5 Career Goals to Set for Yourself in 2026

GeneralDecember 21, 2025 14:01

Vietnamese professional setting new career goals for 2026 while working on a laptop in a bright modern office.

5 Career Goals to Set for Yourself in 2026

This article is written in English for readers in Vietnam. Vietnamese and Japanese translations are available on our website.

As 2026 begins, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and realign your career direction.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, a mid-level professional, or a manager looking to grow into leadership, the new year brings a chance to define what success means — not just in salary, but in skills, purpose, and work-life balance.

Drawing on data from the Reeracoen Vietnam Salary Guide 2025 and the Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight APAC Workforce Whitepaper 2025, here are five career goals every Vietnamese professional should consider for a fulfilling and future-ready year.

1. Upskill for the Future of Work

The world of work is evolving faster than ever — and so should you.
In Vietnam, demand for AI, data, and sustainability-related roles is growing across industries.

💡 According to LinkedIn Talent Insights 2025, the most sought-after skills include:

  • AI literacy and prompt engineering

  • Digital marketing and e-commerce

  • Bilingual communication (Japanese and English)

  • Data storytelling and project management

📘 Related Reading: How AI Is Reshaping Recruitment in Vietnam

✅ Set this goal:

  • Choose one hard skill and one soft skill to master in 2026.

  • Even dedicating one hour a week to online learning (e.g., Coursera, Udemy, or SkillsFuture) can increase your career mobility by 25%.

2. Build a Stronger Personal Brand

In 2026, your online presence is your résumé. Recruiters and hiring managers in Vietnam use LinkedIn, JobStreet, and Reeracoen platforms to assess credibility long before interviews.

💡 Professionals with active, well-optimised LinkedIn profiles receive 2.4× more job approaches than those who don’t (LinkedIn 2025).

✅ Set this goal:

  • Update your LinkedIn headline, rewrite your summary in first person, and post at least one insight or achievement each month.

3. Redefine Success Beyond Salary

While pay remains important, Vietnamese professionals are increasingly defining success in broader terms — work purpose, learning growth, and balance.

According to Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight Whitepaper 2025:

  • 74% of employees prefer meaningful work over higher pay.

  • 61% of jobseekers say career progression matters more than benefits.

  • Companies offering flexible work and CSR involvement see higher retention.

📘 Related Reading: [Beyond Pay: What Vietnamese Professionals Want in 2026]

✅ Set this goal:

  • Write down your personal career definition of success.

  • If your current role doesn’t align, plan small steps — such as joining a CSR initiative or seeking mentorship — to move closer to purpose.

4. Strengthen Emotional Resilience

The modern workplace can be unpredictable — reorganisations, digital changes, and performance pressures are common.

To thrive in 2026, you’ll need not just technical competence, but mental endurance and emotional balance.

A study by the Vietnam HR Association found that employees who practice mindful reflection or physical wellness routines report 30% higher job satisfaction.

📘 Related Reading: [Calm Work – How to Beat Year-End Burnout]

✅ Set this goal:

  • Schedule time for self-care — even 15 minutes daily for journaling, a walk, or deep breathing can reduce stress and improve focus.

5. Plan Your Next Move Strategically

2026 is forecast to remain a candidate-driven market, especially in tech, manufacturing, and bilingual roles.

If you’re planning a career change, timing and preparation matter.

Reeracoen’s Vietnam Salary Guide 2025 shows that most job transitions occur between February and April, right after Tet, when bonuses are paid and new budgets open.

✅ Set this goal:

  • By February, update your CV, review your salary range (P25–P75), and connect with a trusted recruiter to explore new opportunities.

🔍 FAQ

Q1. What’s the best time to job hunt in 2026?

Between February and April, post-Tet, when most employers restart hiring.

Q2. How do I stay employable with AI taking over jobs?

Focus on hybrid skills — combine technical expertise with creativity and communication.

Q3. Should I change jobs for a small salary increase?

Not unless it aligns with long-term growth. Always weigh learning and leadership potential.

Q4. How can I find my purpose at work?

Engage in mentoring, volunteering, or internal projects that stretch your comfort zone.

👩‍💼 For Jobseekers: [Submit Your CV — Build a career that grows with you in 2026.] 

💼 For Employers: [Book a Consultation — Find purpose-driven, future-ready talent with Reeracoen Vietnam.] 

✅ Final Author Credit

  • By Valerie Ong (Regional Marketing Manager)

  • Published by Reeracoen Vietnam — a leading recruitment agency in APAC.

🔗 Related Internal Articles 

[Beyond Pay: What Vietnamese Professionals Want in 2026]

[Calm Work – How to Beat Year-End Burnout]

📚 References


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