A roadmap for students after SPM: Long-term and short-term career goals

Daily Express

26-05-2025

Published on: Monday, May 26, 2025
Published on: Mon, May 26, 2025
By: K Krishnan Text Size: CONGRATULATIONS! You've just received your SPM results, and now it's time to plan for the future. Whether you're excited, nervous, or unsure about what comes next, setting short-term and long-term career goals can help you stay focused and motivated.Think of your career like a journey. Short-term goals are like the small steps you take every day – such as choosing a course or gaining a new skill. Long-term goals are the big dreams – like becoming a doctor, engineer, or entrepreneur. In this article, we'll explore how to set both types of goals, with real-life examples to inspire you. Let's get started! Why Setting Career Goals is Important Without a plan, it's easy to feel lost. Imagine driving without a GPS – you might end up going in circles! Goals help you: Stay motivated
Make better decisions
Measure your progress
Achieve success faster
Advertisement Now, let's break down short-term and long-term goals with examples. Short-Term Career Goals (1-3 Years) These are the immediate steps you take after SPM. They help build your skills and experience. Choose the Right Course or Diploma Your SPM results determine your next step. Do you want to: Continue Form 6 (STPM)? Good if you prefer a slower pace before university.
Join a diploma programme? Faster than a degree, and you can work sooner. lEnrol in a Skill Certificate (e.g., TVET)? Great for hands-on jobs like electricians or chefs. Example: Amin scored well in science but prefers hands-on work. Instead of Form 6, he chooses a diploma in electrical engineering. After 2 years, he can work as a technician while studying part-time for a degree. Gain Work Experience (Part-Time Jobs or Internships) Even small jobs teach responsibility and teamwork. Work at a café (improves communication).
Intern at a company (learns office skills)
Freelance (e.g., graphic design, tutoring) Example: Lisa wants to be a journalist. While waiting for university, she writes articles for a local blog. This builds her portfolio and helps her get into mass communication. Improve Key Skills Employers look for soft skills like: Communication (public speaking, writing)
Leadership (join clubs, volunteer)
Tech skills (basic coding, Microsoft Office) Example: Rahman joins a debate club to improve his confidence. Later, this helps him ace university interviews. Long-Term Career Goals (5-10 Years or More) These are your big dreams. They take time, but short-term goals help you get there. Get a Professional Degree Some careers need higher education: Doctor (MBBS) – 5-6 years of study + training
Engineer (Degree + Professional Certification)
Lawyer (LLB + CLP) Example: Siti dreams of becoming a paediatrician. After SPM, she takes A-Levels and then enters medical school. Her short-term goal? Passing each semester. Her long-term goal? Opening her own clinic. Start a Business Not everyone wants a 9-to-5 job. Entrepreneurship is a great long-term goal. Learn business skills (marketing, finance)
Start small (sell online, offer services).
Expand over time. Example: Jason loves baking. After SPM, he takes a culinary course. By 25, he opens a small bakery. By 30, he has two branches. Work Abroad or in a Top Company Some careers require international experience. Study overseas (scholarships or loans)
Work for multinational companies (improve language skills). Example: Maria wants to work in Singapore as an IT specialist. After diploma, she gets a degree, then applies for jobs there. Her short-term goal? Learning coding. Her long-term goal? Earning a high salary abroad. How to Stay on Track with Your Goals 1. Write Them Down People who write goals are 42% more likely to achieve them. 2. Break Big Goals into Smaller Steps Want to be an engineer? Step 1: Pass SPM with good science grades. Step 2: Enrol in a Foundation/Diploma Step 3: Complete degree Step 4: Get licensed Find a Mentor Talk to someone in your dream job. They can guide you. Be Flexible Plans change – and that's okay! If one path doesn't work, try another. Final Advice: Start Now! Don't wait for the 'perfect time'. The best time to plan your career is today. If you're unsure, try internships or short courses. If you're ambitious, set big goals but take small steps. If you fail, learn and try again. Remember: even the most successful people started where you are now. Your SPM results are just the beginning – not the end. So, what's your first short-term goal? And where do you see yourself in 10 years? Start planning, take action, and chase your dreams! Career Tips: Would you like help choosing a course or career path? Write to [email protected]. Your future is in your hands – make it amazing!