In Week $8,$ you will create a long$-$term career plan. For this assignment, you will engage in shorter term planning, using the SMART goal framework.

Many employers follow an annual evaluation cycle, and often times employees are asked to participate in the creation of their own goals. Toward that end, this assignment will ask you to create a SMART goal based on something you'd like to achieve in your career in one year. Some of you may be familiar with SMART goals already, but if you aren't, here is what the acronym stands for.

S $-$ Specific: This means it is not excessively broad.

M $-$ Measurable: There is a way to know if you achieved it$.$

A $-$ Achievable: It is realistically possible to do it$.$

R $-$ Relevant: It is meaningful to you.

T $-$ Timely: It must be done in a set period of time.

Some possibilities for your SMART goal might include the following.

Mastering a new skill, such as a programming language

Obtaining a certification

Presenting at a conference

Earning a promotion