Smart targets and career plans

What are smart targets

Smart targets are a method to develop on targets which an

individual has set for themselves. When making smart
targets, it needs to be made sure that they are specific,
measurable, achievable, realistic and time based.
Separating the targets in this manner allows for clearly
defined goals which need to be met. The explanation of
targets will also help the person who makes them
understand how close they are from reaching them.

My targets - Are the smart?

In my 5-year plan, I made targets for each of the next 5

years specifically stating what I expect to do in that year
and what I have achieved so far. I will now look at how
SMART these targets are.

Year 1 target:

“I am in the last year of my course and throughout the year I have done
fairly well with a good amount of distinctions. I am also working at JD
sports; this has taught me many different life skills and has allowed me
to build a good work ethic and get a grasp of work life. During this year I
need to write a personal statement and complete a university application
if I am unable to find an apprenticeship. As well as finish of my course
with the best grades and highest amount of distinctions possible”
 My target is specific as I clearly state that I need to finish the year off
with the best grades possible and highest amount of distinctions
possible. To do this I will stay determined and focused to ensure I can
finish the year with the best possible grades furthermore I specifically
state that I need to complete a personal statement and complete a
university application if I cannot find an ideal apprenticeship. These are
all specific things I want to achieve. In addition to this they are all
measurable as well. I can check my progress by ensuring I have as
many distinctions as possible as well as the feedback from my tutors. I
know my targets are achievable due to my belief in my own ability. I
managed to secure some good grades in my first year and should be
able to replicate this in the second year. I am currently on track to get
D*D*D this means going to university is a very realistic target. Finally, my
target has been set as part of my 5-year plan so I already know that all
targets in my plan will be achieved within the year I wrote them.
Therefore, making the time-based target achievable.

Year two

“In the second year of my plan, hopefully I am attending the first year of
university or an apprenticeship. The course I would like to do is
marketing and retail management or an apprenticeship in a similar
sector , I would try my hardest to ensure I get the most out of my course
as well as enjoying the independence of being a student.”

The target is specific as I state that I would be starting my first year of

retail management and marketing or a similar apprenticeship. This is
also measurable as you will see if I am doing the university course or
apprenticeship. Furthermore, it is achievable as during my course I will
ensure I get the highest grades possible to ensure I get into university or
an apprenticeship. It is also time based as it will happen in the next year.

Year three
“In the third year of my plan I would move on to my 2nd year of the course, my main
focus in this year would be getting high university grades to ensure to give me the
best chance of getting into next year.”

The target is specific as I state that I want to achieve the best possible grades
possible so I can ensure I get into the next year. The target is also achievable as
university is extremely important so I will ensure I get the most out of my course. The
target is measurable as I can see my progress along the course and how well I am
doing. Through a university course you get a grade at the end of each year and a
final grade at the end of the course.

Year four

“The marketing and retail management course is 3 years long and this year I will
carry on getting the best grades however you also get sent on placement to get
some retail experience so that will be interesting to get a different perspective and
build my skill set. ”

This target is specific as I clearly state that the course is 3 years long so I state how
long the course is going to take, furthermore I also mention how during the course
you get sent on a placement to a retail store to gain new skills and more experience
in the sector you are going to go into. The target is measurable by looking at the
experience I will get from the placement as well as looking at the grades I am getting
through the course. The target is achievable as I already have experience in retail
through working at did sports as well as experience with assignments from college.
The target is also reliable as I will ensure I am focussed and hard working so I can
complete the course and placement. Once again time smart as it will be year by
year.

Year five

“Hopefully at this point my course has finished and I now have the qualifications to
pursue my full-time career. Here I will be able to use my skills and experience in my
job. Furthermore, I will try to progress as much as possible in my job”

This is the final target, and it is specific as a mention how my course has finished
and have now found the right job role at a business I would like to work for. This
target is measurable as I can just see if I’ve got the job I wanted and I’m in the
position I wanted to be in furthermore the target is achievable if I ensure I work hard
and stay motivated. The target is also realistic as once I have the qualification, I
need I will be able to apply for a management role