In today’s professional world, mastery of several foreign languages has become an invaluable asset. Whether it’s to expand your career opportunities, work in an international company, or simply interact with colleagues and clients around the world, learning a foreign language can open many doors for you. However, to succeed in this endeavour, it is essential to set clear and achievable learning goals. This is where the SMART method comes in.
What is the SMART Method?
The SMART method is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. This structured approach helps you set goals that are specific and achievable, increasing your chances of success. Here’s how to use the SMART method to define your language learning goals in the context of your career.
Here is a little graphic to help you better understand the SMART method, here!
1. Specific (S)
The first step is to make your goals specific. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What language do you want to learn? Is it English, French, Spanish or another specific language
- Why do you want to learn this language in the context of your career? Do you want to communicate with foreign clients, work abroad or expand your skills for future opportunities?
A specific objective could be: “I want to learn German to be able to handle the files of our German-speaking clients independently.”
2. Measurable (M)
Your goals should be measurable so you can track your progress. Ask yourself:
- How will you know when you have achieved your goal? Perhaps by being able to carry on a professional conversation in the target language or by achieving a specific score on a language proficiency test.
- A measurable goal might be: “I will know I have achieved my goal when I can hold a meeting in German without any difficulty.”
3. Achievable (A)
Make sure your goals are achievable based on your schedule, resources and basic language level. Think about:
- How much time can you dedicate to learning each week?
- Do you have the necessary resources, like courses, apps or tutors?
An achievable goal might be: “I will dedicate 1 hour every day to learning German using online courses and apps.”
4. Realistic (R)
Your goals should be realistic based on your current situation. Avoid setting unrealistic goals that could discourage you. Consider your basic level, your professional and personal commitments, and your ability to learn quickly.
A realistic goal might be: “I will aim for an intermediate level of German proficiency within a year, instead of an advanced level.”
5. Temporal (T)
Set a time limit for your goals. This helps you stay focused and establish a sense of urgency. Ask yourself the following questions:
- When do you want to have achieved your goal?
- How often will you evaluate your progress?
A time goal could be: “I will reach an intermediate level of proficiency in French within 12 months, and I will evaluate my progress every 3 months.”
Summary
By using the SMART method to define your language learning goals in the context of your career, you create a solid plan that guides you along your journey. You know precisely what you want to accomplish, how to measure it, how to achieve it and by when. This allows you to stay motivated and celebrate your successes as you progress toward mastering the language, a valuable asset for your professional career.
So, start setting SMART goals for your language learning now and pave the way to a more international and promising professional future 🎯
