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Set Goals

Set goals and make a career plan to help you reach your goals.  Following a plan can help you get the job of your choice.

A career plan includes:

  • Your career goals
  • Steps needed to reach your goals
  • Your skills and interests
  • Training and education programs where you can learn new skills
  • The amount of time needed to reach your goals

Step 1: Start Your Plan

  • Use a Career Plan Worksheet to help you fill in your plan.

  • Know your career interests - Identify your skills and interests by using career interest surveys. Visit Skills and Interests (in the left menu). 

  • Add up your financial needs - Make a budget and learn how to manage your money. Check out Services (in the left menu) for money management tips.

Step 2: Explore Career and Training

  • Explore jobs that match your skills - Understand what skills are needed for jobs. Learn what training and skills you need to reach your goals.

  • Determine education and training needed - Once you know your career interests and financial needs, you may find that you need more education and training.  Learn about education and training programs, click on Learn in the left menu.

Step 3: Set Goals and Time Line


Once you find the career you want, set a few goals. Use the S.M.A.R.T. Goal method to help you set goals that are:

Use a calendar to help you complete your short-term and long-term goals.

  • Short-term goals can be completed in 1 to 3 months and may include:
    • Applying for financial aid
    • Calculating monthly budget
    • Creating a resume
  • Long-Term goals can be completed in 6 or more months and may include:
    • Making a career change
    • Completing a training program
    • Getting the job you want
Once you fill in your career plan, use your calendar and take the steps to achieve your goals.
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  • Statewide Interest
    Job Corps: education and training programs for young adults.

    Job Corps Logo Welcome to Job Corps Chicago Region, dedicated to helping youth aged 16 yrs thru 24 yrs find success through education and career technical training. Whether you are a student, parent, or employer we invite you to explore this site to learn more about how the Job Corps program can benefit you. The federally funded program serves the entire United States, including the 18 centers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin, known as the Chicago Region. Click here to learn what can Job Corps Do for You? External link opens in a new window


  • Could this be YOUR LIFE?

    Could this be Your Life logo

    Ever wonder how those everyday life choices could affect your career, family life, and choosing a place to live?

    If so, then check out this online interactive game brought to you by the Illinois Center for Specialized Professional Support, and take the journey through Could this be YOUR LIFE.  This interactive game will teach you about the consequences of making career and life choices.

    To access this interactive game, visit the Could this be YOUR LIFE External link opens in a new windowweb site.



  • Kids and Careers Brochure

    Kids and Careers: How Families Can Help Youth Succeed

    The Department of Employment Security, Kids and Careers: How Families Can Help Youth Succeed brochure provides the tools and information to help children succeed in life. 

    The brochure includes information on how to create a career plan in three easy steps, the highest growing fields and the "best bet" occupations in Illinois, how education increases income and decreases the chance of unemployment, and important timelines for teens transitioning from high school to work or further education and training. 
    For more information visit the Kids and Careers brochure External link opens in a new window.

    Counselors and school administrators interested in packets of printed brochures, please call (877) 513-1987 or email des.icrn@illinois.gov . 


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