How to Write Career Goals for College Applications

Hey, I'm getting started on my college applications, and I'm supposed to write about my career goals. I'm having trouble figuring out how to articulate them in a way that feels authentic and fits well into the rest of my application.

What should I consider when defining my career goals, and how specific should they be? Is it okay to have multiple interests, and how can I present them cohesively? I'd really appreciate any tips or advice you might have!

In articulating your career goals for college applications, start by considering the field or industry you're interested in. What drives you to it? What experiences have led you to develop this interest? You may also reflect on the skills, values, or characteristics that you believe to be important in this career.

How specific your goals should be will depend on the prompt and the authenticity of your response. If you're absolutely certain about becoming a computer scientist and developing cutting-edge technologies to solve global problems, for example, that specificity can display passion and drive. However, don't feel pressured to sketch out your entire career path if you aren't exactly certain. Make sure your goals feel authentic and are backed by your experiences.

Presenting multiple interests is completely okay too! You can articulate how these interests intersect or complement each other, or how they reflect your multifaceted identity. If you're interested in both biology and Spanish, discuss how you envision using these skills together, like conducting medical research abroad, or working as a doctor in under-served, Spanish-speaking communities.

Here's an example: "My love for tech innovations and education has shaped my broad career goal: I want to work in EdTech, merging technology and educational principles to create accessible learning resources. With my passion for coding and understanding of cognitive processes from AP Psychology, I feel well-prepared to start down this path. While I don't yet fully know whether I'll lean more towards product development or strategy, I'm excited to explore the various aspects of the EdTech industry as I progress in my study."

Remember, this is a self-reflection on your future plans, which can evolve over time. Be honest with your current thoughts, because colleges are more interested in understanding your thought process and passion, rather than holding you to a specific career goal.