Career objectives for students are professional goals that a student decides on before or during an educational program of study. These types of objectives are particularly important in career-oriented or vocational training, where the types of courses selected can have a direct impact on future career opportunities. There are different types of career objectives for students, including choosing an industry, finding room for growth, compensation and personal goals. No matter what career objectives a student sets his sights on, they will help define his future success.
When setting career objectives for students, it is important to decide on the type of work or industry that a student finds interesting. A student should consult with a guidance counselor or career planner if this objective is unclear, and take a course of study that will help achieve that goal. If a student decides to work in the automotive industry, for example, he should find out what kind of educational training is necessary for an entry level job in that industry. Students should keep in mind that their career objectives should be geared toward an industry or type of work that they will find fulfilling.
Another aspect of career objectives for students is room for growth in a given job. Students should consider whether they will be content to stay at the same job for a long time, or if they want to set growth or mobility as a specific goal. If mobility is important, students should consider whether a specific job or industry allows for professional growth and promotion. An industry dominated by small businesses, for instance, might not have room for an eventual promotion into management. If a student does plan on being upwardly mobile, he should research what educational credentials he will need to fulfill those objectives.
While it might be considered taboo, career objectives for students should take into account potential salary or compensation. A student might have specific salary goals related to a desired future lifestyle. To that end, the student should investigate what level of salary he can expect to earn across a variety of industries and jobs. The student should set a level of compensation he would like to reach and decide on an industry or job that can make that level achievable.
There are also personal goals to be considered in career objectives for students. Students should consider factors such as time to spend with family. While the legal profession can offer a high salary, for example, lawyers must often work long hours away from home. Other career objectives for students include travel, how challenging a job is and whether a student wants to work in a social environment.
