Can you be too specific in your short-term goals essay section?

Question

Is saying one of your short-term goals to attain a specific position at a specific company, a negative? After graduation there is a specific post-graduate work program I want to be part of. The program gives great work experience over the course of 2 years and is similar to a full-time well-paid internship. I think I have a good chance of getting in but it is competitive. I can't find a similar program and it's in a unique industry. Since the program is competitive, there is a chance I might not get in and I'm afraid by putting this specific goal, the school will be wondering, "well what if he doesn't get into that program, then what?"

I don't want to say this is my goal, followed by saying if I don't get then I plan on X instead. Because I feel like that shows a lack if confidence. I could just say I plan on getting a specific job in same industry, instead but the problem is I don't have any experience in the said industry, which is something the program would give me. So without the program, I'm worrying the school will doubt my ability to actually get a job in that industry.
 
Is it fine to have such a specific goal without mentioning a backup plan? Or should I either find a way to be a bit more broader or mention a backup plan?

essaysnark · Answer

Wow, Dmd5, you're thinking about this in EXACTLY THE RIGHT WAY!!! Yes it's possible to be too specific, primarily for the reason you laid out (what happens if you don't get this one specific job you're naming?) however in almost all of our client engagements we're coaching people to get MORE specific. In general, the more specific the better (if that makes sense! 8-)

) We can't give you a definitive answer on this without knowing which schools you're targeting since to some degree it does vary from program to program. But in most cases, naming the employer and role can work out great since it shows a) you've done your research and b) you know exactly what you want to do. If it's a niche industry especially, then yeah, it has more risk to put all your eggs in one basket, so to speak, but it still can add tremendous value to go down that route. Some schools literally ask about a Plan B in the essays themselves (Duke, NYU, Goizueta do this) and others ask about it in the interviews, so at minimum you'll want to have that mapped out for yourself. And, there's always a way to position a very specific short-term goal such that it shows you've considered other options too and are being flexible. We've written about career goals on the EssaySnark blahg a lot because they're so important and it's such a key area that people mess up on (here's a sample post from back in April about the importance of goals , one of many ) - it looks like you already have a good handle on things though! So congrats for that. In most cases you won't have space in the essays to present a backup plan (unless, as mentioned, you're applying to a school that specifically asks for one) but the concerns you're raising are legit and so it will all need to be handled carefully. The career-changer thing can be a little tricky but you can do it with the right messaging. Anyway, sorry for long answer - we are impressed that you have noticed this potential disconnect and that is awesome (we have a post on almost exactly this topic queued up for the next few weeks by pure coincidence). Hope this helps but if you want to let us know which schools you're targeting we can offer a little more insight, potentially, based on their specific essays/apps. EssaySnark

ARINGO · Answer

In general, a strong career plan is one that brings the candidate to a very successful future, and one that is very likely to happen.
The more specific and personal the essay is, the better.
The key to the Career Essay is to connect most sentences with the future goals and the industry name.
You can find additional tips and guidelines, and career goals essay samples, here: https://www.aringo.com/Career_Goals_Essay.htm

Can you be too specific in your short-term goals essay section?

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