Setting goals is probably one of the smartest ways to stay organized during a job or internship search. One thing that professionals say about goal setting is to set S.M.A.R.T. goals! Meaning:
S- Specific goals
M- Measurable goals
R- Realistic goals
T- Timely goals
Specific goals include the, “who, what, when, where and why’s of any job or internship.
Measurable goals help you see your progress, they help you stay on track and reach goals, step by step. Measurable goals also allow for reflection and check-in points to see if and how you are progressing.
Attainable goals are really just goals that you are goals that you can clearly figure out ways to make them come true. In an article on topachievement.com the author writes, “you can attain almost any goal you set when you plan your steps wisely and establish a time frame that allows you to carry out those steps”, meaning that if you have a plan, almost any goal is attainable.
Realistic goals are just that: Realistic. They are goals that are within your grasp.
Timely Goals include goals include setting a timeline for achieving specific steps and sticking too it. Most goals that college students are setting include timelines anywhere from 1-4 years. That could mean from this semester up until graduation. It’s nice to say things like one day I want to be a CEO, but it’s another thing to say, I want to be a CEO and here’s how my next semester or year is going to help shape that.
Goal setting is extremely important, especially in a college setting! So map out some career goals, and if you need any help, the Center for Career Planning is always here!