Paper needed (Smart goals ,Informational Interview

SMART Goals

Please refer to the “SMART Goals” pdf file to understand what SMART means. You need to submit THREE SMART Goals you want to achieve during THIS semester. The goals can be academic-related, work-related, or about your personal goals. Each goal should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-based. 

Creating S.M.A.R.T. Goals

Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic Timely

Specific: A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal.

To set a specific goal you must answer the six “W” questions:

*Who: Who is involved?

*What: What do I want to accomplish?

*Where: Identify a location.

*When: Establish a time frame.

*Which: Identify requirements and constraints.

*Why: Specific reasons, purpose or benefits of accomplishing the goal.

EXAMPLE: A general goal would be, “Get in shape.” But a specific goal would say, “Join a health club and workout 3 days a week.”

Measurable – Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each goal you set.

When you measure your progress, you stay on track, reach your target dates, and experience the exhilaration of achievement that spurs you on to continued effort required to reach your goal.

To determine if your goal is measurable, ask questions such as…… How much? How many?

How will I know when it is accomplished?

Attainable – When you identify goals that are most important to you, you begin to figure out ways you can make them come true. You develop the attitudes, abilities, skills, and financial capacity to reach them. You begin seeing previously overlooked opportunities to bring yourself closer to the achievement of your goals.

You can attain most any goal you set when you plan your steps wisely and establish a time frame that allows you to carry out those steps. Goals that may have seemed far away and out of reach eventually move closer and become attainable, not because your goals shrink, but because you grow and expand to match them. When you list your goals you build your self-image. You see yourself as worthy of these goals, and develop the traits and personality that allow you to possess them.

Realistic- To be realistic, a goal must represent an objective toward which you are both willing and able to work. A goal can be both high and realistic; you are the only one who can decide just how high your goal should be. But be sure that every goal represents substantial progress.

A high goal is frequently easier to reach than a low one because a low goal exerts low motivational force. Some of the hardest jobs you ever accomplished actually seem easy simply because they were a labor of love.

Timely – A goal should be grounded within a time frame. With no time frame tied to it there’s no sense of urgency. If you want to lose 10 lbs, when do you want to lose it by? “Someday” won’t work. But if you anchor it within a timeframe, “by May 1st”, then you’ve set your unconscious mind into motion to begin working on the goal.

Your goal is probably realistic if you truly believe that it can be accomplished. Additional ways to know if your goal is realistic is to determine if you have accomplished anything similar in the past or ask yourself what conditions would have to exist to accomplish this goal.

T can also stand for Tangible – A goal is tangible when you can experience it with one of the senses, that is, taste, touch, smell, sight or hearing.

When your goal is tangible you have a better chance of making it specific and measurable and thus attainable.

Write an Executive Summary. Make sure you summarize the answers to the interview questions provided in this paper.

The summary should include the following sections (single-spaced):

TITLE PAGE

Assignment title, date, your name, class information, name of professor, name of institution

INTRODUCTION

Your Career Mentor must be someone who has experience your field of interest and has been involved in hiring. Your mentor should have a minimum of three years of experience in the industry, and a background or knowledge of the hiring process for entry level candidates in their field. Interviews can be conducted by phone, in person, or virtually.

Arrange the interview. With permission to use the name of the person who referred you, arrange the phone, video, or in-person interview. Contact the person to set up an interview by telephone, by an email followed by a telephone call, or by having someone who knows the person make the appointment for you. An example follows:

Hello Mr. Jones, my name is YOUR NAME. Sally Smith indicated you would be a good person for me to speak with for information and advice on the NAME industry. I’m a class at Trine University and am gathering information for my job search. If possible, I’d like to set up a short meeting with you in the next two weeks.

Treat the appointment as you would a job interview. Prepare for the interview by researching the company in which your contact works. Dress professionally. Print out your list of questions you’d like to ask your contact. Bring copies of your resume with you to the interview. Consider emailing a confirmation of your appointment with your professional resume attached to the message as background information about you.

Concisely and smoothly introduces the subject, purpose, and scope of the summary

Includes a short biography of your mentor, including his/her college major, career path and details of his or her current position

Concisely and smoothly previews the report’s organizational structure

RESULTS

Describes answers to the questions and does not draw conclusions or offer opinions

Informational/Referral Interview Questions (Source: PWC Personal Brand Week: Relationships & Mentoring Top 10 Tips II)

1. What is a typical day like for an entry-level professional in your organization/profession?

1. Tell me about how you made the decisions in your career path—why you chose this field, why you took positions and left positions.

1. What do you like best about your occupation? What do you like least?

1. What does your company/industry look for in the people they hire?

1. What activities, classes or other parts of your college experience best prepared you for your career?

1. What is the best decision you made as an undergraduate with respect to your professional life? Is there anything you would do differently?

1. What skills and experience are most impressive in your field?

1. What media outlets (blogs, magazines, newspapers, Twitter feeds, etc.) should I be reading or watching to be in the loop in the industry? What organizations and online groups do you recommend I belong to?

1. What do you think is the future outlook for your industry? What kinds of changes are taking place in this type of work?

1. Would you be willing to review my résumé and offer your opinion and advice?

1. ASK ONLY IF YOU WILL CONDUCT ANOTHER INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW ON YOUR OWN: Would you be willing to connect me with anyone else you know who might be able to offer some advice? (You can either ask your current interviewee to make an email introduction for you, or ask if it’s okay to use your interviewee’s name when contacting the person).

CONCLUSIONS

Interprets results based on descriptive data offered by the interviewee in the results section, draws clear, well-reasoned conclusions about:

What you learned

How you will use this information

How you will continue to network in your field

REFERNCES

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ExecutiveSummary

An informational interview is performed with a mentor who consists of good background experience in the technology area of IT to collect significant insights related to profession, skills, decisions, and future outlook. For an entry-level professional, fundamental knowledge in the technical and interpersonal areas is required. The insights describe the decisions taken by a mentor in a career path like selecting an IT field that provides excellent career opportunities, good pay scale, and fast development of career. The knowledge on the occupation of a mentor is attained as best and the least elements of position are assessed. Skills and experience impressive in the IT field are obtained along with preparation of career and media outlets to be followed. The informational interview data will be used for the preparation of a career path where the right selection of positions and skills improvement is planned to be accomplished.

Table of Contents
1. Introduction 4
2. Results 4
3. Conclusions 6
References 8

1. Introduction

The paper focuses to conduct an informational interview to choose a mentor who possesses experience in the field of interest i.e. IT. To gain insights on a career path in the selected field from a knowledgeable person, an informational interview is described in the paper (Dlabay, Burrow, & Kleindl, 2016). A list of questions is prepared and answers are gathered from a mentor.

Purpose: The purpose of the report is to gather information from a mentor who works in a good position in the selected field of IT consisting of background experience and knowledge.

Scope: The scope of the paper is collecting insights from professionals so that knowledge in industry and profession could be attained that is helpful for career development.

Biography of mentor:

Hi, Mr. Michael, My name is Akash. James indicated you as an excellent person to take advice and potential information on the IT field. I am a class at Trine University and I am collecting information for job search. The mentor’s career path is information technology where the position is IT, analyst. Mentor has experience in the field of interest and is involved in the hiring procedure of entry-level candidates. The mentor’s position is software engineer having three years of experience in this field with expert skills.

Report structure:

The report describes the introduction of the informational interview where results of the interview i.e. critical information are gathered for each list of questions prepared. Finally, the outcomes of the interviewee are gathered and interpreted.

2. Results

1. Typical day for an entry-level professional in your profession

A typical day for an entry-level professional in the IT field is utilizing a computer to evaluate and develop solutions for business problems and complete a given project. In the entry-level IT profession minimum skills and knowledge on IT networks, troubleshooting, computer procedures, and design activities are required. The day for such professionals is providing suggestions to incorporate unique technology for a company or design innovative systems/applications by selecting software and hardware. An entry-level professional must have a basic understanding of operating systems thereby needing to provide technical support.

2. Decisions made in career path

I have chosen Information Technology (IT) sector as the fastest-growing field that delivers huge opportunities to make innovations related to big data, AI, cloud computing, and cyber security. I have selected IT because technology professionals could easily start their careers at entry-level. It provided quick employment with a good pay scale. I have selected the software engineer position as it delivers the opportunity to learn new things every day based on changing technologies (Ledbetter, 2021). This position offers unique challenging activities while completing the project so that system and technology knowledge is attained.

3. Best and least about the occupation

The best about an occupation is spending a good time in programming and building new things. Everyday work is enjoyed in current occupation as the job profile helps to communicate with different programmers existing in the project thereby writing unique software programs that ensure to create enterprise applications and systems. For me, being a software engineer enables me to maintain a less stressful career thereby work contributed is rewarding. This occupation helps to deliver value effectively. The position offers excellent opportunities to work on numerous projects so that knowledge on controlling different elements is learned (Quang, Zakaria, & Hieu, 2016). Few least element experienced in the occupation is the negotiation of specifications with managers. Here, the managers don’t understand the message but they possess sturdy opinions.

4. Elements industry look for in the people they hire

To hire people, the IT profession mainly considers the capability and skills of individuals. For instance, the knowledge on the technical and analytical areas is viewed during the hiring process. Managers hiring for a company looking for a bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science or information technology domain. The field considers interview and IT skills along with long-term capability to generate positive outcomes and returns for the organization. An individual needs to fit in the work environment of IT as the industry considers candidates who transform their skills to real-time actions by achieving deadlines and acting as a team player. Most human resource managers believe that basic knowledge and experience are required even for an entry-level job.

5. Activities, classes, or other parts of your college experience best prepared you for your career

My college experience was great as I have an excellent academic record that supported me to achieve a graduate role as a software engineer. The activities performed in the course helped to improve my knowledge and traits. I had a great experience while attending course classes and completing unique activities because my college offered good support to prepare me for future roles. It helps to increase my communication and interpersonal skills by assigning different activities and academic projects (Moradi, Faghiharam, & Ghasempour, 2018). There were different programs to develop technical, personality, and leadership skills at college that prepared me for my future career. I had a great learning environment that guided me to expand my knowledge. The college experience highly benefited me in a workplace environment.

6. Best decision you made as an undergraduate concerning your professional life

As an undergraduate, by considering my professional life I understand the field in which I am interested. I thought regarding my skills and values before deciding to enter the information technology sector. I have taken the best decision to start my career in the IT field to gain new opportunities and exhibit my skills in the interested area. As an undergraduate student, I had the self-determination to make the finest decision that promotes my career and provides innovative opportunities to succeed in professional life. By considering my professional life, I have self-assessed and prioritized my choices in the right way to enter the IT sector after completing my graduation.

7. Skills and Experience that are most impressive in your field

Skills

In the IT field, the most impressive skills are coding, analytical, communication, and project management knowledge. It is necessary to have good communication abilities to interact with the workforce whereas traits related to coding are a primary requirement to enter the IT profession. Knowledge of software development, networking is required along with problem solving and creative traits. In the field, impressive skills like technical writing and leadership exist.

Experience

The experienced impressive in the current field includes a degree that acts as the greatest asset. The technical capabilities and acquired industry certifications also play a crucial role in the field. Operating system knowledge, computer and networking capabilities along with coding and designing are key experiences notable in the IT field (Tsihrintzis, Virvou, & Watanabe, 2013).

8. Media outlets that should be read or watched to be in the loop of industry

The media outlets like the social platform Twitter should be tracked to be in the loop of industry. Twitter provides the latest information on technology as things happen in the IT sector and news stories could be viewed. Twitter accounts that should be followed are @TechRepublic, @Gigaom, @ZDNet, @TheNextWeb, and @TechCruch. Updates from tech leaders and supporters could be read by following @alexia, @jasonfried, @KentBeck, @Martinfowler, and @hamids. Outlets like newspaper articles of TechGig, Computer World, and TechCrunch should be read. Few companies recommended are Oracle, IBM, Microsoft and the online groups suggested are stack overflow, Reddit, and free code camp.

9. Future outlook for your industry and changes taking place in this type of work

IT industry delivers a promising future to individuals as the field consists of rapidly transforming technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data analytics, and the internet of things (Panda, Mishra, Balamurali, & Elngar, 2021). The future of IT is promising as various technology organizations will collaborate on new solutions thereby evolving unique cultures by taking operations to next level. IT field is committed to driving the progress of the future as software services will be improved. The changes in the field of work occur as technology innovation and transformation are expected to minimize operational and technical problems of business.

10. Would you be willing to review my résumé and offer your opinion and advice

Yes, I would review your resume and offer you feedback on significant attributes required in the field of IT. After reviewing your resume I could identify your activities, strengths, and weak areas. Based on that I will offer advice in the field of interest to gain an excellent entry-level position in your career.

11. Would you be willing to connect me with anyone else you know who might be able to offer some advice

Yes, I would be willing to connect you to professionals to provide advice on career options. I am willing to connect because it provides an opportunity for you to identify various positions in IT thereby finding an excellent fit for the position that matches your skills and requirements.

3. Conclusions

From the report, knowledge on how graduates enter the selected field of interest IT is obtained from the results of the informational interview. It is clearly understood about the best occupations, skills, experience, and knowledge required to enter the IT industry at entry-level. It is understood about the future outlook of industry and awareness on how decisions are made while entering new career and professional life. I would utilize this information to attain an excellent position in the IT field by understanding the right career paths. The advice and tips provided by the mentor will be utilized for the preparation of a career, improving weak areas, and enhancing skills in the desired profession. In the selected IT field I would connect with online platforms, attend conferences, and approach new ways to increase job networking and gain knowledge on a career path in the technology field.

References
Dlabay, L., Burrow, J. L., & Kleindl, B. (2016). Principles of Business. Cengage Learning.
Ledbetter, D. (2021). Just Make It Work: An Honest Guide to Navigating the First Decade of Your Career. Donte Ledbetter.
Moradi, S., Faghiharam, B., & Ghasempour, K. (2018). Relationship Between Group Learning and Interpersonal Skills With Emphasis on the Role of Mediating Emotional Intelligence Among High School Students. SAGE Journal, 8(2), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244018782734
Panda, S. K., Mishra, V., Balamurali, R., & Elngar, A. A. (2021). Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Business Management: Concepts, Challenges, and Case Studies. CRC Press.
Quang, V. K., Zakaria, N. H., & Hieu, B. T. (2016). Information Systems and Software Engineering. International Journal of Advanced Computational Engineering and Networking, 4(4), 48-54.
Tsihrintzis, G., Virvou, M., & Watanabe, T. (2013). Intelligent Interactive Multimedia Systems and Services: Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Intelligent Interactive Multimedia Systems and Services (IIMSS2013). IOS Press.

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Smart Goal-1

My initial goal is to improve my grading in the semester so that I could excel in my academic career. My target is to achieve an excellent grade in a class that helps to gain improvement in my academic life.

Specific: I want to enhance my overall grade in the semester so that I could apply for new courses next semester (Seli & Dembo, 2019).

Measurable: I will attain a good grade of A+ for applied courses and mid-term exams. After completing every module progress is monitored to identify the score received.

Achievable: To achieve this goal, I will take support from the course tutor so that weak areas could be focused on and new improvements could be made. The grade for the semester is improved by organizing learnings and planning to finish them.

Realistic: I would like to improve new doors to enhance my career by achieving a high grade in the semester.

Timely: The deadline to achieve this goal is 8 weeks. This provides me with a good time to meet my objective.

Smart Goal-2

My second goal is to overcome the fear and stress while delivering presentations in the academic and work area.

Specific: I want to develop the confidence to convey presentations with less fear and anxiety.

Measurable: I would practice templates for presentations where the goal is measurable by practicing presentation skills four times a month. The objective is measured as the recording of the presentation is done to review my sessions. This helps to understand and enhance my technique of presenting.

Achievable: To attain this goal, I will join a training program to learn and eliminate the fear of presentations. I will take inputs from mentors and trainers so that regular practice helps to achieve the goal.

Realistic: I will put my efforts to learn new strategies, acquire knowledge from coaching. By having a professional trainer, the objective could be achieved.

Timely: I will allocate a specific period as 4-5 hours will be spent every week to practice my presentations.

Smart Goal-3

I would like to improve my communication and leadership skills that are helpful for my academic and professional career in the future.

Specific: To improve communication abilities by interacting with people in the academic and workplace area. I will identify a mentor who offers coaching that supports the development of my career.

Measurable: I will measure leadership performance by the view of communication, solving problems, and ensuring to make the right judgment about individuals. Communication skill goal is measured by tracking how team leadership and volunteering is performed at the workplace and academic area.

Achievable: I would achieve the objective to enhance corporate and personal communication skills by establishing relations, socializing myself (Jurevičienė, Kaffemaniene, & Ruškus, 2018). The goal is achievable by practicing storytelling and learning how the message is communicated. Leadership development is achievable by reading a specific book and article and a course will be taken that guides to enhance traits.

Realistic: I would diversify the communication delivery and new opportunities are taken to fulfill the responsibilities in the workplace area (Robinson, 2016).

Timely: I will complete the goal within three months of a timeframe as skill practice will be done thrice a week to increase communication abilities and leadership development.

References
Jurevičienė, M., Kaffemaniene, I., & Ruškus, J. (2018). Concept and Structural Components of Social Skills. Baltic Journal of Sport and Health Sciences, 3(86), 42-52. https://doi.org/10.33607/bjshs.v3i86.266
Robinson, B. E. (2016). The Skills of an Effective Leader: Becoming a Leader Others Want to Follow. Xlibris Corporation.
Seli, H., & Dembo, M. H. (2019). Motivation and Learning Strategies for College Success: A Focus on Self-Regulated Learning. Routledge.