How can you set SMART career goals with a career counselor?

1 What is SMART?

SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These are the criteria that you should use to define and evaluate your career goals. By making your goals SMART, you can clarify your expectations, track your progress, and adjust your actions as needed. SMART goals can also help you communicate your objectives and needs to others, such as your manager, mentor, or career counselor.

2 How to create SMART goals

To create SMART goals, you need to ask yourself some questions about each aspect of the acronym. For example, to make your goal specific, you need to answer who, what, where, when, why, and how. To make it measurable, you need to identify how you will know if you have achieved it, what indicators or metrics you will use, and what evidence you will collect. To make it achievable, you need to assess if you have the resources, skills, and motivation to reach it, and what obstacles or risks you might face. To make it relevant, you need to align it with your values, interests, and career vision, and consider how it will benefit you and others. To make it time-bound, you need to set a deadline or a timeframe for your goal, and break it down into smaller milestones or steps.

3 How to work with a career counselor

A career counselor is a professional who can help you explore your career options, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and develop a career plan that suits your needs and goals. A career counselor can also assist you in setting SMART goals by providing feedback, guidance, and support. To work effectively with a career counselor, you should prepare for your sessions by reflecting on your current situation, your aspirations, and your challenges. You should also be open and honest about your goals, expectations, and concerns, and listen to their suggestions and advice. You should also follow up on the actions and tasks that you and your career counselor agree on, and monitor and report your progress and outcomes.

4 How to review and update your SMART goals

Setting SMART goals is not a one-time activity. You should regularly review and update your goals as you learn new information, gain new skills, or face new circumstances. Reviewing your goals can help you celebrate your achievements, recognize your challenges, and identify areas for improvement. Updating your goals can help you adapt to changing conditions, overcome setbacks, and seize new opportunities. To review and update your goals, you should use the same criteria as when you created them, and ask yourself if they are still SMART. You should also consult with your career counselor and other relevant stakeholders, such as your manager or mentor, to get their feedback and input.

5 How to use SMART goals to advance your career

Setting SMART goals can help you advance your career in several ways. First, it can help you focus on your priorities and direction, and avoid distractions and procrastination. Second, it can help you improve your performance and skills, and demonstrate your value and potential. Third, it can help you increase your confidence and motivation, and overcome fear and uncertainty. Fourth, it can help you communicate your achievements and aspirations to others, and build your network and reputation. Fifth, it can help you explore new possibilities and opportunities, and pursue your career growth and satisfaction.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?