Office of Career Planning Tips for Creating SMART Goals

Are you feeling stuck, unsure about how to pursue your dream career? Feeling uncertain, wondering what to do next? The Office of Career Planning encourages you to begin by setting clear career goals.

So, how can you effectively set a list of clear career goals? Create SMART goals! SMART goals are an evidence-based approach to setting goals that are: 

Specific; Measurable; Attainable; Realistic; and Timely

Using SMART goals to track your career journey has both short-term and long-term benefits. As you follow the path you have set for yourself, you will begin to notice how much easier it is to reach the appropriate milestones in time! When creating SMART goals, take time to consider the following questions:

Specific: What exactly do I want? How will I accomplish each milestone?

Measurable: How will I know when my goal or milestone has been completed?

Attainable: Does this goal make sense for me based on my current trajectory?

Realistic: Does this goal fit within the time and resources available to me?

Timely: When do I hope to reach each milestone?

Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to celebrate each milestone! It is hard work, but you can do it!

Not everyone’s career goals are going to look the same, and that’s okay! What is most important is that you are setting career goals that are meaningful to YOU.

For the most up-to-date information on all Career Planning events and offerings and to stay connected, check out our social media pages! Sign in to your Handshake account to access vetted employers and job postings and to register for upcoming events to explore career options and to connect with employers that want to hire Meredith alumnae.