June 2006

Whether you are seeking your first professional position, a promotion, or a career change, you need to clearly define the action steps needed to achieve that goal. Reaching your career goals requires careful planning. As you consider your objective, focus on both short term goals (can be achieved within the next year) and long term goals (will take more than one year to accomplish.)

Create a written plan utilizing the SMART guidelines to make your goals Specific, Measureable, Achieveable, Results-Oriented and Time-Framed:

Specific---Your goals should be concise and focused. A statement such as "Getting a new job" is too vague. Instead, set your sights on "Obtaining a fulltime position in the healthcare field which utilizes my communication degree."
Measureable---It’s important to know when you’ve reached your target. Identify how you will measure success. Break your goals into doable segments if necessary.
Attainable---Make sure you have the skills and resources needed to accomplish your goal. List the obstacles and how you plan to overcome them.
Results-Oriented---Turn your good intentions into achievements. Focus on the outcome as well as the process for getting there. Do not equate busy-ness with progress!
Time Framed---Set deadlines to keep yourself on track. Identify the timeline and completion date for each step of your goal. This will help you monitor your progress.
Write down your goals and share them with others. Focus on them daily and weekly until you have achieved your goals. Review and adjust your plan as you go along. Many people fail to reach their goals because they fail to take action. So start today! Eventually you’ll be celebrating your successes and setting new goals!
Career planning can be an exhausting and stressful process. Finding a support system is essential. The Career Exploration Office offers personalized career assistance through the Scarlet Career Planning Package. Unlimited career advising with career professionals, access to CareerSearch employer database, and the Zenergy Career Coach CD-ROM are all included in the $250 fee. Contact the CEO today for more information! careerexploration@osu.edu or 614-292-3503 or 292-8493.
Are you looking for easy-to-use and affordable online courses? OSU Training To Go provides online training for individuals, organizations and companies through a variety of certificate and non-credit courses. Topics include project management, communication, business planning, work/life balance, grammar refresher, stress management, leadership, GMAT/GRE/LSAT preparation, and many other business and professional development courses! For more information, visit www.OSUtrainingtogo.com.


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Career Exploration Office, 152 Mount Hall, 1050 Carmack Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210-1002
(614) 292-8493 or (614) 292-3503, www.careers.ohiostatealumni.org, e-mail: careerexploration@osu.edu.