In Week 8, you will create a long-term career plan. For this assignment, you will engage in shorter term planning, using the SMART goal framework.
Many employers follow an annual evaluation cycle, and often times employees are asked to participate in the creation of their own goals. Toward that end, this assignment will ask you to create a SMART goal based on something you’d like to achieve in your career in one year. Some of you may be familiar with SMART goals already, but if you aren’t, here is what the acronym stands for.
S – Specific: This means it is not excessively broad.
M – Measurable: There is a way to know if you achieved it.
A – Achievable: It is realistically possible to do it.
R – Relevant: It is meaningful to you.
T – Timely: It must be done in a set period of time.
Some possibilities for your SMART goal might include the following.
Mastering a new skill, such as a programming language
Obtaining a certification
Presenting at a conference
Earning a promotion
There are many other possibilities. If you’re not sure your choice is appropriate, check with your instructor.
You will write this assignment in the style of a workplace email message to your instructor, including the To:, From:, and Subject: headings. The message will address all five components of SMART, devoting at least two sentences to each letter of the acronym. The total length of the assignment should be at least 300 words and should consist of at least two paragraphs.