BackgroundCollege is overwhelming at times but it is an endeavor that is well-worth the effort. Having clear goals and plans can help you stay focused and motivated about what you are striving to achi

Background

College is overwhelming at times but it is an endeavor that is well-worth the effort. Having clear goals and plans can help you stay focused and motivated about what you are striving to achieve, the level at which you would like to perform, and help you push through the tough times. This assignment asks you to write a short narrative that encompasses goals you plan to achieve over the next several years, including the strategy and steps needed to reach them.

Important: you have learned about SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely) goals as an effective approach for establishing goals that are clear and reachable. Each goal you select to write about in your narrative should clearly be a SMART goal. Review the SMART Goals presentation if necessary. In your narrative, you are expected to clearly reflect understanding and application of the SMART approach.

Start by reflecting on your goals for the next 10 years. The following questions are provided as guidance and to help you brainstorm. Thinking through the following should lead to development of several goals but you only need to write about one in each milestone. You are welcome to come up with other questions to address.

• While you are at ASU, what kinds of programs, internships, jobs or with what research will you get involved?
• While you are at ASU, what do you need to address in terms of career development and the recommendations in the 4 year plan?
• What academic resources can help you reach graduation successfully?
• What can you do to make the most of your academic experience/experiential learning?
• What career milestones do you want to achieve?
• What do you want to be known for or recognized for in your field?
• How do you plan to impact society or the community with your skill and talent?
• What do you hope to accomplish professionally?
• What kind of company or organization would you like to work for?
• What kind of job do you want?
• What level do you hope to reach by each milestone (consider promotions and management opportunities)?
• What is the highest level of education that you plan to complete? What kind of coursework will you focus on?
• Do you plan to attend graduate school directly following your baccalaureate degree? Why is graduate school important or not important to you?
• What continuing education or lifelong learning opportunities do you intend to pursue (i.e., certificates, military training, classes for personal enjoyment)?
• How will you pay for the next few years of your education, for graduate school?
• What resources do you need to reach your goals? How will you secure resources whether financial, community, family, mentoring, etc.?
• What is your contingency plan if your plans do not work out?
• How will you know you are making progress toward your goals?

Deliverable

After carefully considering your goals, develop a 3-4 page well-written narrative based on the most important goal for each milestone. Note: as explained earlier, the goals you write about should demonstrate clear utilization of the SMART approach. Describe how you plan to achieve each goal and hold yourself accountable for reaching these goals. It is essential that the goals you write about are academic, professional or career-related.

The following describes how your paper should be organized. The final product needs to be a narrative or essay.

I. Introduction

II. Body

This section should consist of: ATTACHED IN FILES

III. Conclusion

Important - use the following as headers for your paper

• Introduction
• Graduation
• 5 Years Post-Graduation
• 10 Years Post-Graduation
• Conclusion

Thoughtful, substantive and well-written content throughout the paper is expected. Grammar and spelling count. This assignment should reflect your best work. Consult the rubric for how this assignment will be graded.

Formatting

• 3-4 pages
• 12-point font
• 1” margins
• Double-spaced
• PDF or MS Word document are acceptable file formats