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Shared by Molly Stolp

August, 2024

Setting career goals in high school is a crucial step towards building a successful future. By defining your ambitions early on, you can make more informed decisions about your education and career path. A proven method for setting effective goals is the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Here are some tips on how to set SMART career goals, using InspireWI.org as a resource.

1. Be Specific

When setting career goals, clarity is key. A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general one.

• Define Your Interests: Start by exploring different career fields that interest you. InspireWI.org offers resources and articles about various professions that can help you identify your passions.
• Set Clear Objectives: Instead of saying “I want to be successful,” specify what success looks like for you. For example, “I want to become a software engineer” is more precise and actionable.

2. Make Goals Measurable

Measurable goals help you track your progress and stay motivated. By setting criteria for measuring progress, you can see how far you’ve come and how much further you need to go.

• Quantify Your Goals: If you aim to improve your grades, set a specific target, such as “I want to achieve a GPA of 3.8.”
• Use Milestones: Break down your long-term goals into smaller, manageable milestones. For instance, if you aim to get an internship, your milestones could include researching companies, writing a resume, and applying for positions.

3. Ensure Goals Are Achievable

It’s important to set goals that are realistic and attainable. Setting overly ambitious goals can lead to frustration and discouragement.

• Assess Your Skills: Be honest about your current skills and what you need to develop. Xello and many other sites offer online courses and resources to help you build the skills necessary to achieve your goals. Inspire Wisconsin is the platform to connect to career exploration opportunities. We can be a support to help you reach your goals!
• Set Incremental Steps: Rather than aiming to achieve a major goal all at once, set smaller, incremental steps. For example, if you want to become a doctor, focus first on excelling in your science classes.

4. Keep Goals Relevant

Your goals should align with your interests and long-term career aspirations. Relevance ensures that your efforts are focused and meaningful.

• Connect with Your Passions: Choose goals that genuinely interest you and align with your career aspirations. InspireWI.org provides career exploration tools to help you discover professions that match your interests.
• Seek Guidance: Talk to mentors, teachers, and career counselors to ensure your goals are relevant and aligned with your future plans. InspireWI.org can help you connect with mentors in various fields.

5. Set Time-bound Goals

Having a deadline creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused on achieving your goals within a specific timeframe.

• Create a Timeline: Establish a timeline for each of your goals. For example, “I want to complete a summer internship in environmental science by the end of next summer.”
• Monitor Your Progress: Regularly review your progress and adjust your timeline if necessary. InspireWI.org offers tools to help you track your achievements and stay on schedule.

Setting SMART career goals can significantly enhance your chances of success. By being Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, you can create a clear roadmap for your future. Use the resources available on InspireWI.org to help you set and achieve your career goals. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and setting SMART goals is that crucial first step towards a fulfilling career.