Vision Statement for defining
a future career direction
3–4 hours
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Outcomes from Phases 1-4
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A large sheet of thick paper
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Markers in different colours
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Printed or digital Images
What is this tool and what is its purpose and benefit?
The Vision Statement tool outlines the aims of a future career goal in one to three aspirational sentences. It highlights key goals, clarifies purpose, and keeps the focus on the desired impact rather than current constraints. It also helps assess whether the choices you make align with your intended career direction.
Steps for using this tool
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
Create an understanding of your current situation. Summarise the key outcomes from Phases 1–4, including experiences, knowledge, skills, personal traits and the relationship between the self and the environment (employment markets, trends, etc.). Make a 10-point list for each of these. Memorise these well.
Create an outline for your career goal vision using the information from the current situation (step 1). Combine this with your vision of the ideal future, its desired impact, and your core values. Your outline should include:
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The title of the career goal.
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A description of the career goal including its aims and goals.
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Possible challenges.
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Key benefits of the career goal.
Write a clear and inspiring vision statement that is between one and three sentences long. It should be future-oriented, ambitious and emotionally engaging. For example:
“To provide compassionate, skilled nursing care that improves everyday health and dignity for all patients.”
Check that the statement is motivating and clear and reflects the insights. Adjust the wording until it feels inspiring yet grounded.
Support your vision statement by adding images that best represent it.
Tips and hints for using this tool
References:
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Nielsen Norman Group. (n.d.). UX vision statements: How to write an inspiring UX vision. Retrieved from https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ux-vision-statements/
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Tschimmel et al., (2017) D – Think Toolkit. Design Thinking Applied to Education and Training. (p. 109). Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Katja-Tschimmel/publication/320197120_D-Think_Toolkit_Design_Thinking_Applied_to_Education_and_Training/links/59d4a46b0f7e9b4fd702bb80/D-Think-Toolkit-Design-Thinking-Applied-to-Education-and-Training.pdf
