what can I answer to the question "where do you see yourself in X years"?

Question

I'll be interviewing for an entry level programming position next week. The problem is I don't know where I see myself in 5 years. Hopefully working as a senior programmer, making lots of money, and with a lot of responsibility. I also hope to go to grad. school at some point within the next few years to study software engineering or computer science in order to increase my abilities.

Sounds good?

Any suggestions as to how I should articulate these thoughts?

Answer 1

Overweight and underpaid.

Answer 2

I used to be an employment consultant, so interview coaching was one of the things I did. When an interviewer asks you where you see yourself in 5 years, what they really want to know is if you are worth the time and money they will be investing in hiring/training/etc you. If your answer were to be "I want to be a chef and run my own restaurant", then obviously your interview would be over.

Try something along these lines: "With hard work and dedication, I'd like to see myself working toward my goal of becoming a senior programmer here. I want to give my all to this company, learn from those I work with, and at some point down the line I'd like to earn my graduate degree in software engineering or computer science. I realize these things take time, but I like to set goals and work toward them."

Hope that helps out some....good luck with the interview, make sure you research the company and be prepared to ask your interviewer a question or two.

Answer 3

"Oh, I love nothing better than to come in now and begin to contribute to the team. At the same time, I would like to continue to learn, to take on more responsibilities as I gain experience , and to achieve personal growth through formal and informal education. As we both know, this industry is evolving fast. This way as the company grows, I would be able ready to take on new challenges when the company calls on me. Where do you see the best opportunities lies in a few years for someone like myself"?

What do you think? You just put the monkey back on the interviewer's back gently. Let him be the one to tell you all the good things and then just say great, that is exactly what I am looking for. It is a mind game. Hang tough and good luck.

Answer 4

Never say hopefully. If you are interviewing for a position, then let them know that you are setting your sights high, and that you expect to do very well. Tell them that you ARE going to go to grad school and study those fields. Break those 5 years down into one year increments. Where do you see yourself in 12 months? And 12 months after that? And so on... good luck!

Answer 5

Hi,

Dont know how old are you now ? but I guess already around 20 years old. From your plan of the next 5 years it's already OK.

Me also have a plan to achieve for 5 and 10 year from last year.

The first think is we have to graduate from university firstly while doing some part time work to gain experience.
While doing that we can increase our ability while get paid even it's not much but it's better than have to out some money to learn something. in this case you learn something and get paid.

After graduate, will apply for some work this is also to paid everyday expenses while searching for some biz.

I guess, you will have a good carrer since now a days many company will need more programmer.

If you interest to build a biz, please let me know. since I'm interested either.... ha3. looking for biz opportunity.

Just easy going and make a small step to reach the target and goal.

Cheers !!
MS

Answer 6

It sounds like you have pretty much answered that question already. I think you should first articulate furthering your education within 3 years and then you hope to work your way toward the senior level job. Remember, don't put the buggy after the horse. Always state specific accounts to employers in chronological order. Good Luck.

Answer 7

ive said sitting at your desk it got me a good job