Goal Setting

Set two to three goals for each of four categories: research, VIX, personal/professional, and SyBBURE community. Present your goals at the beginning of the term in your proposal presentation, on the same slide as your research timeline. Include your goals, and your progress towards achieving them, every time you present in subgroup.

Try to make your goals S(y)MART: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based. For example:

Goal examples from each category for you to build upon are listed below. Make sure you mold them to fit your needs and the SMART goal definitions!

Example Research Goals

  • By mid-summer, revise manuscript by addressing all mentor comments and doubling the discussion section.

  • In one month, make a publication-ready figure of results following Science formatting requirements.

  • In six weeks, complete statistical analysis of results using ANOVA and summarize the findings in one paragraph.

  • By mid-summer, learn a new experimental technique by watching one demonstration, practicing it three times, and recording troubleshooting notes.

  • By the end of the semester, run X more mice and enter all results into the shared data sheet.

  • By the end of the term, read 15 papers related to my project and write a short summary of each one.

  • Starting this week, meet with my PI or mentor every other week to review results and decide next steps.

Example VIX Goals

  • By mid-summer, design a CAD model from scratch and successfully 3D print it on an FDM printer.

  • By the end of the summer, complete training on five GidHub resources: the laser cutter, miter saw, drill press, BotFactory, and vinyl cutter.

  • By the end of June, learn to use a project management software and update it weekly to track my VIX team’s tasks, deadlines, and progress.

  • This semester, improve our rapid prototyping by creating five different prototypes of our VIX product and documenting what changed between each version.

  • By mid-summer, learn the basics of Blender and create a 3D render of our VIX project for visualization.

  • This summer, improve our team’s content creation and communication by producing all VIX TikToks and editing the videos with AI tools.

  • By the final VIX competition, help our team win by completing our assigned project milestones, testing our prototype, and preparing a strong final presentation.

Example Personal/Professional Goals

Personal:

  • By the end of the summer, read one book that has nothing to do with class or research.

  • This semester, exercise at least three days a week for 30 minutes each time.

  • This summer, get 6–8 hours of sleep at least five nights per week.

  • This summer, eat vegetables at least five times per week.

  • Each week this summer, call or video chat with two friends.

  • For one month, meditate for 30 minutes a day at least three days per week.

  • By mid-summer, try three different relaxation activities and choose one that actually helps me feel rested.

  • By the end of June, get one plant and keep it alive for at least the month of July.

Professional:

  • By mid-summer, submit an abstract to one conference related to my research area.

  • By the end of June, complete one informational interview with a professional in a career area I am considering.

  • This summer, shadow one professional in an area of interest for at least one hour and write down three key things I learn.

  • This semester, attend at least one campus career fair and speak with at least three employers or programs.

  • By mid-fall, visit the career center physically or virtually to discuss my resume, career interests, or next steps.

  • In one month, create or update my resume and get feedback from a mentor, PI, or career center staff member.

  • By the end of the semester, make a LinkedIn profile with a photo, headline, education, experience, and at least five connections.

  • By mid-fall, create a list of 5–10 potential career paths and research the education, skills, and daily work involved in each one.

  • This summer, practice public speaking by giving at least one long presentation or research update and asking for feedback.

Example Community Goals

  • By mid-summer, lead or organize one special interest group meeting and invite students who may want to participate.

  • This summer, help set up or clean up for an event at least three times.

  • This summer, serve as a peer mentor by checking in with at least one newer student every other week.

  • This semester, become a Guardian of GidHub by learning the space expectations and helping students use the space safely and respectfully.

  • This summer, serve as a Techcentric showrunner by helping prepare, run, or document at least one Techcentric session.

  • This summer, help pick out, transport, or set up food for at least two SyBBURE events.

  • This semester, lead my subgroup by organizing tasks, checking progress, and making sure everyone has a role.

  • This summer, help plan at least one SyBBURE social event that brings students together outside regular work time.

  • By mid-summer, get to know five SyBBURE students better by having a real conversation with each of them.

  • By the end of June, learn the names and an interesting fact about each of the SyBBURE students and team members.

  • This summer, take pictures at at least two SyBBURE events and share them with the program team.

  • This summer, ask at least one thoughtful question during three different student presentations.

  • By the end of the summer, give feedback on the program by completing the survey and sharing at least one specific suggestion.