5 Real-Life Examples "Where do you see yourself in five years?" in an Interview

Where do you see yourself in five years? Interviewers love this question because it allows you to show your thought process, goals, and ambitions.

In a way, it’s like telling your life story. Everyone wants to hire an ambitious, career-driven employee who has their life together.

  • Make it clear that this isn’t the first time you’ve considered this question! Have an answer ready that’s positive and ambitious, but also realistic in terms of where this job could actually take you.
  • One approach is to think about the skills and experience that you’d like to gain. Then, describe what those improvements might mean for you in five years’ time. This emphasizes your commitment to the new role and demonstrates how you’d make the most of it – for the organization as well as yourself.
  • It’s great to mention longer-term aspirations – but don’t say anything that suggests you’re not committed to the job at hand first.

Here are 5 real examples of where you see yourself in five years' answers and how you can use them to craft an amazing answer of your own.


A sought-after UX designer, working on a wide range of exciting and innovative projects

I see myself as a sought-after UX designer, working on a wide range of exciting and innovative projects. I'm excited to have been given the opportunity to join [company name] and am confident that my experience here will help me achieve this goal.

I've always had a passion for design, and I want to use the skills I learn at [company name] to make the world a better place.

The role of UX designer gives me the chance to work closely with other members of the team, as well as clients and end users. It's an exciting time to be in this industry, as there are so many new technologies emerging that can improve people's lives.


Senior software engineer

I see myself as a Senior Software Engineer. I have a passion for new technologies and love learning about them. I'm always excited to learn more about the latest developments in my field and look forward to being able to apply those skills in a real-world environment.

I see five years as being a great opportunity for me to continue learning, growing, and developing professionally. The more experience I gain, the better equipped I will be to achieve my long-term goal of becoming a Senior Software Engineer.


Product manager

I'd like to see myself in five years as a product manager. I love the idea of having full ownership over a product, and being able to take it from concept to finished product. That's something that I think is really important in this industry, and it's something that I'm excited about learning more about at [company name].

I'm also really interested in working with the marketing team here because they have so much experience with how people interact with products. As a PM, it would be great to have some of those insights before we launch something new.


I see myself in five years as a leader in the field

I see myself in five years as a leader in the field. I have always been a very ambitious person and I am eager to take on more responsibility with every new role that I take on.

I believe that this position will be a great stepping stone toward where I want to be in five years’ time but also gives me the opportunity to develop my skills and experience in the meantime.


Senior content manager

I see myself in five years as a senior content manager with a background in both journalism and marketing.

I'd like to have gained more experience in the field of social media marketing, and I want to start working with clients on their content strategy.

In addition to that, I would like to have a better understanding of how the web works and how it can be used to market products and services.