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56 Ideas to Add to Your Career Bucket List

Everyone’s heard of a personal bucket list but what about a career bucket list? Your work life, just like your personal life, is going to take up a significant portion of your lifetime. It makes sense to aim to make it as rich and full as your life outside your job.

Whether you’re fresh out of college or already a seasoned veteran in your industry, it’s not too late to draft your very own career bucket list. Don’t know what to put on there? Not to worry. I’ve put together a list of career bucket list ideas in this article to add to your own.

1. Learn how to learn

Jobs can only be fulfilling if you’re good at them. If you’re good at them, it means you’re utilizing the best of your existing skills and capabilities to do it well. And that level of mastery is itself what makes the job fulfilling in the first place. The thing about jobs in the 21st century, however, is that they need to change constantly to keep up with the pace of technology. And that’s why people in these industries also need to be adaptable and learn the ropes quickly in order to do their job well. Learning has become necessary in order to do a job well. If you make learning part of your skill suite, your job will remain challenging and exciting and you will be a valuable asset to any company or organization you work with.

2. Lead a team

True leaders know that being a leader is not a matter of telling a group of people what to do. Because it’s not even as simple as that. A leader is someone who looks at individuals, assesses their individual skills, and uses one’s own powers of communication, persuasion, and goal-setting skills to figure out how to piece these individuals together so that they form one collective entity that can tackle a problem and bring out a solution. On the superficial level, it may sound as simple as telling Jim the designer, Sani the brand manager, and Oliver the team lead what to do. On the complex level, it’s about knowing each of them enough to assign Sani to review Jim’s work and for Oliver to first get Sani’s OK before pushing Jim’s design concept to testing. An effective leader is rare and is prized across industries. The success of entire industries often rests on how many effective leaders they have.

Image credit: Fox on Pexels

3. Attend an industry conference or event

An industry conference or event is a great place to network. Going to one not only bolsters your brand or company name but also yours. Knowing the right people can help connect the right ideas to produce something fruitful. If you are working on a passion project, you are most likely to find people who can help you solve your issues in these events. It’s also a great way to connect with relevant businesses and analyze how their very existence in the market may improve or modify your own.

4. Work on a passion project

A passion project is a great way to fan the flames of professional fulfillment. Solving a problem you are wholeheartedly committed to may help bring you in front of solutions that you might have not encountered otherwise. Such experience and knowledge will help you solve similar situations in your career. A passion project helps you do better at your job while having fun doing it.

5. Mentor

Einstein said you really do not understand anything completely if you cannot explain it simply enough. Mentorship forces you to go back to the fundamentals in order to transfer what you know well. Mentorship is like creating a manifesto of what works and what doesn’t and being able to explain why. It’s paving a person’s way forward hoping that they will end up where you are (or are not). But don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s a one-way street of giving. If that’s your aim, then you’re looking to coach. Mentorship is also about learning from your mentee and paving your own way forward — it’s a mutual dance of progress. The experience is also something that will surely earn you many loyal friends.

6. Be a mentee

If you want to fast-track your way through a new career, becoming a mentee is a great way to do it. It will help you understand the basics of your industry quickly, learn the strategies that work and don’t work, and understand why. And then combine that with your novel insights and ideas to move forward. Just remember: you are not a mentee if you are just blindly following your mentor’s idea. True mentorship is making the decision on your own based on what you both know and using two experienced heads to decide whether or not that’s a good idea.

Image credit: Vaness Garcia on Pexels

7. Work abroad

Working abroad is a great way to explore different work cultures. You will gain a better perspective of how local culture interacts with the local work culture. It will expose you to new tools, methodologies, and personalities. It will stretch your experience.

8. Work remotely

Remote working is a great way to test your discipline and also to reflect on how work really figures in your life. Remote working affords you a greater degree of freedom to re-prioritize your goals for each day. It can open your eyes to the different possibilities of work as a part of life and not something that is independent of it.

9. Achieve a major milestone

Milestones are defining points in your career worth celebrating. It might be getting a promotion, successfully negotiating a higher salary, or making your first $1000 from your side hustle. Achieving a milestone is a defining moment of success. It tells you that you’re on the right track to get whatever it is you set out to do.

10. Be seen as an expert in your field

Not everyone who has decades of experience in a particular industry is called an expert. To be an expert requires conscious effort. In fact, being seen as an expert should be a milestone in itself. Expertise not only requires experience but a demonstrable and verifiable evidence to support it. If you have testimonials about your skills from your past clients or organizations you’ve been a part of, you can start creating a personal brand advertising your proven capabilities in that industry. You will be surprised how a perceived reputation can change the direction of your career.

11. Ask for a raise

Do you feel like you deserve to get paid more for the amount or quality of work that you’re doing? Why not go ask for it? Negotiating your pay is when you take charge of your career. It takes knowing your worth. When you have reached a point in your career where you have tested the limits of your skills and are confident in them, you should take that deliberate step to get fair compensation.

12. Speak at an event

Sharing your expertise with an audience will help increase your positive reputation points. It will help establish your role as an expert in the industry, which will open up more opportunities for you to boost your career and contribute to the causes you feel deserve most of your time, effort, and energy.

13. Be my own boss

Being your own boss simply means owning your own time. It’s not just about leading a company. You can be a boss in whichever way frees you up from the 9 to 5. Being your own boss also means being so good at what you do that you are being paid high enough to fill a role of your choosing. And if that’s not the ultimate career goal, then I don’t know what is.

14. Make sure the CEO of every company I work at knows my name

Imagine creating so much value for your organization that your name becomes synonymous with “it’s possible”. If you’re someone who gets the job done, you become an invaluable asset to any company you choose to work with, and your name will be known, regardless of whether or not you introduced yourself to the CEO.

15. Get promoted

Getting promoted is a fantastic feeling and adds huge career points. It’s definitely a milestone worth aiming for when you’re making your career bucket list. Getting promoted is a tangible validation of your efforts and your skills. It will also help you get paid better and open the potential for learning more skills related to your industry.

16. Retire at the age I set

Do you want to retire at 30? 45? 60? Whenever you choose to stop working and focus on other aspects of your life, I hope that you achieve them. Retirement goals are often not on people’s minds these days but it’s a must for anyone.

17. Work in more than one industry

You will be surprised how transferable certain skills are these days. If you’re looking to transition into another industry because your heart is no longer happy or simply want to for the experience, an industry switch is always an option. However, if you’re looking for as little barrier to entry as possible, try to switch to an industry that is at least tangentially related to your current work as that will not require too stressful a shift. Your insights from your past industry might also help your new one solve their existing issues, making you a valuable asset to your new organization.

18. Get my dream job

Not everyone gets the privilege to get their dream jobs. But it certainly is possible. Especially these days. If you cultivate them consistently, become vulnerable enough to share them with others and are open to criticism, listen to feedback to improve, and keep improving, you will find your own people and your own community who can possibly help you make a living out of it.

19. Negotiate an offer

Negotiating an offer is the ultimate power move! Think about it as being an advocate for yourself. When you like a particular position but it doesn’t quite meet your expectations or value, respectfully make your case for higher pay, better benefits, and other arrangements.

20. Take a long vacation

Everyone needs a break and oftentimes, the longer the break, the better. Instead of taking a day here and there, try to pool your vacation perks and take a longer leave to rejuvenate and restock your mental and physical coffers. Most of the time, you will find that that’s exactly what you need to get the results you want.

21. Learn how to deal with workplace conflict

Conflict is inevitable when working closely with others over long periods. Get skilled at strategies for resolving tensions productively. Healthy conflict resolution builds trust and helps teams perform at their highest level.

22. Apply for a job I'm not qualified for

Do you know that many companies will hire you if they see potential in you? Yes, the best recruiters can spot talent when they meet one. So shoot your shot! Make a compelling case for your transferable skills and the unique perspective you can bring to the table. Even if you don’t get it, you’ll have gained a new experience, plus you’ll have practiced your interview skills.

23. Build a strong network

Your network is one of your most powerful career assets. A good network can get you to the right places and meet the right people. It can open doors you might previously think impossible. A strong network will also give you a better perspective of the current landscape of your industry — a valuable insight you can use to coax new ideas into the drawing board which might help you career-wise or business-wise.

24. Take at least one skills assessment

Self-assessments can reveal surprising insights about your true abilities and working preferences. It will help affirm your strengths and it will highlight aspects of yourself that need to be developed more. Then, you can act on it to develop your strength in these gap areas. Self-awareness pays dividends.

25. Celebrate a failure

Failures are tough but often necessary on the road to career success. It’s the price of taking risks and pushing your boundaries. On your way to knowing what works, you’re going to discover which ones don’t. The ones who persist have the privilege to call it experience. In the end, every failure, no matter how bad, is still a win.

26. Go out to lunch with the office crew

Don't let yourself get so bogged down in work that you neglect bonding with colleagues. Grab periodic lunches together to build camaraderie. Strong workplace friendships boost morale and job satisfaction. In the organization, successful organizations are successful because they have people who work well together.

27. Bring doughnuts (or any food) to the office

A simple act of providing snacks can go a long way in building goodwill with your work colleagues. It creates a welcoming vibe and signals you're a team player invested in creating a positive culture. Just make sure you accommodate everyone’s dietary choices so that everyone can enjoy them.

28. Make an excellent presentation

Ace every presentation that you have to make. Sharpen your public speaking skills and make your presentation clear and interactive. Every presentation done right elevates your executive presence. If you want to get noticed or are working on a promotion, doing excellent presentations is one of the best ways to get there.

29. Create a pivot table

Master data analysis skills like creating pivot tables in Excel or Google Sheets. Data fluency allows you to transform overwhelming information into clear, actionable insights for smart decision-making. The ability to extract insight from chaos is one of the most sought-after skills of 21st century professionals regardless of position.

Image credit: Anna Shvets on Pexels

30. Teach a class

Teaching fortifies your own understanding of subjects and issues within your expertise while positioning you as a respected authority in the industry. But practical benefits aside, teaching can be incredibly gratifying. If you’re willing to impart your knowledge to industry beginners, then perhaps it’s time to open your online (or in-person) masterclass.

31. Shadow a colleague for a day

Spending a day observing a valued coworker provides an intimate glimpse into their role and responsibilities. You'll gain new perspectives to apply to your own work and areas to focus your professional development.

32. Crack a joke during an interview

While exercising good judgment, working in a bit of humor during an interview can be an effective way to connect with the hiring team on a personal level while showcasing your confidence and quick wit. Just don't force it!

33. Set an unachievable goal

Write down an ambitious, seemingly impossible goal for the sheer inspiration and motivation it provides. Even if you don't fully attain it, the pursuit of an exciting "unachievable" accomplishment catalyzes tremendous growth in both a personal and professional sense.

34. Reply-all

We've all cringed at embarrassing reply-all blunders. But there are times when strategically replying-all to an important company-wide email thread can increase your visibility and influence in a positive way. So when is the best way to hit reply-all? Here’s a guide.

35. Take a personal day off

When work stress is peaking, take advantage of your personal/sick days for a much-needed break to recharge. Spend the free day completely disconnected from work to return re-energized. If the office is your life, taking a day off can be a surreal experience but once in a while, you need to tap out in order to tune in again. Getting away can not only be refreshing but also strategic when it comes to wise use of your mental and physical energies.

36. Invest in a business coach

If you have a clever idea you want to take to market immediately, hiring a business coach is a good way to accelerate your business development. An outside expert can provide proven wisdom and fresh perspectives you need to run —not walk— to the execution of an idea. Learning from a consultant will save you a lot of time on research and trial and error.

37. Join a co-working space

A co-working space is a great way to surround yourself with other motivated professionals across different industries. The energizing environment and spontaneous networking can spark new ideas and collaborations. Joining one gets you out of isolation and into a buzzing community.

38. Design your office space

Temperature, lighting, noise, air quality, and other physical and environmental factors affect your concentration and productivity. If you do it with intention, this simple activity can become a quiet reflection of your career hopes, who you want to become, and how you plan to get there.

39. Be a guest for a podcast

The amazing thing about the internet is how it helped sprout pocketed discussions of many different ideas. Whatever general interest or industry you are into right now, there is probably a podcast talking about it. Becoming part of these conversations by actively participating in them (as a guest speaker), puts you at the forefront of these discussions, helping you establish or solidify your presence and reputation in the industry.

40. Hire an assistant

You will never know how much you need an assistant until you hire one. An assistant frees you up from much of the mundane stuff and allows you the time to explore new ideas, network, and work on personally rewarding side projects. Whether you are in actual need of one or are just experimenting, hiring and having an assistant is an experience that deserves to be on your career bucket list.

41. Create your own course

Don’t we all wish we had someone to guide us at the start of our careers? By teaching what you know, you help so many others who are in need of such guidance. You can teach almost anything: a technical skill, emotional intelligence training, a specific method of doing something, etc.

42. Buy a course

While it’s important to impart knowledge, it’s also important to continue learning. If you’ve never taken a course on a subject you’re interested in or is related to your industry, you’re missing out on that unique sense of achievement one gets from knowing you are in charge of your life.

Photo by Wes Hicks on Unsplash

43. Taking a course

Taking a course is not the same as completing a course. There are so many other sweet things in life that fight for your attention so it’s understandable if you sometimes fail to finish what you start. And yet there lies the challenge: so many people run, but will you be one of the ones who get to the finish line? Only a few people can claim so.

44. Be a month ahead of tasks

How much of your day consists of finishing routine and mindless tasks? Now what if you can find a way to automate tasks, plan everything, and make everything available and ready ahead of schedule for as long as a month, you can do so many other important things.

45. Start an email list

Begin building an email list of subscribers, even if you don't have a product or service to sell yet. An engaged audience opens amazing doors like speaking opportunities, brand partnerships, or turning knowledge into a business later.

46. Create a side hustle

A side hustle allows you to explore entrepreneurial aspirations while maintaining your full-time income. It could blossom into your next career or provide a creative outlet. At a minimum, having a side hustle will help develop marketable skills.

47. Learn a new language

In our global economy, being multilingual is an increasingly valuable asset. Pick up a new language and doors open wider for international career opportunities and richer cultural experiences. On the personal front, learning a language opens your mind to different perspectives and ways of looking at things which will prove valuable in more than a few situations.

48. Become an "employee of the month"

Getting recognized as an employee of the month (or quarter/year) feels great and provides external validation of your efforts. It's a milestone worth pursuing as it raises your visibility and credibility.

49. Work in my favorite city

If you have a dream location you'd love to live, make it a goal to land your desired job in that city. The adventure of a new city combined with your career ambitions checks two big boxes. It’s an experience that will challenge you mentally, physically, and emotionally but in the end, it teaches you so much about yourself.

50. Conduct an interview

Most of us have been on the interviewee side, but conducting interviews yourself provides fascinating practice of reading people and asking insightful questions. It builds leadership skills. It also gives you the opportunity to find the right kind of talent that fits right into your organization’s dynamics which can be challenging but also exciting.

51. Build a retirement fund

When you're young, retirement feels light years away. But get an early start anyway by automating contributions to a retirement fund. The earlier you start, the better for your future self. Treat it as a tax for your future self. You will thank yourself for prioritizing this critical long-term goal.

52. Introduce myself to a CEO of a company

Whether at an event or just walking the halls, make a point to introduce yourself to top leaders. The simple act of putting yourself in their orbit can sometimes lead to influential relationships and opportunities.

53. Lead a meeting

Even though you are not in a management position right now, if the opportunity presents itself, volunteer to run productive meetings periodically. It's a great experience to lead discussions, herd team members, and drive them towards an outcome.

54. Get a prestigious certification

Earning distinguished certifications like PMP, CFA, or others honored in your field elevates your credibility and signals a high level of commitment to professional development. Getting these certifications will give you access to top-tier career advancement opportunities.

55. Serve as part of the board of directors of a company or organization

Serving on a corporate board or board of directors provides invaluable governance and leadership insights while allowing you to make an impact. It's an outstanding experience for executive roles. If you’re interested in being part of projects that you deeply care about, lending your expertise as part of the board is a fantastic way to participate.

56. Secure a highly-coveted internship

Internships aren't just for students. More experienced professionals are landing selective internships at highly-admired companies to gain new skills and transition into different industries. Doing an internship can help you fast-track your way through a new industry.

Conclusion

Your career bucket list should reflect your hopes and your courage. Be bold. Look at your list and realize that it’s the kind of person you want to become. It will serve as your guide when it comes time to make important career-related decisions.

Jumpstart a successful career with TaskSpur

As an Agile Coach, I always tell my students to plan. Planning is where the magic happens. The moment you map out your steps toward that career goal, you’re making your first stride forward. That is why I have created TaskSpur, a goal management app and life planner where you can create, manage, and track your personal, health, financial, and career goals in one place. Break down your lofty goals into bite-sized, actionable tasks and make progress every day. Check it out and I hope it helps you achieve all your goals in life. If you have suggestions on how I can improve the app, please send me a message at bernard@lifeintelligencegroup.com. 

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About the Author

Bernard Boodeea is the founder of Life Intelligence Group, a company that uses Agile principles to build products that help people succeed every day. Bernard is a seasoned certified Agile coach, entrepreneur, and technology consultant.

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