Setting Learning Goals
Why Set Learning Goals?
Setting goals for your internship isn’t just a formality—it’s a power move. Here’s why:
- Shows you’re serious about making the most of your experience
- Keeps you and your supervisor aligned on expectations
- Builds key professional skills like planning, prioritizing, and accountability
- Most importantly: it helps you learn more and grow faster
What Should Your Goals Focus On?
Your goals can be about:
- Skills you want to build (e.g., writing, coding, presenting)
- Knowledge you want to gain (e.g., industry tools, company processes)
- Personal or professional growth (e.g., confidence, networking, time management)
Make Your Goals SMART
Great goals are SMART:
- S – Specific
- What do you specifically hope to accomplish?
- M – Measurable
- How will you measure your progress?
- A – Action-oriented
- What actions will you take to achieve this goal?
- R – Relevant
- How is this goal relevant to your internship, academic interests and/or career aspirations?
- T – Time-bound
- What is your timeline for meeting this goal?
Examples of SMART Goals
- By mid-internship, I’ll write a 1-page press release using AP style
- By July 30, I’ll troubleshoot Excel issues with 97% accuracy
- Within 1 month, I’ll add 50 new leads to the customer database
- By the end of my internship, I’ll design and lead 2 training sessions
- In the first 2 weeks, I’ll memorize 20 key acronyms used at the agency
- By week 5, I’ll identify 3 career paths in this field and 1 way to explore each
- By the fundraising deadline, I’ll secure in-kind donations from 5 companies
Goal-Setting Tips
- Avoid vague goals like “learn about marketing”—be specific and measurable
- 2–3 solid goals are plenty for a quarter-long internship
- Expect to revise your goals after feedback—it’s part of the process!
How to Set & Track Your Goals
- Before you start: Brainstorm what you want to learn or achieve
- First week: Meet with your supervisor to finalize your goals in writing
- Weekly or biweekly: Check in on your progress
- Midway: Reflect with your supervisor—what’s working? What needs adjusting?
- End of internship: Review your progress and celebrate your wins!
Internships are more than just a line on your résumé—they’re a chance to grow, explore, and shine. Setting clear goals helps you make the most of every opportunity.