A written statement of career goals and the necessary steps to achieve them is a:

• A. Career plan
• B. Portfolio
• C. Resume
• D. Reference letter

Answer: (A)

A career plan is a forward-looking document that outlines where you want your career to go and the concrete steps you will take to reach those goals. A written statement of career goals and the necessary steps fits this idea because it focuses on future objectives and the actions needed to achieve them. It differs from a resume, which summarizes past work experience and skills; a portfolio, which shows work samples; and a reference letter, which provides a third-party endorsement. For example, in hospitality you might set a goal to become a hotel operations manager within five years and outline steps such as completing a hospitality management program, gaining experience across departments, pursuing leadership training, and setting specific timelines. This plan acts as a roadmap for your development rather than a record of what you’ve already done.