Defining career goals in a new country can be both exciting and challenging. As an international student or young professional in the US, you may feel the pressure to not only find your footing in a different culture but also to carve out a meaningful path for your career. The good news is that you’re not alone in this journey, and with a few clear steps, you can set realistic, rewarding goals and start taking steps toward a fulfilling career.

Career goals are like a compass guiding you through important decisions and daily choices. Having clear goals provides direction and motivation, helping you focus on what truly matters and feel more confident about where you’re headed. Well-defined goals can also make it easier to identify the opportunities that align with your vision, which is essential when you’re in a new place with so many possibilities. By setting goals that reflect your strengths and interests, you not only boost your productivity but also make the journey more enjoyable and fulfilling.

"Ok, but where do I start?"

The foundation of any solid career goal starts with self-awareness. Taking the time to reflect on your natural strengths and the activities you enjoy can give you valuable insights into which career paths might be a good fit. Begin by asking yourself a few important questions: What skills come naturally to me? What am I curious to learn more about? If I could do any type of work without worrying about pay or location, what would I choose? These reflections can reveal the types of roles and industries that align with your unique skill set and values.

Pro Tip: Write down your answers to these questions and notice any recurring themes. Do you have a knack for problem-solving or creativity? Are you more energized by working with people or with data? This step can be especially helpful if you’re unsure of what’s out there; it gives you a baseline to start exploring fields that suit your personal style and professional interests.

Once you have a clearer understanding of your strengths and interests, the next step is to research career paths that align with them. As a new arrival in the US, it’s important to get familiar with the industries that are friendly to foreign nationals and open to diverse backgrounds. Fortunately, there are many ways to do this research.

Platforms like LinkedIn are invaluable; you can look up individuals who share your academic or cultural background to see where they’re working and what their career paths have looked like. Additionally, many universities host career fairs and offer access to webinars where professionals discuss trends and opportunities in their industries. These events can provide first-hand insights into which fields might be a good fit.

Another powerful tool for learning about career options is conducting informational interviews. Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn, explain your background, and ask for a short conversation to learn about their role, industry challenges, and career advice. These small conversations can offer a realistic glimpse into different careers and help you understand the skills needed to succeed.

With a better sense of what’s possible, you can now begin setting specific career goals. The S.M.A.R.T. framework is a helpful way to create goals that are well-defined and attainable. S.M.A.R.T. stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Using this structure, you can turn vague goals into clear, actionable steps.

For example, let’s say you’re interested in a career in tech product management. A S.M.A.R.T. goal could be, “I want to secure a product management internship at a tech company within the next 12 months.” This goal is specific (focused on product management), measurable (the outcome is an internship), achievable (based on your skills and timeline), relevant (aligning with your interest in tech), and time-bound (within 12 months). S.M.A.R.T. goals like this provide you with a clear focus and make it easier to track progress, keeping you motivated along the way.

As you progress, it’s normal for your goals to evolve. Regularly reflecting on your progress can help you stay on track and make adjustments as needed. Schedule monthly check-ins with yourself (no really, write it on your calendar monthly and keep the promise to yourself to protect this time of reflection) to review your actions and ensure they align with your ultimate goals. If you find that certain areas need more focus, such as skill-building or networking, you can adjust your priorities for the month.

Celebrating your small wins is also important. Each step—whether completing a course, attending a workshop, or connecting with a mentor—brings you closer to your ultimate goal. These achievements, however small, are milestones worth acknowledging, and they help you stay motivated.

Pro Tip: Building a career in a new country can be challenging, but with the right mindset, it’s also incredibly rewarding. One way to stay motivated is by setting mini-goals that can be accomplished in shorter time frames, keeping you energized and focused. Visualizing your success—whether that’s landing a dream job or mastering a new skill—can also keep your end goal top of mind and push you through difficult moments.

Finally, remind yourself why you chose this career path in the first place. Revisiting the motivations and goals you’ve set will help you stay focused, even during challenging times.

Defining and pursuing career goals as an international student or young professional in the US may feel daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process more achievable. Start with self-reflection, set S.M.A.R.T. goals, build a network, and remember to stay flexible and open to change along the way.

We’d love to hear about the career goals you’re working on. DM me on Instagram or reply to this email to share what you’re working toward or to ask any questions. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey—every step you take brings you closer to a meaningful and fulfilling career.