How to Answer "What Do You Want To Become In Your Life And Why"? (With Sample Answers)

by Daniel Wolken

Published at: January 20, 2024

Understanding how to articulate your career aspirations and underlying motivations is a crucial element in shaping your professional narrative, especially during job interviews. Interviewers often ask, "What do you want to become in your life and why?" to gain insight into your values, passions, and long-term goals.

A well-structured response showcases your foresight, aligns your ambitions with the company's vision, and demonstrates how your personal objectives contribute to mutual success. To craft a compelling answer, reflect on your personal and professional milestones, and be prepared to communicate how these experiences have shaped the trajectory you aim to follow.

Why Employers Ask This Question?

Employers are interested in your long-term career goals and aspirations to assess if there's a good fit between you and the organization. By inquiring about what you want to become, they gauge several aspects of your professional outlook:

• Alignment of Goals: They wish to understand if your career trajectory aligns with the company's growth and the remote job you're applying for. This hints at your potential tenure and growth within the company.
• Motivation Levels: Your answer reveals what drives you. Employers look for candidates who are motivated by factors that resonate with the job and company culture.
• Awareness and Focus: This question tests your self-awareness and clarity in career objectives. A clear and focused reply suggests a thoughtful candidate who has a directed approach to their career.
• Adaptability and Development: It also pertains to how you envision your evolution within a profession. Employers value candidates who are interested in personal and professional development.

Your response to the question "What do you want to become in your life and why?" can significantly influence the impression you make on the hiring manager.

How to Answer This Question?

Crafting the right response involves a blend of introspection and presentation. Your answer should reflect your genuine ambitions and back them up with your passion and a strategic framework.

Identifying Your Aspirations

To pinpoint your career objectives, start by assessing your interests, skills, and values. Consider what activities or subjects genuinely excite you and how these translate into potential careers. It's helpful to list your top five professional aspirations. This process helps you to realize and articulate what you are aiming for in your career.

Articulating Your Motivations

Once you know what you want to become, it's crucial to understand why. Your motivations could range from a deep-seated passion for a field to the impact you wish to create in the world. Be prepared to explain why you are drawn to these goals. For instance, if you aspire to be a teacher, you might be motivated by the desire to shape young minds and contribute to education reform.

Structuring Your Answer

Your response should be well-organized and concise. Use the following format to structure your answer:

1. State your aspiration clearly.
2. Explain the why with one or two reasons that show insight and purpose.
3. Briefly outline the steps you are taking or plan to take to achieve this goal.

For example, "I aim to become a data analyst because I enjoy translating numbers into stories that help businesses make better decisions. I am currently honing my skills in data visualization and machine learning to prepare for this role."

Sample Answers

When asking "What do you want to become in your life and why?" during an interview, it's crucial to articulate your ambitions clearly and thoughtfully. Here are sample answers that can either positively or negatively impact your interviewer's perception.

Good Answers

1. Aspirational & Reflective: "I aspire to become a project manager. My passion for leadership and team collaboration aligns with this role. My goal is to contribute to impactful projects that improve the company and also allow for personal growth and learning."
2. Goal-Oriented & Logical: "I aim to be a subject-matter expert in cybersecurity. With the growing importance of digital safety, I'm committed to staying at the forefront of this field to provide innovative solutions."
3. Enthusiastic & Specific: "Becoming a pediatric nurse is my dream. I have always enjoyed supporting others, and my empathetic nature suits the healthcare environment. It's a career that promises both personal fulfillment and the opportunity to make a real difference in children's lives."

Bad Answers

1. Vague & Uninspired: "I just want a good job that pays well. I haven't thought much about specifics, but I guess something in management?"
2. Narrow & Short-Term Thinking: "I want to become the CEO. I think that's the best position anyone could have, plus it comes with great perks."
3. Non-Committal & Generic: "I'm not really sure. I'm looking for something that's fun and where I can just do my thing without too much stress."

Conclusion

Remember to tailor your aims to reflect both your true interests and how they can contribute to the company you are hoping to join. This demonstrates that you are both ambitious and a potential asset to the team.

Your answer should reflect a genuine interest and understanding of your chosen path and highlight how the role aligns with both your skills and long-term career aspirations.

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