Picture this: You are sitting in a large black office chair, facing a person in a suit who you have never met before. It is the first round of interviews for the internship opportunity of a lifetime, and they ask, “So, tell me, what are your goals this upcoming year?” Stumped, you are not sure how to answer. You have an idea of what you want to work on, but you are unsure how to word it until you remember the “SMART” goals framework. With the SMART method, you can form a concise, eloquent answer, confidently continue with the interview, and land the internship. 

SMART Goals Breakdown

So, what is a SMART goal? The SMART framework was designed to streamline goal setting and provide guidance in achieving the goal. SMART is an acronym that describes the characteristics of an objective. The letters stand for the following: 

  1. Specific. The objective should include the six factors of who, what, where, and when, so it can be easily understood.
  2. Measurable. The objective should include a numerical or quantitative measure of achievement so that you can track progress. 
  3. Achievable. The objective should be achieved within the timeframe you outline. 
  4. Relevant. The objective should be aligned with the larger outcomes you wish to achieve. 
  5. Time-bound. The objective should have a timeline or deadline for completion.  

Examples of SMART objectives include… 

Objective: I will apply to three Environmental Science M.S. programs by October 1 to attend graduate school next fall.

SMART Breakdown:

  1. Specific. I will apply to three Environmental Science M.S. programs by October 1.
  2. Measurable. I will apply to three Environmental Education M.S. programs.
  3. Attainable. I am capable of submitting three applications by October 1.
  4. Relevant. Applying to graduate programs is an important step in my academic journey toward becoming a research scientist.
  5. Time-bound. I must achieve the objective by October 1. 

 

Objective: I will volunteer 50 hours at Field and Fork Gardens by September 1 to include them in my graduate school applications.

SMART Breakdown:

  1. Specific. I will volunteer 50 hours at Field and Fork Gardens by September 1.
  2. Measurable. I will volunteer 50 hours.
  3. Attainable. I have time in my schedule to volunteer 50 hours by September 1.
  4. Relevant. Earning volunteer hours is required for graduate school acceptance.
  5. Time-bound. I must achieve the objective by September 1. 

 

Can you think of your own SMART goal? Use the table below for guidance. 

Specific 

What am I going to do? Why is this important to me? 

  

Measurable 

How will I measure my success? How will I know when I have achieved my goal? 

  

Achievable 

What will I do to achieve this goal? How will I accomplish this goal? 

  

Relevant  

Is this goal worthwhile? How will achieving it help me? Does this goal fit my values? 

  

Time-bound 

When will I accomplish my goal? How long will I give myself?