Setting SMART Goals in College and Beyond

Description

This evidence-based training guides students through the process of setting and achieving goals using the widely recognized SMART framework—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By helping learners create clear, attainable, and meaningful goals, the course significantly enhances their chances of success in both academic and professional settings.

Research shows that SMART goals drive measurable improvements: employees and students given specific, measurable goals consistently perform better than those given vague or non-quantifiable objectives (Bahrami et al., 2022). This makes the SMART framework one of the most effective, research-backed strategies for personal development, career growth, and mentoring program training.

What students will gain:

• A step-by-step guide to creating SMART goals

• Practical tools for monitoring progress and staying accountable

• Strategies for applying goal-setting skills in college, career, and beyond

• Evidence-based techniques that can be integrated into mentoring programs

This course was developed through a collaboration between mentoring experts Jean Rhodes and Alexandra Werntz, the Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring, and workforce development specialists at the Council for Opportunities in Education (COE) as part of their innovative Career Opportunities Initiative.

Reference:

Bahrami et al. (2022). Applying SMART Goal Intervention Leads to Greater Goal Attainment, Need Satisfaction and Positive Affect. International Journal of Mental Health Promotion, 24(6), 869-882.