I've had this asked at all of my interviews - where do you want to be in 5 years, what are your goals. How do you answer this when interviewing for entry level planning jobs? When I think about 5 years from now I think I would still be at the same organization/entity but in a higher up role or possibly in the same position if the job was challenging.
The question is meant to get at your drive. Do you want more in life? Are you content with being in the same position? Will be you at this organization?
The answer really should be framed around your life goals. If you want to be doing more in your position, than that is the answer. In five years I plan on being in a position that allows me to take on complex tasks and further my goals of dominating the world.
The point of the question is to get at who you are. So tell them.
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I agree with Hink.
And here's how I answer the question. I prefer being a hands-on planner and am not interested in being an administrator at this point in my career. In five years, I hope to be doing what I love -- which is working with citizens, neighborhood organizations, developers, and design professionals to make a better city. If opportunities present themselves, I'll be happy to evaluate them as they arise.
To grow in my position.
"This is great, honey. What's the crunchy stuff?"
"M&Ms. I ran out of paprika."
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