You Know You Need a Career Pivot, But How?  

You’ve worked hard to get where you are. You’ve earned the title, the experience, the respect. So why does it suddenly feel…off? Maybe the spark is gone. Or the work that once motivated you now feels misaligned. You catch yourself thinking, 

“Why don’t I like this anymore?” 

“What should I be doing instead?” 

“Is it too late to pivot?” 

Mid-career change is complex; it’s more about doing what’s right for you. Career goals take thought, because you want them to reflect your values, ambitions, and the impact you want to make. To do that, you must set goals that align with your skills, purpose, and what’s next—for you. 

Step One: Reflect on What Drives You 

Before you set new goals, pause. Clarity begins with introspection. Ask yourself: 

• What do I love about working in tech? 
• What drains me? 
• What do I value most—innovation, impact, balance, autonomy? 

These questions are foundational. Your goals should align with what motivates you, not just what’s available or expected. Try journaling your thoughts or talking them through with a mentor or coach you trust. Find out:  

• Your interests and motivators 
• Your skills, technical and soft  
• Your ideal future in tech 

This reflection becomes your roadmap, so get as specific as you can. 

Step Two: Define Career Goals That Make Sense for You 

You’ve done the reflection, now it’s time to translate insights into action. You’ve probably heard of the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). When adapted to your unique journey, this framework can be very effective; but think of it as a structure, not a rulebook. Here’s how to get started: 

• Turn your insights into tangible goals: “Grow in leadership” becomes “Apply for two technical lead roles this quarter.” 
• Break big aspirations into milestones: Want to pivot into AI? Start by identifying one skill to build and one project to showcase it. 
• Prioritize goals based on impact and energy: Focus on what aligns with your values and energizes you—not just what looks good on paper. 
• Stay aware of industry trends: Consider where your goals intersect with areas like AI, ethical tech, product leadership, or sustainability. 

You want to do more than chase titles, so put in the work to create a career that reflects who you are and where tech is heading. 

Step Three: Make an Action Plan 

Goals are only as strong as the plans behind them. Once you’ve defined what you want, it’s time to build the support system to get there. That means turning ideas into action, and surrounding yourself with the right tools, people, and environments. Here’s where to focus: 

• Upskill strategically: Enroll in courses or certifications that align with your next move, whether that’s AI, cybersecurity, or people leadership. 
• Find your people: Attend industry events like GHC to learn, connect, and get inspired by others on similar paths. 
• Build relationships that fuel growth: Mentorship—as a mentor or mentee—can offer clarity, accountability, and encouragement. 
• Track your progress and pivot as needed: Revisit your goals monthly or quarterly. Celebrate wins, reassess roadblocks, and keep moving forward. 

Your plan doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be in motion. 

Step Four: Embrace Continuous Learning 

In tech, the only constant is change, and that’s to your advantage. The most successful career pivots aren’t one-and-done. They evolve. Staying curious, open, and adaptable will keep you aligned with both industry shifts and personal growth.  

Be sure to seek feedback often, especially from mentors, peers, or leaders who’ve navigated similar transitions. Their insight can uncover blind spots and affirm your progress.  

Celebrate your wins, big and small! Whether you completed a course, led a meeting, or just asked a hard question, recognize the momentum you’re building.  

And revisit and refine your goals. As you grow, your aspirations might shift. That’s not failure, it’s progress. Let your goals evolve with you. 

Real Examples of Tech Career Goals 

Need a little inspiration? Here are real, attainable goals categorized by where you want to grow: 

1. Technical Mastery 
   • Learn Python or Rust 
   • Get certified in AWS, Kubernetes, or cybersecurity 
   • Build and ship your own app 
2. Leadership 
   • Lead your first cross-functional project 
   • Manage a team of engineers or PMs 
   • Mentor someone just starting out 
3. Personal Growth 
   • Improve public speaking and communication 
   • Get better at negotiating salary and scope 
   • Build your personal brand on LinkedIn 
4. Career Transition 
   • Pivot into ethical AI or product management 
   • Move from individual contributor to executive track 
   • Break into tech after time away 
5. Collaboration  
   • Improve team feedback culture 
   • Contribute to an open-source project 
   • Lead a hackathon or internal initiative 

Your goals should reflect what matters to you, and where you’re ready to grow next. 

You Don’t Have to Navigate Setting Career Goals in Tech Alone 

Career goals aren’t one-size-fits-all. They start with self-reflection and grow through intentional, courageous steps. Whether you journal, take a course, or connect with a mentor, your next move matters. And AnitaB.org is here to support every step. Join AnitaB.org Membership to experience the magic of GHC, all year round.  

Ready to shape the future of tech and your place in it? Donate to AnitaB.org to help more individuals in tech thrive, lead, and drive change.