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Vivi-Lou

214

Digitalization Consultant in GER

12/08/19 at 10:59PM UTC

Career

Planning my job-future

So... I have not been on the workforce for long and one of the questions I dread the most is "where do you want to be in 3 years?" of course the time and question can vary slightly. However I do *not* know what to answer. I am not pursuing the classic ladder and cannot rely on any fixed career chart or so. Of course I have goals, but I cannot image when I will reach them... I would like to answer "I want to be *goal* as soon as possible", but that is not something anyone can plan with.... How do you plan those things or answer such questions?

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Vivi-Lou

214

Digitalization Consultant in GER

12/11/19 at 8:48PM UTC

Thank you for for all the highly appreciated input. I think I should state that in my current situation the question is more pointed to my development in the company. I am not doing interviews for a new job. There sure are a lot of helpful sites and books where I can check out a fix answer, but when the company is really looking into developing you, then there is no point in answering from the book I think.

sandmanstone

135

12/10/19 at 1:14PM UTC

It's a trick question. :) Just like 'tell me about yourself' - the interviewer doesn't really want to know about your entire life, they really want to know about YOU AS IT RELATES TO THE JOB. Same thing. They are looking to see how you might fit into their future. Do some homework before you interview, and have an answer ready like "I'm deeply interested in data analytics" (if there are news articles about their growing data teams). In the meantime, pay attention to what work makes you most happy, and keep volunteering to do more of those tasks that make you shine. You've got this. :)

Anonymous

12/10/19 at 6:49AM UTC

I suggest looking at career books that have a question and answer section. If you are being asked this by an employer a good answer maybe along the lines of working your way up in that company to a leadership role. It may not be your real personal goal but it may help you land employment for the meantime. A lot of places that are looking for for employees who are going to stick around so if your answer contains information about working in a completely different field, it could be an indication for them to not take you seriously

User deleted comment on 12/10/19 at 6:47AM UTC

jedpaulson

Ecommerce, Marketing, Analytics and Product

12/10/19 at 5:57AM UTC

I answer that question with the role I want to have in 3-5 years. Its a way for me and the employer to confirm that I'm shooting for that role, for upward progression, and to ensure that there's potential for me to get there. I'd rather not go someplace if there wasn't the right growth opportunity for me. Maybe talk to mentors or colleagues that are 3 years ahead of you to get some ideas, their roadmap, etc. When someone doesn't answer this question with conviction, it makes me question their ambition.

JB09718

332

12/09/19 at 2:09PM UTC

Great responses so far! I agree you don’t need to give an exact title or role especially if you don’t intend to stay at that company. I would definitely phrase it with skills or knowledge you hope to gain by then. You could also use this question as an opportunity to discuss potential growth opportunities at that company. (Get an idea for their structure and what areas you may be able to grow into)

Orlagh Costello

1.2k

Engineering Manager for food manufacturing site

12/09/19 at 2:08PM UTC

I tend to answer those sort of questions with something along the lines of: well, if for example I was to be successful my application for this position, I would be spending the next 2-3 years working at learning what's needed here, and exploring my development in XX area. Once I feel I have achieved everything I can here, I will start looking around for something that interests me at that time. I like to solve problems, implement sustainable systems and engage a team to make a real difference. Of course the things you like to do may be different!! :)

Vivi-Lou

214

Digitalization Consultant in GER

12/09/19 at 4:09PM UTC

Yes I did answer similar, that I want to develop X and Y and then see what has developed to be my strength and pursue this. But I had the feeling it was to indirect

Orlagh Costello

1.2k

Engineering Manager for food manufacturing site

12/09/19 at 4:46PM UTC

Well if someone wants you to know now exactly what you want to do in 3 yrs time, they're not paying attention to how progress and development work! I've never had a problem with an answer like that and it's always been an honest one for me. Particularly in engineering, aiming for a specific title is ludicrous cos different places call different job by different names all the time :)

Lady Pele

3.96k

Retired Project Manager

12/09/19 at 7:03PM UTC (Edited)

I agree with Momof2boysNJ that you don't have to answer with a particular job or title. Besides her examples, you could say something like “I’m excited by this position at (insert company name) because in XX years, I’d like to be seen as someone with deep expertise in this (insert business sector), and I know that I can achieve/grow into that here." You can also turn it around after that and ask "What growth areas would best serve (insert company name)?"

Vivi-Lou

214

Digitalization Consultant in GER

12/09/19 at 4:06PM UTC

Thank you! I really like the option to turn the question around! Haven't thought of it in this combination, but it could definitely provide valuable insight into my standing

Elinor Riggs

12/09/19 at 3:20AM UTC

First off, don’t feel pressure to answer the ‘where do you want to be’ question... your career progression is your own, no one else needs to put a timeframe around it. With that said, instead of answering the question with an exact job or title, respond with what you enjoy in role instead... for example, “I really enjoying learning something new, so whatever my next role is, I want to be challenged to learn every day...” or “I really like helping others develop their talent, so I’d like to ensure my next position allows me to coach and mentor others” etc.