Haley Barnes, LCL
Er- right?
S.M.A.R.T. goals are goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. In other words, they are goals that are built to be possible. If you put in the work (and the realism), you can accomplish these goals. For us engineering graduate students, it is critical that we establish S.M.A.R.T. goals for ourselves. What’s the point of making complex, meaningless, impossible, non-realistic, and time-costly goals? These types of goals only lead us to frustration and disempowerment.
So what can we do to avoid setting ourselves up for failure? Check out some examples of S.M.A.R.T. goals below for the smart engineer!
S.M.A.R.T. Goal: Earn A’s on the first exam and all assignments due through February 1st. [Repeat through end of semester.] Attend office hours 1x a week to address weaknesses. Reassess this goal and adjust expectations after midterm in March.
Goal: Successfully defend my thesis.
S.M.A.R.T. Goal: Review graduate school thesis defense requirements. Set up a committee meeting to communicate expectations of both sides within the first month of the semester. Form a checklist with anticipated dates. Dedicate 15 hours a week to thesis writing, etc.
Goal: Submit a manuscript.
S.M.A.R.T. Goal: Schedule a meeting with your faculty advisor within two weeks. Outline key sentences for each section of the manuscript within one week. Dedicate one week of writing to each section’s first rough draft. Set deadline with your faculty advisor to review rough draft, etc.