Introduction
In the previous post, I talked about How to Describe your Past Achievements in Chevening Scholarship Essays . Today, I am going to talk about how to describe your career plans using SMART technique. Unfortunately, many Chevening applicants attend the interview without any clear plan. Some others may have clear plans but they do not know how to describe them. In addition, when they are asked about their plans, they keep talking with empty slogans that result in dissatisfaction by the panels. However, I would like to introduce to every ambitious leader the SMART techniqueand how to use it to talk about your career plans and goals.
SMART technique
It is an effective and useful method to help you draw clear and concise plan. This can help you talk about your plan confidently and effectively with a good description. SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-limited.
Specific
Setting clear and specific goal is the best way to start with. This can increase your efforts and motive you to achieve it successfully. Therefore, the first action you should think of when drawing your goal is ask yourself these questions:
1. What is your specific goal?
2. What is it important?
3. Who should you involve?
4. Where should I start?
Measurable
Assessing the progress of your goal should be measured every now and then. It is very important to have measurable goals. This can help you know where you are and what you have already done. You should ask yourself every time how much and how many do you still need to reach the accomplishment of your goal. As a Chevening applicant, you can measure your goal of becoming an influential leader by knowing what skills you have and need to acquire.
Achievable
If you want to achieve your goals, you should be realistic. Do not draw childish goals that are impossible for your abilities and skills. This is the particular point. If you do not have achievable goals, you cannot be honest. Who would believe you if your goals are cloudy dreams. Therefore, before you set any goal, ask yourself if it is realistic based on different situations of yours.
Relevant
One important way to achieve our goals fast and concisely is the tensions between our goals and passions. Our goals should matter to us. Whatever obstacles we face in life we stand up for our goals till they are achieved.
Time-limited
A goal without a target date to start and finish is merely a dream. Time management plays an important role in achieving your goals. Ask yourself:
What can I do today?
What can I do two months from now?
What can I do one year from now?
When should I reach my goals?
Finally, SMART technique is an essential way to make your goals clear and meaningful. Adjusting and rephrasing your vision as a SMART goal is the only way to make your dreams come true. I wish you all the best in your professional life.
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