Creating Career Goals That Stick for the New Year

The Winter Quarter is now in full swing, and the beginning of a new quarter can be a great time for your students to refresh their career goals. However, while your students may be starting the term with new ideas and strategies for seeking and applying to positions in the new year, having overly broad goals can lead to frustration and burnout.

SMART Goals

Instead, work with your students to create SMART goals this quarter. SMART goals consist of goals that are:

S-Specific: What are my specific goals that I want to achieve?

M-Measurable: How will I know when the goal has been achieved?

A-Action Oriented: What concrete actions can I take to achieve my goal?

R-Realistic: Given my time and other constraints, can I actually meet this goal?

T-Time-Framed: What is my specific time frame to achieve this goal?

Creating goals with this framework in mind can be extremely beneficial! This method will assist your student in identifying goals that have clear, measurable outcomes rather than a general goal of “I want a job.” Although gaining that job or internship can be a great end goal, SMART goals will allow your student to break down the process of researching and applying into measurable steps. Such goals can include, “By the end of the school week I will have found 5 internships to apply to,” or, “I will send out two applications per week.” These goals have concrete tasks the student can complete as well as time sensitive deadlines that can empower your student throughout the job application process.

Where to Begin

Once your student outlines their SMART goals, encourage them to utilize the many resources that the Internship and Career Center (ICC) has to help students with navigating job boards, crafting their resumes and cover letters, and preparing for interviews. This includes the Career Resource Manual, an extensive guide to the job search process with over 50 pages of resume examples and tips. When your student is working on their resumes or cover letters, the ICC has a variety of services for students to receive feedback, including Document Review, Drop In Advising, and Advising by Appointment.

The Importance of Taking Time

Applying for internships or jobs can take time. On average, the process of applying and being hired for career positions takes 3-9 months. Working with your student on recognizing the milestones they have completed can help normalize the feelings that may come up during the process. Help your student recognize that the application process is a marathon, not a sprint; it is important for students to pace themselves in order to avoid burnout and application fatigue. When your student completes a SMART goal, celebrate that accomplishment with them! Celebrating and acknowledging the work that goes into this process can make the marathon feel more manageable and attainable.