innovation and advancement within the company 

Example: "Innovation drives me, and I am passionate about leveraging technology to push the boundaries of what's possible. My career aspiration is to lead the research and development team, where I can spearhead new product ideas and create groundbreaking solutions. I envision fostering an innovation-focused culture within the organization, where employees are encouraged to experiment and think outside the box. By introducing disruptive products to the market, we can elevate the company's position and stay ahead of the competition."

To be more specific with the answer, talk about your ideas for improving processes or developing new products or services for the company.

6. Cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment 

Example: "My biggest career aspiration revolves around creating an inclusive and diverse work environment. I envision implementing diversity training programs, establishing mentorship opportunities for underrepresented groups, and ensuring that all employees feel valued and respected. By fostering a workplace that celebrates differences, we can boost employee morale, creativity, and ultimately contribute to the company's overall success."

In your answer, discuss strategies for promoting inclusivity and building a diverse team. Emphasize the positive impact of diversity on organizational performance and innovation.

7. Becoming a mentor and guiding others to success

Example: "One of my most significant career aspirations is to take on a mentorship role within the organization. Throughout my career journey, I have benefited greatly from the guidance and support of mentors who have helped me develop both professionally and personally. I aspire to pay it forward by becoming a mentor to junior colleagues and assisting them in their career growth. By sharing my knowledge, experiences, and lessons learned, I hope to inspire and empower others to reach their full potential and contribute to a more dynamic and skilled workforce within the company."

Mentorship can have a profound impact on individual development and team cohesion. By showcasing your willingness to mentor and uplift others, you demonstrate not only a commitment to your own growth but also a dedication to fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture within the organization.

How to answer questions on career aspirations during an interview

When answering the question about career aspirations, demonstrate your alignment with the company's values and showcase your enthusiasm for personal and organizational growth. To ace this critical aspect of the interview, consider the following tips:

Read about the company’s vision and mission, and the job role

When asked about your career aspirations, connect your goals with the company's mission. Search the company's website and annual reports to understand their core values and long-term objectives. Read the job description carefully, because it will also have details about how the role you are interviewing for contributes to the overall picture. 

You will be able to give better answers if you know what the company stands for and how you will potentially fit in and add value. For instance, instead of saying, "I want to improve my leadership skills," say, "I aspire to become a leader who can drive the organization towards achieving its mission of sustainable environmental practices."

Speak with a “We” mindset

Avoid phrases that focus solely on personal gain. Most employers look for a team-oriented and collaborative mindset in their employees. By focusing on how you can contribute to the collective success of the organization and its goals, you will show the interviewers that you are a team player.

Instead of saying, "I want to be making $150,000 in two years," say that "I aim to contribute to the success of the team by utilizing my skills to achieve higher growth."

Be specific and realistic about your goals

Instead of providing vague statements like, "I want to be successful," be specific about your aspirations, such as "I aspire to take on a managerial role within the next three years, leading cross-functional teams and driving innovative projects."

Being specific and realistic about your goals during an interview shows that you have a clear understanding of your career path and have thoughtfully considered your aspirations. It also indicates that you are pragmatic and grounded, making you a more credible candidate who can set achievable targets and work diligently towards them, increasing your chances of being seen as a reliable and valuable asset to the organization.

Show enthusiasm and passion for your career path

Demonstrate your excitement for your chosen career path by saying, "I am genuinely passionate about (let’s say) marketing, and I look forward to creating impactful campaigns that can connect with customers on a deeper level and drive brand loyalty."

Employers value candidates who are enthusiastic about their work as they are more likely to be motivated, proactive, and willing to go the extra mile to excel in their role.

Common pitfalls to avoid when answering questions about career aspirations

By effectively communicating your career aspirations during an interview, you can leave a lasting impression on potential employers. However, candidates should steer clear of the following two common pitfalls:

1. Using cliches and vague responses

Using cliches and providing vague responses can make your answer sound insincere and lacking in authenticity. Vague statements like "I want to make a difference" or "I want to be successful" don't provide meaningful insights into your actual goals and may come across as generic.

Instead of saying, "I want to be a leader who inspires others," be more specific by saying, "My career aspiration is to become a compassionate and influential team leader, empowering my team members to achieve their goals and foster a collaborative work environment."

2. Being too modest or self-deprecating

While it's essential to strike a balance between confidence and humility, being overly modest or self-deprecating may undermine your credibility and hinder your chances of making a strong impression. It's crucial to showcase your strengths and aspirations with conviction without sounding arrogant.

Instead of downplaying your accomplishments with statements like, "I was just lucky to receive that award," own your achievements and say, "I am proud of the hard work and dedication that led to receiving the award, and it motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my career."

Strike the right balance between authentic and impressive 

When answering questions about your career aspirations, honesty in your responses is essential, as it reflects your genuine motivations and long-term goals.

Strike a balance between authenticity and alignment, and let your enthusiasm for your career path shine through. By articulating your aspirations with clarity and conviction, you present yourself as a proactive and dedicated candidate, poised to make a significant impact within the organization. Your ability to combine honesty and alignment is the key to leaving a strong impression and increasing your chances of securing the opportunity that aligns perfectly with your career aspirations.

Want to grow in your career and achieve your career aspirations? Learn from those who have walked the path before you. Find mentors that will teach you how to navigate the ups and downs of your career and make the right moves to achieve your goals.

Dive deeper into the topic in our mentees guide

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Career Essay

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.

10+ Career Essay Examples

1. career pursuing essay.

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2. Career Interest Essay

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3. Career Goals Essay

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4. Career Research Essay

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5. Career Scholarship Essay

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6. Career Personal Essay

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7. Career Needs Essay

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9. Formal Career Essay

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10. Career Project Essay

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11. Career Plan Essay

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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. 

Career Essay Generator

Text prompt

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Write a career essay on the benefits and challenges of a career in medicine.

Discuss in a career essay the skills needed for success in the digital marketing field.

(2024) Career Aspirations: Sample Answers, Examples & Meaning

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Your career aspirations include career paths you want to follow and what you want to do in the long term professionally. When you’re being examined for a new job, whether for a management role or as an intern, employers will seek to determine if the position you’re applying for will be a good fit considering your projected career path.

Therefore, when you’re preparing for an interview, it is critical to consider how you would respond to this traditional question on future goals and occupational aspirations. Here, we’ll explain the logic behind this interview question and present the simple ways you can follow to design your own impactful answer.

In this article, you’ll learn the following:

What are your career aspirations?

What are some career aspirations examples, how to answer questions on career aspiration during an interview., sample career aspirations answers that can help you win a job., should you include career aspirations on your resume.

• How to map out your career aspirations.

Career aspirations refer to those long-term career goals, plans, and/or dreams that are far away in the future rather than the short-term ones in the present.

Employers often ask about your future career aspirations to get to know you and understand your career goals and occupational aspirations.

Your occupational aspirations get to define your short-term career choices. In the process of your career development, your education and career choices should ideally reflect what you want your career to become in the longer term.

By preparing the answer to the “What are your career aspirations” question, you also get to prioritize your career path. This is an excellent opportunity to reflect on your goals and aspirations if you haven’t already. Here are some professional aspirations examples to help you decide, along with answer examples:

• Become an industry expert. You might want to pursue academic or technical expertise in your industry and be able to perform specific tasks. For example, you may be a developer and aspire to become a CTO. Your priority is developing in-depth knowledge and competence to follow scientific fields or practical endeavors. Answer Example: Ever since I finished my studies, I’ve wanted to become an industry expert. In this position, I hope to increase my technical knowledge while providing solutions and improvements to common industry problems. In the long run, I aspire to contribute significantly to industry development and optimization to create something that would genuinely improve the lives of thousands.
• Reach executive positions. Another common aspiration is wanting to elevate in the corporate hierarchy, which means becoming a determinant factor of operations and business. You care about obtaining power and control over a company and becoming instrumental to its overall success. This aspiration demonstrates to the interviewer that you’ll be a loyal player and will be sticking around for a long time.Answer Example: My goal entering the company would be to evolve my skills in a challenging environment, work within a team, and provide efficient solutions. Within 5 years, I aspire to reach a managerial position that will allow me to make crucial decisions while applying my leadership skills. Eventually, by the age of 40, I hope to have reached an executive position so that I can have an active and critical role in the company’s overall success.
• Create your own business. A typical career ambition example for many people is having their own business, making their own decisions, taking risks, and having the first and final word. Although that’s absolutely fine, when asked in an interview, “What are your career aspirations?” it’d be better to reply by mentioning your goals towards an executive or managerial position inside the company. You don’t want your interviewer concerned that you might leave the company soon.Answer Example: My goals with this position are to cultivate my skills and earn unparalleled experience in the field. I aspire to reach managerial and executive positions in the following years.
• Earn recognition. Perhaps you desire recognition for your work, like winning an award or a big prize. Much like elevating to an executive position, this demonstrates that you’re a highly ambitious, goal-oriented individual with big aspirations. Answer Example: I have very high expectations of myself, and I am goal-oriented. My ambition with this position would be to earn an industry award while working in an environment that rewards talent and surrounds me with other like-minded individuals. In addition, I love innovation and would be thrilled to work within a professional environment that values my work.

To answer any interview question on career aspiration and career development during an interview, you need to understand exactly what the interviewer is asking.

After all, it’s a question that remains popular, including careers in traditional paths, when hiring short-term contract workers, or even when getting interviewed for leadership positions .

What is the interviewer really asking?

Interviewers will often ask about your career aspirations for the following reasons.

• To determine your suitability for the job and how feasible your goals align with theirs.
• To resolve if you’re a good fit, your interviewer could also ask why you desire to work at the organization or why you picked interest in the job.
• They want to detect how long you plan on working with their company as well as how devoted you can be to your job.
• They further want to determine if the post you are applying for matches or relates to your long term career strategy.

The interviewer doesn’t demand that you engage for a lifetime in the organization and eventually get into a leadership position (unless this is what you want); they just don’t want you to exhaust resources on your training path to success if you leave after a short while.

How do you answer this interview question?

To be able to provide the answers your interviewer really wants to know, go for the interview loaded with whatever information you can find about the company. Once you have done an in-depth study, you can adequately answer the questions.

• Try to be honest, but still strive to unite your interests with the organization’s needs. You may want to consider the following to ensure you provide satisfactory answers.
• Answer based on the specific requirements in the job descriptions, your relevant past experience, and education.
• Before going to an interview, be conscious that the interviewer may ask you questions about your career plans and aspirations related to the job.
• Prepare your answer to such questions and or related varieties. Once you re-read the job description, try to see how you can tie some of the job’s tasks to any of your career goals and aspirations.
• Speak about your strengths that lie within the job skills. This will increase your case before the interviewer.
• Reassure the interviewer that you want to grow within the company. Your interviewer definitely wouldn’t want to invest the company’s time and resources in you if your career goals are to work with them for a short period and then move on. So endeavor to reassure the interviewer how much you’ll want to grow within the company.
• Tie in the job’s functions with your lifelong interests, career goals, and aspirations. It would be best to explain to the interviewer how the job relates to your lifelong interest, career goals, and aspirations and how you plan to commit yourself to it.
• Tell personal anecdotes that differentiate you from your competitors. Competition is high in the job market, and there is the possibility that you aren’t the lone one seeking this job. So before you go to your interview, pick a peculiar, unique quality that you believe aligns with your potential career path. Tell personal goals relevant to your job. Tell a story about surmounting some of your biggest challenges. Emphasize this aspect to your interviewer, as this might give you an edge over other applicants.

What not to say

• Avoid specifics and do not talk about compensation packages. Never inquire about job location, salary, or other specific information during an interview. Remember that you’re interviewing for a post and try to keep the conversation solely on the job, except the interviewer tilts it towards something else.
• Personal issues. In your job interview, don’t talk about personal issues, like family or personal health issues. For instance, avoid things like, “I would love to relocate to the United States, where my doctor lives.”
• Don’t talk about what you want to achieve after this job. Focus on your interest in the job.
• Avoiding the answer. Saying something like “I don’t know” is not the most professional way to get away with an interview. It shows that you’re indecisive about your future and, more importantly, that you don’t have a clear understanding of the position you’re applying to. It might not always be easy to have an answer, especially when you’re in your early professional stages. In those circumstances, it’s better to be honest, revealing your short-term intentions, than to not answer at all.

Speaking about your career aspirations can be challenging, particularly if you’re still examining different career choices. In your job interview, remain focused on how you’ll profit from the job and vice versa. This is your unique opportunity to show the interviewer how this job will help you accomplish your career goals and aspirations and where you view yourself in the future.

Below are remarkable sample career aspirations answers that may ease your own response.

Example 1. I’m seeking a way to transfer my public relations, writing, event planning skills, and media relations expertise to a position in healthcare tech. I’m intrigued by the bearings in healthcare and hold a family and educational background in medicine. The possibility of working on a product that can help save lives feels very fulfilling to me. Eventually, I have excitement in operating as a communications expert and really influence how people see this amazing industry.

Why would this work? You hold an education, family history, and interest in medicine. You’ve operated as a communications operator and would like to eventually handle the same task in a hospital. These details reassure the interviewer that you are the perfect fit for the job. It is essential to understand that interviewers are usually interested in where applicants perceive themselves several years from the present, and this response would fit that question. It definitely pays to come from a technical background if you have STEM career aspirations. But if you don’t have that, you need to communicate your specialties in other domains, such as communications.

Example 2. I’ve often loved sales and flourished on the thrill of landing new clients for my company and competing with my rivals. Your position is charming as it would present the opening for me to intensify relationships with prevailing major clients while further pursuing new clients. I desire to remain in sales for the foreseeable tomorrow. My goal will be to emerge as one of the chief account managers in your administrators, referred to as a product specialist with a powerful track record of satisfying clients.

Why would this work? Because you’re devoted to sales as a career, the interviewer can recognize that your goals for the future are harmonious with the job.

Example 3. As you can see from my experience, I’ve spent 3 years after graduate school as a Human Resources generalist in an enterprise-level company. During this period, I did enjoy my commitment to recruiting. I am looking forward to specializing in the employment department with an organization like yours with a more extensive recruitment operation.

Why would this work? Considering that you’re recently out of graduate school, you’re still starting to map out your career plans and work in human resources.

When crafting your resume, you have the option to include some of your career aspirations, preferably in your short personal description. The information should be concise to avoid tiring the reader. Before jumping on writing your professional aspirations, you should have figured out the following:

• What are your career interests
• How does this position align with your career aspirations
• How can you put that in a few words

For example, suppose you’re a marketing intern aspiring to become a marketing manager in the long run. In that case, you could sum up your aspiration like this: “Looking for an exciting opportunity to leverage my skills in the marketing industry and elevate my career to a managerial position in the years to come”.

Make it brief and stick to the point. On the other hand, if you’re writing a cover letter, you might want to elaborate in a few more lines about your career aspirations to make your point stand out.

How to map out your career aspirations

Providing a timeslot to appreciate your long-term career aspirations alongside the role would equip your interviewers with the key to assess your suitability for the job. You can easily map out your career aspirations in the following top ways, regardless of career stages.

Get mentorship help from experts who have your dream career.

The path to career success is undoubtedly a rough one. Yet picture how much easier it would be if you had an expert management leader accessible anytime to offer professional advice and guidance to fill up your competency gaps.

• With a direct one-on-one link to your career mentor , you’ll be free to discuss your progress and career ambitions, ask questions, or kick the wheels on a fresh idea.
• Do you have an upcoming interview you want to nail? By simply dropping a message to your mentor, you secure better chances of performing exceptionally at the interview.
• Limitless messaging to your career mentor means you can ask them anything, and they’ll answer as soon as they can.
• Your mentor can fix challenges and goals to keep you inspired throughout the week and fulfill your long-term career ambitions. And by steadily building the bar with each task, your mentor will help you advance personally and professionally.

Whether you’re a fresh college graduate or in upper management, at whatever career stages, mentorship helps you have clarity on what to do next.

The 70-20-10 model for learning and development

The 70-20-10 model is a popular learning and development model that states that a whopping 70 percent of learning occurs via experience, 20% from interactions with friends and colleagues, with 10% coming from formal training experiences.

The model is a regularly used formula in the training field to define the optimal sources of learning by thriving managers and to supplement competency gaps by even the most experienced employees.

It is thought to be of the highest value as a comprehensive guideline for companies trying to maximize the effectiveness of their learning and development programs.

The model’s authors maintain that

• The 70 percent hands-on experience is the most profitable for employees since it permits them to explore and sharpen their job-related skills, address challenges, make decisions, and interact with prominent personalities like bosses and mentors in the work settings.
• Employees gain 20 percent of knowledge from others through a range of activities including, mentoring, people development skills, collaborative learning, and different methods of interacting with peers.
• The code holds that merely 10 percent of professional development comes from formal courseware instruction, university, and various educational experiences.
• Motivation and feedback are the top benefits of this important learning approach.

The 70-20-10 model is a recipe for career success and to widen your career opportunities. Understanding the 70-20-10 model is crucial to attaining your goals and career aspirations as it explains how you build your skills and knowledge.

Efficient learning comes down to blending formal and informal learning in just the right proportions. Informal learning (70 percent for experiential learning and 20% for social learning) and informal learning, which is based on theories and facts, constitute 10%.

A better perception of how learning occurs will empower learning and development, thus building a high-performance learning culture. Therefore with the 70-20-10 model at your disposal, be sure to easily attain your learning goals and thus career aspirations.

Base your aspirations out of your interests, your current expertise, and what people pay you for.

Career aspirations can be affected by factors that are pretty important to you.

People realize their career aspirations based on their abilities, interest, ideal lifestyle, personal values, and other factors. Therefore, take your interests and values, as well as what people pay you for, into account when brainstorming opinions for your answer to questions on your career goals and aspirations.

This Venn diagram allows you to effectively map out that perfect intersection and find the dream jobs that accommodate your wants and skills. A high-paying career is great. But a high-paying career that you love is even better. If your career ambitions detract from common career aspirations, then you can effectively specialize yourself in a way that can be very lucrative.

Your career aspirations checklist

Figuring out your career aspirations before answering questions about them is essential. Otherwise, you’ll be memorizing career aspirations sample answers for eternity. This involves personal reflection and taking into consideration what career you’d be excited to work on every day. So here are some questions you can ask yourself to reach a safe conclusion:

• What tasks sustain or drain your energy?
• What tasks make you lose track of time?
• What are you talented at?
• Who do you want to help?
• How can you contribute to providing solutions to people’s problems?
• In what industry could you be excelling?
• Do you like team collaborations or solo work?
• Do you have someone you aspire to be?
• Does managing people seem appealing to you?
• What would be considered a success to you?
• What would make your professional life fulfilling? Is it money, recognition, power, learning new things, being innovative, helping others?

Once you answer these questions, think about what companies and job positions combine most of your preferences. For example, if you enjoy interacting with people every day, a manager or a role in customer service might be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy working solo and making your own decisions, a freelancing job might be what you’re looking for. Finally, if you enjoy helping people, a role in public health or a non-profit organization could offer you a sense of doing what you love.

Whatever excites, energizes, and fulfills you should be part of your career, as you’ll be spending most of your life working. So prioritize what feels most important to you, and start building your professional life from there.

Define your career aspirations with MentorCruise

Discoursing your career goals and aspirations can be overwhelming, especially if you’re first starting out or still experimenting with diverse career options. However, finding a mentor or interview coach can help lead the way.

They wouldn’t only take the pressure off your neck but also shorten the learning curve. You’ll get firsthand knowledge of great resources, advice, tricks, and explore ways to generate viable goals that can make an impact on the career path you’ve chosen.

Define your dream jobs, your long-term career goals, and the career stages necessary to achieve your ambitions. During interviews, the career aspiration question is to ensure that the career path you currently are in is the one you want.

Do you desire to drive your career aspirations and goals into tremendous success over just a few years? Professional guidance is the fastest way to propel your career to the next level. Professional guidance is at the heart of our career goals at MentorCruise . We aren’t only interested in meeting your career expectations but surpassing them. At MentorCruise , we thrive when you succeed.

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“Why This College?” Essay Examples

May 17, 2024

As you apply for college, you’ll notice that there are several different essay writing genres you’ll need to familiarize yourself with. There’s the Common App Essay , of course, along with many specific supplemental essays like the Community Essay and the Diversity Essay that will be required by particular schools. In particular, there is the “Why This College?” Essay. The “Why This College?” Essay can be an important component in your college application, as it’s an opportunity for you to describe why you specifically would be a good fit for a particular school. It’s a popular requirement for many colleges and universities and in this article, we’re going to show you a few “Why This College?” Essay examples, and share some tips and tricks for how to write a “Why This College?” Essay.

As you peruse these examples and tips, remember that there’s no one perfect way to write a “Why This College?” Essay. Rather, there are important generic conventions you can work with and build upon to craft an essay that is unique to you as a specific college candidate. Think of a novel. You can expect a novel to have a title and chapters and contain a fictional story. At the same time, novels are written across a plethora of genres, have characters that are as different as Vladomir Harkonnen and Elizabeth Bennet, and can be short reads or thousands of pages long. It’s the same in this case. As you learn how to write a “Why This College?” Essay, you’ll see that some elements of the essay will be fixed, while others will be entirely up to you to create!

What Kind of Prompts Are There for the “Why This College?” Essay?

Many schools require some form of the “Why This College?” Essay for their supplemental application materials, and the prompts can be general or specific.  Take these extra general ones from Yale and Dartmouth , for instance:

• What is it about Yale that has led you to apply?
• In short, why Dartmouth?

These open-ended prompts can feel like both a blessing and a curse. Without particular guidelines, you might feel freer to describe your particular fit within a university and it might be easier to brainstorm about the content you’d like to highlight in this essay; however, beware of open prompts: they can make it tempting to veer into generality!

In other instances, the “Why This College?” Essay prompt will be specifically tailored for many schools, and this specificity can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. Take, for instance, these two examples from Northwestern :

• Community and belonging matter at Northwestern. Tell us about one or more communities, networks, or student groups you see yourself connecting with on campus.
• Northwestern’s location is special: on the shore of Lake Michigan, steps from downtown Evanston, just a few miles from Chicago. What aspects of our location are most compelling to you, and why? [i]

“Why This College?” Essay Examples (Continued)

The positive side to specific prompts like these is that they’ve given potential applicants a couple of springboards to begin diving from as you write – you can immediately begin detailing your specific interests and likes about Northwestern that make you an ideal candidate for the school. A potential downside is that you’ll honestly need to do research here before you can even begin brainstorming about either of these questions authentically! Specific prompts may also mean that you’ll need to totally start from scratch with each “Why This College?” Essay (for these Northwestern prompts, you certainly couldn’t plug in a different “Why This College?” Essay where you’ve written about your dream of editing for the Harvard Crimson or your hope to network in nearby New York City!).

So, with prompts like these, how to even begin writing a “Why This College?” Essay? Check out our tips and “Why This College?” Essay examples next!

Also, check out our list of college application essay topics to avoid .

Tips on How to Write a “Why This College?” Essay

Regardless of the prompt, your response needs to be specific. This is possibly the most important thing to remember as you learn how to write a “Why This College?” Essay.

First and most importantly of all, focus on fit. Remember that this is your opportunity to showcase why you’re specifically a good match for a college – not why a college is a great general choice for anybody. Ultimately, this is an essay about your potential relationship with a school. If you were writing an epic love poem, you might obsess over your beloved’s hair, eyes, etc. – but obsession isn’t a relationship! On the other hand, if you were asking someone out, you might want to focus, instead, on why you’d have a great time together because it’s more persuasive (and that’s ultimately what you’re trying to do: persuade this school’s admissions committee that you belong there!).

Here are a few tips on specificity that we’ll review below as we analyze a few “Why This College?” Essay examples:

• Before writing your “Why This College?” Essay, do your research on each school to which you’ll apply. This means finding particular programs of study you’ll pursue, looking up course titles you’d like to take and even professors you’d like to study under. It means researching clubs and extracurriculars you’ll partake in, internship programs you’ll apply for, and details about the school that will further your goals as a student there.

At the beginning of your “Why This College?” Essay, you can include a brief anecdote or bit of personal information that will make your essay stand out. As with any college application essay, this is an opportunity to brag about yourself! For instance, if you’re going to mention a particular club or extracurricular you’d like to join at a university, you can use this anecdote to briefly remind your reader that you were the president of that extracurricular at your high school (especially if that detail doesn’t appear elsewhere in your application materials). NOTE: Including a personal anecdote like this is sometimes dependent upon word length. For longer “Why This College?” Essays, it’s a great choice. For shorter ones, this hook may be a feature you’ll have to reduce or skip altogether.

Don’t linger on the general features of the school, or on school qualities that apply to everyone. Don’t focus on the school’s reputation, rankings, or student-to-professor ratios. The school knows this stuff already! Everybody paints the rock at Northwestern and paints the fence at Carnegie Mellon and these schools’ admissions counselors have read about these sorts of traditions approximately a billion times. Avoid general features and focus, rather, on detailed aspects of the school community that are particularly compelling to you .

Details about campus culture or school location are okay to write about, but remember that you’re not trying to be John Keats here. Don’t just talk about the beauty of the leaves changing in the fall or the way the palm trees sway on the school’s tropical campus. Rather, focus on what the school’s location can do for you as a scholar . Is there something particular about the school’s locale that can further your scholastic goals? Perhaps it’s situated in a region known for a particular area of study, with the best professors in the field nearby (e.g. Silicon Valley for computer science). Or maybe its setting can provide ample internship opportunities for a student with your major (e.g. Washington, D.C. for political science majors).

Edit for details. As you write your thousandth college application essay, it can be so tempting to simply copy-paste and go through the motions of writing unique drafts. While it’s okay to have a little carry-over between essays, it’s essential that you don’t have any major bloopers (like getting the school’s colors or motto wrong) in a “Why This College?” Essay.

Honesty is the best policy! It’s better to write something authentic to you than something you think the school wants to hear. After all, no matter how prestigious a school or program might be, if you can’t think of why you’d fit in there, you may want to reconsider whether a school is meant for you!

“Why This College?” Essay Examples

Below, we’ve included three fictional “Why This College Essay?” examples. The first two are good examples, along with commentary on what makes them strong and what these authors might improve upon to make them even better. The third essay is an exceptionally poor one, designed to help you see common pitfalls within this essay genre so you can think about how to avoid them yourself (or even how to correct mistakes you’ve already made in drafts!). Think of this third, poor essay as a way to test how well you’ve familiarized yourself within the genre.

Good “Why This College?” Essay Example 1:

As current Editor-in-Chief of my school magazine The Clarion , I’d like to pursue a Journalism major at the College of Northeastern Ohio, where I will deepen my experience in writing and design through classes such as “Reporting with Visual Journalism” and “International Writing.” Additionally, CNO’s Amanpour Journalism Project will give me hands-on experience as a journalist working in a newsroom. There, I’ll explore aspects of journalism such as digital storytelling and broadcasting, along with elective courses like “Feature Interviews” and “Documentary Television.”

My love for writing and communication stems from my multilingual upbringing. In high school, I explored Latin America on a study abroad trip to the Dominican Republic, where I relied on my Guatemalan heritage to further my Spanish-speaking skills. Through CNO’s International Language Studies program, I hope to attain a Spanish minor and explore Spanish-speaking countries in their study abroad program while immersing myself in international media.

With the interdisciplinary emphasis at CNO, I’ll additionally have the flexibility to study politics through a Political Science double major. I’ve written many articles on global communication for The Clarion , and I hope to further my writing on political communication with the Amanpour Project’s “Writing in Conflict Zones” class and other interdisciplinary classes with Professor Joan Walters. CNO’s robust communications offerings give me the opportunity to specifically study my interests in writing, politics, and Spanish simultaneously with the resources of multiple departments.

This essay does a great job of both showcasing the writer’s unique experiences and exploring how the college will specifically help her pursue her major and career goals. Additionally, the author has done a dynamite job researching particular classes and programs within the university that she’d like to take, listing several by name and course/program details.

How we might fix it up:

This essay primarily focuses on academics. Since academics are usually the most important reason why you’d want to attend a particular university, this definitely isn’t a major problem! However, the writer could potentially explore other extracurriculars or campus offerings that might make her a great fit for this university.

Good “Why This College?” Essay Example 2:

Data. From our politics to what we binge on Netflix, data collection and information systems have become part of the fabric of our lives. But when we think about sports, we don’t always think about numbers – and I want to do just that. The Massachusetts Institute of Stanford Mellon offers a top-ranked Data Science and Information Systems major, which will provide me with transferable skills that can be applied to my dream career path: sports marketing and data analytics.

I would like to go to a university where I can immediately participate in research. In high school, I created an algorithm that helps me predict how much fans will spend on team gear, based on their previous purchases and levels of engagement with games, betting, and online searching. The MISM Data and Numbers Lab allows undergraduates to access their databases and start conducting research right away (without having to wait until grad school!) and courses like “Analysis of Algorithms” and “Marketing and Numbers” provide the tools to conduct research on issues like sports marketing. At MISM, I hope to study with mentors like Professor Bill Jobs, whose work on information systems and regional spending might facilitate my own independent research. Additionally, MISM has alumni networks that facilitate internship and job placement in both Silicon Valley and with major sporting equipment stores like Rick’s Sporting Depot.

Finally, MISM offers a variety of extracurriculars that I would love to join, particularly the Little Pucks program, which provides community outreach to aspiring hockey players with physical disabilities. Since my sophomore year, I’ve volunteered at our local rec center, volunteering with kids who have special needs and helping them learn about and play sports. As I pursue a career in sports marketing and data analytics, I want to make a positive impact on companies and consumers alike. I’d love to live up to MISM’s motto: “Knowledge for service.”

Again, this writer does a fantastic job showcasing his own strengths and specifically demonstrating how this university has particular offerings (courses, labs, professors, extracurriculars, etc.) that will help him in his chosen major and career path. The generalities of this essay (like the school motto) are also used for a purpose: to illustrate how the writer hopes to use his education to give back to the community.

This is a great draft. To make it even better, we might consider how this essay focuses a lot on what the school can do for the writer. The writer might want to consider: how will I, in turn, contribute more to the campus community?

Poor “Why This College? Essay” Example:

When I took a campus visit at Princevard University last year, I was sure to stop at the Wishing Fountain in the middle of the quad. There, I threw in a penny and recited Princevard’s motto, “Veritas in vota” – “truth in wishes” and made my wish: that I will get accepted into Princevard this fall. I’ve known that I wanted to attend Princevard ever since I was a little boy and found out that my Great Uncle Howie graduated from there in 1965. At Princevard, I would study in their English program so that I could pursue my dream of becoming a novelist and a teacher when I graduate.

Ranked at #7 in the nation, Princevard’s reputation is another reason why I would like to attend; a degree from Princevard will open up doors to jobs and internships that many other schools could never open. Finally, I hope to join one of Princevard’s fraternities because the school offers more Greek organizations than any other university on the East Coast.

Well, it’s a start. If you’ve written a similar draft to this one, which breaks many of our “Why This College?” Essay writing rules, don’t despair! Instead, use this draft as a springboard for your next one.

How we might fix up this essay:

You’re probably familiar enough now with the genre conventions of the “Why This College?” Essay to think of a few reasons why this essay is a poor one. Now, let’s see how we can take even a poor first pass and turn it into a viable essay:

Our main goal with a draft like this is to turn all of this generality into an essay that specifically tells the school why this student would be a good fit there. Hint: avoid the sentiments about ranking and general location!

While this essay begins with a personal anecdote, it doesn’t tell us anything about this particular student. Instead, it focuses on a vague campus tradition. Remember that personal anecdotes serve as an opportunity to hook your reader and tell them something unique and positive about yourself.

There’s not much need to mention that a family member attended a university unless a) you are such a strong legacy there that your name is literally on a building (in which case, you should probably have a donating family member make a call on your behalf to the admissions department) or, b) your family history is somehow relevant to your future career and attendance at that school (e.g. your mother went to law school there and you want to become a lawyer and join her firm). If the latter, be sure you’re using this detail as a vehicle to demonstrate why this university is right for you.

While it’s great to talk about your major and career aspirations, be specific! Most schools have English departments so it’s not super useful to point this generality out. Writing that “Princevard University offers a unique dual English program with concentrations in both Creative Writing and Literary Theory, which would enable to me to pursue an ultimate graduate degree in literary and cultural studies while honing my craft as a novelist,” on the other hand, is a much more useful and detailed statement that demonstrates fit and brags a little about the applicant’s writing aspirations!

Similarly, many universities have Greek life organizations. If you’re going to mention an extracurricular, name which ones and why. Perhaps a particular Greek organization on this campus is affiliated with your major; maybe a chapter is politically motivated with a cause you’ve previously championed; maybe a fraternity is historically associated with your ethnicity or race and you’d love to take part in that community.

Closing Thoughts on the “Why This College?” Essay

As you write a “Why This College?” Essay, remember that this essay is perhaps the first conversation you’ll have about your relationship with a university – a relationship that, if you’re accepted, will be a formative one for the rest of your life. Good luck!

[i] “Completing Your Northwestern Application,” Application Materials: Undergraduate Admissions – Northwestern University, 2024. https://admissions.northwestern.edu/apply/requirements.html

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Jamie Smith

For the past decade, Jamie has taught writing and English literature at several universities, including Boston College, the University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University. She earned a Ph.D. in English from Carnegie Mellon, where she currently teaches courses and conducts research on composition, public writing, and British literature.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Dream Career — Dreem Career: My Aspiration to Be a Doctor

My Future Career: Why I Choose to Be a Doctor

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Election Updates: Trump will speak at a Minnesota fund-raiser, hoping the state’s political divide will put it in play.

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Jennifer Medina

A third presidential debate en Español? Univision anchor Jorge Ramos is floating the idea of an additional debate for the Spanish-language media, pointing out that 36 million Latinos are eligible to vote and could decide the outcome of the election. But an additional debate is highly unlikely: the Biden campaign has made clear it only wants two.

Jazmine Ulloa

In an email to supporters Friday, former President Donald J. Trump, who on Saturday is expected to address the National Rifle Association , seeks to contrast his positions on guns not with President Biden, but with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent candidate. Trump criticizes Kennedy for calling the N.R.A. a “terror group,” supporting an assault weapons ban and blaming the association for the Parkland school shooting.

Chris Cameron

The stock market briefly hit a record high milestone on Thursday , and the Biden campaign has taken the opportunity to needle Donald J. Trump for his claims — both recently and during the 2020 campaign — that Joe Biden would crash the economy if elected. Biden joined in on the victory lap from a personal social media account, posting a meme of himself handing Trump an “L” while holding an ice cream cone.

Donald J. Trump posted his take on the economy on his social media site on Thursday, saying incorrectly in a video that inflation rose last month ( it went down , slightly, according to the Labor Department) and likening increased prices to “a sales tax, but much bigger, more painful, and more destructive,” adding, “I will end this nightmare and we will once again have the greatest economy in history.”

Jonathan Weisman

Trump visits Minnesota, hoping its political divide will put it in play.

In his winning run for the presidency in 2016, Donald J. Trump came tantalizingly close to taking Minnesota, falling just 1.5 percentage points shy of Hillary Clinton in a state that seemingly loves to break Republican hearts.

On Friday, the former president will be back, speaking at a fund-raising dinner for the Minnesota Republican Party in St. Paul that is open only to paying guests and invited media. Whether the visit is a feint to draw Democratic dollars to the state or a true effort to expand the electoral map, only the Trump campaign knows.

But it is a moment to look at the stark divisions in a state where the urban and rural political and social gulf is particularly vast.

“Nobody lives this stronger than I do,” said Representative Angie Craig, a Democrat whose swing district, maybe the last in the state, runs from the southern edges of Minneapolis and St. Paul into rural areas southeast of the cities. “Look, I was on the ballot in 2016 when Trump first ran. He won my district, and I lost my race. We’re all going to have to work really, really hard this year.”

Minnesota has not voted for a Republican presidential candidate since Richard M. Nixon won the state in 1972. But Mr. Trump’s share of the vote actually rose from 2016, when he won 44.9 percent and Ms. Clinton took 46.4 percent, to 2020, when the former president won 45.3 percent and President Biden won 52.4 percent.

Republicans in the state insist 2024 is their year.

“Minnesotans are hard-working, blue-collar Midwesterners, and they are being crushed by the policies of this administration,” said Representative Pete Stauber, a Republican who in 2018 flipped a Democratic seat that covers a vast swath of Northeast Minnesota, including its iron range. “Those 10 electoral votes are going to go to President Donald Trump.”

Some Democrats are worried. Representative Dean Phillips, a Democrat who represents the affluent, educated suburbs west of Minneapolis that for years voted Republican, then switched to him, said he had been surprised by the number of constituents he has spoken to who are ready to vote for Mr. Trump. Mr. Phillips challenged Mr. Biden for the Democratic nomination and got nowhere. Now he wants to see the president re-elected.

“I don’t think Trump would be spending his precious time coming to that event, in the Twin Cities mind you, if his campaign didn’t have some good internal numbers,” Mr. Phillips said.

No Republican has won a statewide election since 2006, but the Democratic winning streak does not capture the complicated dynamics of a state where the urban core, Minneapolis-St. Paul and its suburbs, has grown sharply in population and noticeably leftward, while rural Minnesota has moved to the right.

The defeat of Representative Collin Peterson, the 15-term moderate Democrat and leader of the House Agriculture Committee, in 2020, and the retirement of Rick Nolan in 2018, who was replaced by Mr. Stauber, swept away the last remnants of Democratic centrism in the vast northern reaches of the state. The largely rural southern Minnesota district once represented by the state’s Democratic governor, Tim Walz, now has a conservative Republican entrenched as its congressman.

Meantime in Minneapolis, the Democratic Socialists of America and their allies secured a majority on the City Council last year. The suburbs, once dominated by moderate Republicans, have moved to the Democrats.

The Trump campaign believes it can capitalize on — or foment — a backlash to the leftward march of the Twin Cities and still-fresh memories of the unrest after the killing of George Floyd.

“Very sad what’s happened to your state,” Mr. Trump told a newscaster on the conservative website Alpha News on Thursday, attacking Minneapolis’s progressive Representative Ilhan Omar as a “hater,” promising “mass deportations” and vowing “to bring back the law enforcement the way it was” before Mr. Floyd’s murder. “Your state is out of control, and it’s this radical left philosophy that cannot be left to continue.”

Recent polling has Mr. Biden clinging to a narrow lead in Minnesota, inside some polls’ margins of error. His tenuous position has been exacerbated by the war in Gaza. A protest campaign for “uncommitted” in the Democratic presidential primary in March drew 19 percent.

“We have a real opportunity to expand the map here,” Chris LaCivita, a senior Trump campaign adviser, told The Associated Press ahead of Mr. Trump’s visit.

Even Democrats in the state have their worries.

“In the end, I don’t really think Minnesota will be in play, in part because when the contrast between a completely unhinged Donald Trump and Biden crystallizes toward the end of the campaign, disaffected and undecided voters here will turn out for President Biden,” said Jim Manley, a Democratic political consultant who lives in Minneapolis. “But it’s going to be too close for comfort.”

Mr. Phillips said, “I confess to have spoken to more people, and some remarkable people, who say they will vote for Trump. Many will, and many more than will admit it.”

That said, Minnesota has been to Republicans what North Carolina has been to Democrats. They can see how to win it. They have won it in the past. But they always seem to come up short. Barack Obama won North Carolina in 2008. Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota’s last Republican governor, barely won re-election in 2006.

Since then, both states have yielded heartbreak to the parties that have craved renewal. Minnesota has begun looking like nearby Illinois, with one large metropolis drawing in educated professionals and young liberals from the Upper Midwest — and pulling an otherwise conservative state into the Democratic camp.

In an interview with a conservative radio station in March, Mr. Trump falsely claimed he won Minnesota in 2020. He lost it by seven percentage points, with no evidence of fraud in the balloting.

An earlier version of this story misstated the end of Representative Rick Nolan’s career in the House. He retired in 2019. He was not defeated for re-election.

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Chris Cameron and Maggie Astor

David Trone torched $60 million of his own money. He’s not the only one.

The costly realm of campaign politics has claimed its share of the fortunes of yet another business magnate with aspirations to higher office.

Representative David Trone, Democrat of Maryland who co-owns the largest wine retailer in the country , poured more than $60 million of his personal fortune into his Senate campaign in Maryland, according to campaign finance reports filed to the Federal Election Commission. He lost the Democratic primary this week to Angela Alsobrooks , a county executive whose campaign had spent about a tenth of that amount.

A day after Mr. Trone’s loss, Nicole Shanahan, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s running mate and a Silicon Valley investor who recently divorced the Google co-founder Sergey Brin, announced that she was doubling her stake in Mr. Kennedy’s independent presidential campaign. Her donation of another $8 million brings her total contributions to nearly $15 million, despite the fact that no third-party or independent candidate has come close to winning a presidential election in modern U.S. history.

Mr. Kennedy’s campaign is so far only about half as expensive as the costliest self-funded presidential campaign this cycle: Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican entrepreneur, spent more than $30 million of his own wealth on his failed candidacy, dropping out in January after spending $3,500 per vote won in the Iowa caucuses . Doug Burgum, the governor of North Dakota who sold his software company to Microsoft for $1 billion, didn’t even get that far: He dropped out before a single vote was cast after having spent nearly $14 million on his presidential campaign.

It is a time-honored tradition in U.S. politics: wealthy people burning dizzying sums of money to fuel their political ambitions through long-shot candidacies, or — as in Mr. Trone’s case — campaigns with good odds that simply don’t end up working out.

A self-funded campaign is not always a recipe for disaster. Mr. Trone, for example, was successfully elected to Congress after spending a combined $31.3 million of his fortune to run in two House races. He lost to Jamie Raskin in the 2016 Democratic primary, but he won the 2018 primary to succeed Representative John Delaney, another wealthy Democrat . Jon S. Corzine, a liberal Wall Street executive, spent about $60 million, or $108 million adjusted for inflation, to win a Senate seat in New Jersey in 2000.

Here are some of the biggest money-pit campaigns:

Michael R. Bloomberg, 2020 Presidential Campaign

Personal wealth contributed: $1 billion

Dollars per vote: $426.76

It was, by far, the most expensive campaign flop in American history.

Michael Bloomberg, the founder of the financial and media giant Bloomberg L.P. and one of the biggest donors to the Democratic Party, had previously made headlines and history for spending eye-popping sums on his political ambitions. He poured hundreds of millions of dollars from his personal fortune to run for mayor of New York and to stay in office from 2002 to 2013.

But the most expensive race of his career — and also just the most expensive presidential primary campaign ever in U.S. history — stood out not just for the size of Mr. Bloomberg’s war chest but also for how the campaign went down in spectacular defeat . The former mayor dropped out roughly 100 days after getting into the race.

Tom Steyer, 2020 Presidential Campaign

Personal wealth contributed: $341 million

Dollars per vote: $1,320.37

In any other race, in any other year, Tom Steyer’s 2020 presidential campaign would have been a record-breaking flop. Spending $341 million of his hedge fund fortune, Mr. Steyer ultimately earned 258,848 votes, the steepest ratio of money-to-votes of any presidential candidate in U.S. history, and he won no delegates before dropping out of the race.

The yawning hole that Mr. Steyer’s presidential ambitions left in his wallet is eclipsed only by that of Mr. Bloomberg, who spent roughly three times as much and who made a much bigger splash when he jumped late into the Democratic primaries.

Linda E. McMahon, 2010 and 2012 Senate Campaigns

Personal wealth contributed: $98.8 million combined

Dollars per vote: $85.95

Linda McMahon, the former chief executive of World Wrestling Entertainment, spent nearly $100 million to self-fund two Senate campaigns in Connecticut. She decisively claimed the Republican nomination with her enormous cash advantage but ultimately lost both races by wide margins in 2010 and 2012 . It was, at the time, the most anyone had ever spent of their own fortune to run for federal office.

Ms. McMahon later donated extensively to Donald J. Trump’s 2016 campaign, and then she joined his cabinet as the head of the Small Business Administration . Her campaign’s senior consultant in 2012, Chris LaCivita, is now one of the top officials for Mr. Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.

Steve Forbes, 1996 & 2000 Presidential Campaigns

Personal wealth contributed: $74 million combined

Steve Forbes, then the chairman and editor in chief of Forbes magazine, ran two presidential campaigns as a Republican, each time spending about $37 million of his personal fortune in his bid to win the nomination — for a total of $74 million, or $139 million when adjusted for inflation.

The wealthy publisher ran on a platform of abolishing tax brackets and enacting a simple flat tax rate — an idea that later caught on with other Republican presidential hopefuls. Mr. Forbes won a few state primaries in 1996, placed second against George W. Bush in the Iowa caucuses in 2000 but ultimately fell short in both campaigns.

Ross Perot, 1992 Presidential Campaign

Personal wealth contributed: $65 million

The business executive Ross Perot ran one of the strongest third-party campaigns in modern history , winning about 19 percent of the popular vote — though he did not win any states or a single electoral vote.

For that bid, he spent $65 million of his own money, equivalent to $143.5 million in today’s dollars.

Though he ran again in 1996, this time under the ballot line of the Reform Party , Mr. Perot was largely limited from spending his own fortune on that campaign because he had accepted $30 million in public funding for his candidacy . Under federal election rules, his self-financing would be capped at $50,000.

An earlier version of this article misstated the amount Steve Forbes cumulatively spent on his two presidential campaigns. It was $74 million, not $72 million.

Katie Glueck

A new ad taunts Trump: ‘Take the stand, Donald, or admit you’re a coward’

As former President Donald J. Trump’s criminal trial winds down , a center-left group is trying to goad the Republican presidential candidate into testifying.

“Take the stand, Donald, or admit you’re a coward,” blares a new ad from the group, Third Way, which highlights Mr. Trump’s past comment that “if you’re innocent, why are you taking the Fifth Amendment?”

The five-figure digital ad buy is running “in all the places Trump will be,” said Matt Bennett, a co-founder of Third Way. He said the spot would run “in New York, especially around Trump Tower and the courthouse, Mar-a-Lago, and in Dallas” near the National Rifle Association meeting where Mr. Trump is expected to speak on Saturday.

“He has talked tough for years about how only guilty people and mobsters take the Fifth,” Mr. Bennett said. “Now it appears he’s going to do that himself, and we wanted to remind him of that and see if we could taunt him into testifying, frankly, because it might not go well for him if he did that.”

Mr. Trump’s lawyers told the judge Thursday that he had yet to decide whether he would testify. Mr. Trump has invoked the Fifth Amendment before.

Mr. Trump is charged in this trial with falsifying 34 business records related to the reimbursement of a hush-money payment to a porn star, Stormy Daniels. He has denied the charges.

The ad buy was first reported by Politico.

Neil Vigdor

Trump says he has ‘no problem’ including R.F.K. Jr. in debates.

Former President Donald J. Trump said on Thursday that he would be open to including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent presidential candidate, in two upcoming debates between him and President Biden, though Mr. Biden’s team has made clear that is not an option.

Speaking to Scripps News , Mr. Trump said that as long as Mr. Kennedy met the criteria for participation set by the networks hosting the debates — CNN and ABC News — he would not object to having Mr. Kennedy onstage.

“Well, I have no problem with him,” Mr. Trump told Charles Benson, a political correspondent for the Scripps television station WTMJ in Milwaukee, before taking a swipe at Mr. Kennedy. “I think he’s really not doing well in the polls at all. His numbers have gone down a lot lately.”

President Biden’s campaign stipulated in a recent memo that the debates should be limited to him and Mr. Trump . While Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump agreed to participate in two debates, one on June 27 and another on Sept. 10, the terms are still being worked out.

In a social media post on Thursday, Mr. Trump taunted Mr. Biden about the possible inclusion of Mr. Kennedy, writing that Mr. Kennedy was “sharper and far more intelligent” than Mr. Biden, and that the two would be “debating over the same territory, like ridiculous Open Borders and the Green New Scam.”

A spokesman for Mr. Biden’s campaign referred to a statement on Wednesday from Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, Mr. Biden’s campaign chair, asserting that “Donald Trump has a long history of playing games with debates.”

Mr. Kennedy vowed to qualify for next month’s debate on CNN in a social media post on Wednesday. He also vented about his possible exclusion. “They are afraid I would win,” he said of Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump.

CNN and ABC News are using similar criteria, requiring participants to have received at least 15 percent support in four approved national polls and to have qualified for the ballot in enough states to have the chance to earn the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency.

Two national polls currently have Mr. Kennedy above the 15 percent threshold — one from Quinnipiac University and another from CNN — and he is presently on the ballot in just six states, worth a combined 89 electoral votes.

His campaign is trying to secure ballot access in all 50 states, an expensive and time-consuming process that is expected to draw legal challenges from Democrats aligned with Mr. Biden.

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