When setting goals, using the SMART framework helps ensure they are clear and achievable.  

SMART is an acronym for: 

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to accomplish
• Measurable: Identify how you will track progress and know when it’s complete
• Achievable: Make sure the goal is realistic given your resources and constraints
• Relevant: Align goal with your broader learning or career objectives
• Time-bound: Set a deadline to stay focused and motivated

Sample SMART goals

By the end of my 8-week internship, I will improve my professional communication skills by preparing and delivering at least three presentations to my team and requesting feedback from my supervisor after each one. — Internship Experience (Career Development) Goal

Why is this a SMART goal?

• Specific: Improve communication through presentations.
• Measurable: Deliver 3 presentations and receive feedback.
• Achievable: Fits within the internship responsibilities.
• Relevant: Enhances a key workplace skill.
• Time-bound: Completed within 8 weeks.

Within the next month, I will organize and lead one community clean-up event, recruiting at least 10 volunteers and coordinating with the local municipality for support. — Volunteer Experience (Community Engagement) Goal

Why is this a SMART goal?

• Specific: Organize a clean-up event. 
• Measurable: Recruit 10 volunteers. 
• Achievable: One event in a month is manageable. 
• Relevant: Supports community involvement goals. 
• Time-bound: To be completed within one month.

Need support?

Book a work-integrated learning support appointment with our certified experiential learning team to get the support that you need. Visit OSCARplus, under Student Success Centre > Appointments > Employment and Experiential Learning.

1. Skills and knowledge gained: What new skills or knowledge did you acquire? Were there any specific tools, technologies or methodologies that you learned? How might they be useful in your future career?  

2. Challenges and problem-solving: What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? Were there any areas where you wished you had more experience or training? How will you try to address this gap? 

3. Personal and professional growth: How has this experience helped you grow personally and professionally? Did the experience enhance your confidence in your abilities? How did you get outside your comfort zone? 

4. Strengths and areas for improvement: What strengths did you discover or develop? Were there any skills or areas you realized need further development? How did you receive feedback? 

5. Networking and professional relationships: How did you build relationships with your peers, colleagues, mentor or supervisors? Were there any individuals you met who could be valuable contacts for your future? How do you plan to maintain the professional connections you made? 

6. Aligning goals: Did the experience help clarify your career, academic or personal goals? If so, how? What kind of roles or responsibilities do you want to focus on as you engage in future experiences? 

7. Applying academic learning: How did the skills or knowledge from your academic studies apply to your work? Were there any gaps between what you learned in school and the demands of the experience? 

As you reflect on your experiential learning journey, you gain valuable insights and recognize areas for growth. This provides a strong foundation for identifying future goals and opportunities. The next part of the process involves translating these insights into a clear and actionable plan. By doing so, you can continue to build on your experience and move forward with purpose and direction.

Need support?

Book an experience building appointment with our certified experiential learning team to get the support that you need. Visit OSCARplus, under Student Success Centre > Appointments > Experiential and Volunteer.

• Were there any areas where you wished you had more experience or training? How will you try to address this gap?
• How did your supervisor or colleagues provide feedback, and how will you apply it moving forward?
• How do you plan to maintain the professional connections you made?
• How can you better align your academic work with the skills needed for the industry?
• What do you need to do to apply what you’ve learned to future roles?

Your action plan checklist

Career counselling appointment: Book a one-on-one career counselling appointment to review, update or refine your resume and LinkedIn profile based on new experience. Discuss how the experience informed your career goals. Book on OSCARplus, under Student Success Centre > Appointments > Career Counselling and Job Search Coaching.

Connect with an academic advisor: Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor to discuss how the experience informs or shifts academic interests. Plan any course adjustments or electives aligned with your future goals.

Find ways to learn about careers:

Use OSCARplus to guide your exploration. There are many valuable services under the Student Success Centre section:

• Events, such as career panels, networking and group mentorship.
• Professional connection opportunities, such as career conversations and job shadowing.

MacConnect: Connect with McMaster alumni to expand your professional network and discover career options.

Find your next experience: Search for your next internship, research experience, part-time job, volunteer position, experiential course, short-term project and more using helpful resources.

• OSCARplus — under Student Success Centre > Employment > Postings
• Experiential Learning — section with more information and resources on our website
• Mosaic — browse campus jobs and apply
• EXPLORE — a helpful Experiential Learning Opportunities Resource tool
• Course Calendar

Need support?

Book an experience building appointment with our certified experiential learning team to get the support that you need. Visit OSCARplus, under Student Success Centre > Appointments > Employment and Experiential Learning.