Use this Career Goal Template to assist in formulating career goals and

timelines for your Career Plan!

Strategic goal planning is an integral aspect of successful Career Management. According to Doran
(1981), goals should be –

1. specific – identifiable, detailed.

2. measurable – trackable, set obtainable milestones to measure progress.

3. achievable – realistic with available resources and skills.

4. relevant – meaningful to you and align with your overall objectives.

5. time-bound – a realistic timeframe and deadline. Short term goals (less than 12 months): improve
written communication.

Short term goals (less than 12 months):
improve written communication skills
1. Improve written communication to advance
academic progress.
2. Complete three academic writing workshops
at Curtin. Adopt and practise writing strategies
taught. Ascertain if improvement is evident in
assessment results. Review feedback and
continue cycle of improvement.
3. It is achievable to improve writing. Examine
assessment feedback. What in particular
requires attention – sentence structure,
vocabulary, paragraphing, referencing? Tailor
workshops to target these areas.
4. It is important to you as clarity of expression
is required at academic and professional
contexts and currently it may be curtailing
academic progress.
5. Incremental, skills-targeted improvements
throughout the year are realistic. After 12-
month period, significant progress can be
made.
Long term goals (more than 12 months): work
experience or an internship.
1. Attain industry-specific work experience or
an internship within 18 months.
2. Develop and expand industry specific
network. Seek out individuals, develop
relationships and discuss / seek opportunities.
Contact companies / organisations you would
like to work at or gain experience from – start
the process & keep in contact. Keep a diary of
contacts – dates and outcomes. Review
progress.
3. What networks (resources) do you have to
contact to pursue this goal? Who else can I
contact – family, friends, university contacts,
past/present employment contacts? Keep
developing your employability skills
4. Very meaningful to ascertain if this is the
right occupation / industry. Is this the right path
for me after all? Alternatively, you have firmly
decided this is the right career path but need to
develop more of a network and industry
experience to a be a desirable, sought-after job
candidate upon graduation.
5. Review the 18 months’ timeline after a few
months. Is it realistic? Extend the deadline? Are
other external factors affecting opportunities?
Success?