Alumni Advice: Setting Goals
With a new year well underway, and spring semester right around the corner, many Tommies are setting resolutions and goals. We asked alumni on St. Thomas Connect “What advice do you have for students as they set academic and professional goals for 2025?” You can learn from these words of wisdom below!
Interested in finding a mentor of your own? Search for alumni on St. Thomas Connect who have volunteered to support your career journey.
“I think a general framework for goals is to follow the SMART standard; specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. However, a deeper approach is to really do some self-reflection on where you want to be professionally and academically in 2025. Take the time to envision yourself accomplishing your goal (whatever it may look like) and then work background from there to discern the steps from that moment that you need to accomplish to obtain your desired outcome. Having a picture of your goal in mind and re-tracing the steps to get there can be a powerful mental tool in keeping you focused and measured as you plan out 2025.”
Eshan Varma
“Pursue what you are passionate about. In today’s economy, if you can connect your passion to meeting someone’s need, you will NEVER work a day in your life. As a person peering down the last 10 years of so of work, I finally am pursuing my passion! I wish someone had told me 40 years ago to pursue my passion….the economic justification for that passion will take care of itself. Finally, I would tell you to put others ahead of your own needs; by helping others, they will in turn help you.“
Gregg Johnson
“I have always tried to find jobs that combine my degree and something I am passionate about. Internships are a great way to try a company or industry and see if it works for you. When finding a job, my defining aspects are good co-workers, great work environment, and a salary that is on level with the industry. Make sure they let you have a good balance with your life outside of work.“
Edward Krekeler
1. Set Specific Goals: Decide exactly what you want to achieve in your studies and career.
Brigid Ward
2. Make Goals SMART: Ensure goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
3. Break Goals into Steps: Divide each goal into smaller, manageable tasks is key.
4. Prioritize and Schedule: Use a calendar or planner to organize tasks by priority and deadline.
5. Stay Flexible: Be ready to adjust your goals as needed based on new information or opportunities. Things change all the time. This is key to remember.
6. Maintain Balance: Keep a healthy balance between work and personal life to stay energized.
7. Celebrate Success: Make sure you take time to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements along the way. This is so important. Too many times, people achieve their goals and forget to celebrate.
“Some of my core beliefs and principles:
John Leffler
Perseverance– Enduring the setbacks and never giving up.
People– Building Relationships and Trust, people don’t care until they know you care.
Accountability– You have to own the results and learn from your mistakes.”
“During the Winter Break take the opportunity to enjoy what you like. Use wisely your free time. This might give you good ideas for your upcoming new year.”
Henrique Martha de Oliveira
“Make sure you set realistic goals and don’t overextend yourself.“
Linda Ladley
“Try to increase your network of students and professionals as much as possible. You never know when knowing someone can help you in your career.”
John Alpers, PhD
“This is very personal for me but perhaps it may apply to you as well. Beginning every year in September I was high as a kite with adrenalin flowing and I had no trouble studying and getting good grades. But come November when days become short and very cloudy, it affected my mood, and I found it more difficult to concentrate which could affect my academic performance. I recognized when this was happening to me, and I took steps to counter the impact of weather, and I was able to overcome this “drag” on my performance. Recognizing this issue is the first step.”
Thomas Egan
