Setting a new goal is simultaneously one of the most exciting and overwhelming activities. Exciting because you have something new you want to accomplish. Overwhelming because… where do you start? That’s why for every big goal you have, you need to create an action plan to achieve it that includes several smaller, bite sized goals.

Deciding to pursue a future in accounting is an amazing first step. But after that, it’s time to figure out what you’ll need to do in order to make it happen. And we are here to help you do just that. Say hello to S.M.A.R.T. goals, your new BFFL.

S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound. Still at a loss for how this can apply to your goals?

Don’t sweat it! We’ve got the breakdown for you.

Let’s start with The Goal. Most people set big, generic goals and then put it through the S.M.A.R.T. goals process where they begin to take some action behind it.

If your Goal is to get accepted into your dream accounting program, here’s how you can be S.M.A.R.T.

Specific

Being specific about what exactly you’re trying to accomplish helps you clarify your focus. There’s a bunch of different milestones you’ll need to accomplish in order to secure your ultimate goal. Which one do you need to tackle first, you ask?

See our example:

• I will research and apply to six different accounting college programs

Measurable

A future accountant’s best friend – data. There’s no way to track your progress until you’ve defined how you’ll measure it. Make sure your goal uses some kind of quantity. Our top picks: a certain number, or a percent change. Make sure you’ve also figured out a process of collecting that data. This might sound like a lot, but it’s really not as hard as it seems. This is just formalizing a process you’re probably already doing mentally.

Take a look:

• I will research two programs a week and log all the categories (e.g. size, location, resources, etc.) that are important to me into a Google spreadsheet. (It’s giving accountant vibes for sure.)
• After selecting my top six colleges, I will draft one college specific essay every two weeks and drop the Google Doc link or file name into the same Google sheet.

Attainable

While you definitely don’t want to include goals that are too easy, you also want to make sure that you’re setting yourself up for success and can conceivably accomplish them. We’re not suggesting that you avoid thinking big. After all, big ideas are what create change. However, your smaller S.M.A.R.T. goals should be in the realm of possibility.

Of course, who would we be if we didn’t give an example?

• ❌ I will research and apply to forty different accounting college programs

Really? REALLY? 😂 Between going to school, your part-time job, and still trying to maintain a social life, this might not be realistic. Consider your availability and how much time the specific goal will require before you set it.

Relevant

Keeping your goal relevant is closely tied to keeping it “specific.” Make sure you understand how the goal you’re setting is related to the bigger picture. Applying and gaining admission to an accounting program ensures that you’ll receive the necessary knowledge and skills that will help you secure internships and eventually a full-time job. Next thing you know, you’ve pursued the future in accounting you’ve dreamed of. Can we get a heck yes?!

Time-Bound

Goals need deadlines like mac needs cheese. Deadlines are a crucial part of achieving goals because they create a sense of urgency that forces us to take action. It can be easy to put something off if there’s nothing holding you accountable. When creating a goal, make sure to pair it with a timeline.

If your deadline to apply to eight different accounting college programs is December 1, then back out from that date and figure out when you’ll realistically be able to accomplish all the tasks needed to make that a reality.

Here are some things to think about:

• Completing the research (you’ve already said you’ll research two every week – does that still work considering your deadline and how soon you plan to start?)
• Writing the individual essays (factor in drafting, getting a teacher or mentor to review, editing, and proofreading, etc.)
• Receiving recommendation letters (check out our tips for making sure you’re picking the right people!)
• Filling out the rest of the application

Achieving what you want is entirely possible, but you can’t let being overwhelmed stop you from moving forward. Your destination📍: a future in accounting. Now it's time to use S.M.A.R.T. goals to figure out how to get there.