Research shows that when your career matches your interests, personality, and values, you’re more likely to enjoy your work and feel happy in your job. In Milestone 1, you’ll reflect on who you are and explore careers that fit you best.
Whether you’re just getting started, thinking about a new path, or looking to advance, the tools below will help you set a career goal that fits your future.
Before you can make career choices, it’s important to know what matters most to you.
✅ Figure out your career needs by completing PART 1 in the Self-Assessment & Career Pathways Worksheet.
Save a copy of your Self-Assessment & Career Pathways Worksheet for future reference.
PathwayU is a tool that helps you find careers that match your values, interests, personality, and work style, so you can choose a career path that truly fits you.
✅ Take the 4 assessments in PathwayU and explore your career matches.
✅ Choose 1-3 occupations to research further and add them to your “Favorites.”
✅ Go back to your Self-Assessment & Career Pathways Worksheet. In PART 2, note what you learned about each occupation, and rate how well it matches your career needs from PART 1.
Now that you’ve explored your traits and career options, setting a SMART career goal gives you direction. It helps you stay focused and take the right steps toward landing your dream job.
Use the SMART Career Goal Worksheet or AI Quick Guide to create your career goal. If you use the AI Quick Guide, copy and paste the AI’s responses into the worksheet once you’re done to save your goal!
See more details about each resource below.
Save a copy of your worksheet so you can remember your career goal and stay focused.
Congratulations on completing Milestone 1!
Our career advisors are here to support you along your professional journey. Whether you want to chat about this milestone or need assistance with your career path, please feel encouraged to reach out.
Contact us at careers@wgu.edu or read our FAQs.
Watch “Informational vs. Job Interviews” to learn more about informational interviews.
Find professionals with industry experience using LinkedIn!
Learn more about your personal attributes by completing extra self-assessments.
Use this list of questions to help you during your informational interviews and conversations.
Use this guide as a research tool for exploring and research employer organizations within your desired field or industry.
Find additional occupations related to your major by viewing WGU Career Guides.
Dive deeper into career data using O*NET and the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Goals are the roadmaps that guide us toward success, whether in our personal lives, careers, or financial pursuits. They provide direction, motivation, and a sense of purpose. But when we talk about short-term and long-term goals, it’s important to understand …
What factors have led you to pursue your career of interest? While frequent responses to this question may involve elements such as the desire to make a greater income, wanting to climb the corporate ladder, and wanting to increase your …
Are you having trouble reflecting on job titles that align with your degree program? If so, I encourage you to take a look at our Career Guides, which will provide you with insightful background information on specific job roles that you may be …
