5 tips for setting career goals in 2022

The new year is approaching swiftly, and it’s time to start setting career goals. 2021 was a year of many changes, with recovering employment numbers and new infrastructure. Most notably, thousands of construction workers received the COVID-19 vaccine, allowing them to safely return to work.

With 2022 on the horizon, it’s important to look toward exciting upcoming events like the Engineering in Excellence Awards, the ACEC Utah fall and spring conferences, and other networking events. 2022 also brings a host of new technological innovations including AI, VR, and cloud computing.

Here are 5 tips for setting career goals in the new year:

1. Create SMART goals

Although many of us like to make goals for the new year, they’re often tough to measure. That’s why you should consider SMART goals. SMART is an acronym that stands for:

S – Specific

M – Measurable

A – Attainable

R – Relevant

T – Time-bound

If this model ends up working for you and you’re able to make progress with your goals, share it with your friends, family, and coworkers.

2. Remember that personal goals are just as important

While it’s important to set and focus on career-based goals, it’s important to prioritize your personal goals as well. What you do outside of work directly influences your performance on the job. For example, are you getting eight hours of sleep each night? Do you eat well and exercise regularly? If you want to feel better, have more energy, and achieve your goals, it’s worth taking a self-audit.

3. Define what success looks like

To achieve your goals, you need to establish what success looks like. Do you want to bring more money through the door? Are you trying to expand into a different type of construction? Maybe you want to land a government contract? Whatever your goals are, write them down and then develop a plan to achieve them. Once you know what success looks like for you and your team, you can narrow your focus.

4. Set goals early

Don’t wait until the first two weeks of January to start setting goals. You’ll be too swamped with meetings and the noise of other new year’s resolutions. Instead, set them early. Preferably at the beginning of Q4. That way, you have several months to develop a successful plan of attack.

5. Track your goals regularly

Tracking your goals throughout the year is just as important as setting them. We suggest trying MMOM (meaningful, measurable, operational, and motivational) metrics to measure your progress. Use the MMOM technique to check in on yourself every few weeks and you’ll start to feel more confident with the process.

If your goal is to become an ACEC Utah member in 2022, we’re here to welcome you with open arms. Please visit our website to learn more.