3 Goals to Kickstart Your Career in the New Year

The new year always brings a sense of renewal—an opportunity to embrace a positive mindset and move forward with purpose. It’s the perfect time to reflect, set meaningful goals, and take steps that support your personal growth and help you prepare for new job opportunities.

To help you start the year strong, we’ve outlined three practical goals to focus on as you navigate your job search.

Goal #1 — Prioritize Personal Wellbeing

Investing in yourself is the first step towards becoming your best self, personally and professionally. This could mean rediscovering old hobbies, building healthier habits, or focusing on mental and physical wellness.

At Acosta Group, our people are our greatest asset. We encourage everyone to prioritize wellbeing in ways that work for them—whether it’s taking advantage of flexibility or resources like our employee assistance programs, wellness offerings, and benefits designed to support a thriving life.

Lauren, a Talent Acquisition Partner, has found a balance that works for her:

Lauren’s perspective is an excellent reminder that achieving balance doesn’t mean compromising your goals but creating space for what matters most. Simple practices like setting boundaries, taking time for self-reflection, and prioritizing wellness can have a powerful impact on your life—both at and away from work. Remember: taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for success.

Goal #2 — Learn a New Skill

Learning new skills is a valuable way to grow personally and professionally, helping you adapt to changes and explore new opportunities. Start by reflecting on where you are, where you want to go, and what skills might bridge the gap. This could involve exploring a completely new topic or advancing knowledge in an area you already know.

Take inspiration from Nate, VP, Field Operations, who began his career journey by stepping into the unknown. His hard work paid off as he grew into a leadership role:

If you’re ready to get started, here’s some actionable advice:

Explore learning platforms: Try LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or Udemy—start with a free course in your area of interest, or search for tutorials on YouTube.
Find a mentor: Use LinkedIn or professional networks to connect with someone in your desired field and reach out with a short, personalized message.
Read books or listen to podcasts: Try listening to podcasts like The Tim Ferriss Show, where Tim shares insights and strategies from top performers, or reading books like Atomic Habits by James Clear, a practical guide to change your habits and get 1% better every day.

At Acosta Group, we’re committed to supporting our associates’ growth at every level. Our learning programs offer a blend of live and on-demand training designed to foster personal and professional development. Resources are tailored to every role and career stage, from frontline associates to executives.

By investing in yourself and embracing goal-setting for your job search, you’ll open doors to new opportunities and build confidence in your career journey.

Goal #3 — Take Steps Toward Your Next Opportunity

Finding a role that fosters both growth and fulfillment can be transformative. Start by defining your aspirations:

What do you want to accomplish this year?
Where do you see yourself growing?

Kristie started as a Brand Ambassador while finishing school and eventually worked her way up to Senior Director. She shared advice on how to set yourself up for continued growth.

Once you’ve identified your strengths and learning opportunities, you can take intentional steps toward that next role. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Polish your resume: Use tools like Zety for easy formatting or stick to simple Word templates to ensure it is clean and professional. Save your resume as a PDF without images or graphics to ensure it works with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Use AI tools: Platforms like ChatGPT can help refine your resume and cover letters, while Jobscan matches your resume to job descriptions for better targeting.
Join Acosta Group’s talent community: Sign up for job alerts based on your preferences.
Network actively: Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals, join groups, and explore industry events.
Prep for interviews: Use LinkedIn Interview Preparation for practice questions and tips and ensure you do your research on the company by looking at its website and visiting ‘Life’ pages, such as Life at Acosta Group or Acosta Group LinkedIn Life Page.

At Acosta Group, we offer endless opportunities for growth across our vast network of agencies. Here, you’re empowered to carve your own path, explore new roles, and invest in yourself.

Make This Year Yours

Start the new year with intention. Hit reset by prioritizing your well-being, embracing continuous learning, and setting goals for your career growth. These steps can help you build the foundation for a successful and fulfilling year ahead.

At Acosta Group, we’re here to support your journey. Current associates and new candidates can explore opportunities across our agencies here.

Take that first step toward a career that truly works for you and see where it can lead. Investing in yourself is always worth it.