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SMART Goals Assignment: Intro to Automotive Industry

Student: Jackson Hurff Course: Intro to Automotive Industry Spring 2026 Due Date: End of Week 1 (January 12, 2026) Points: 10 points

Assignment Overview

Create at least one SMART goal for this semester's automotive class. Your goal(s) should guide what you want to accomplish by the end of the semester (May 31, 2026).

What is a SMART Goal?

A SMART goal is:

  • Specific - Clear and specific about what you want to accomplish
  • Measurable - You can track your progress and measure the outcome
  • Achievable - Realistic and attainable given your resources and time
  • Relevant - Matters to you and connects to your interests or future plans
  • Time-bound - Has a clear deadline or timeframe

Example of a SMART Goal:

Poor Goal: "Learn about cars." SMART Goal: "By May 31, 2026, I will successfully perform a complete oil change on my vehicle independently, following all safety protocols, and document the process with photos and notes."

Your Assignment

Create 1 or more SMART goals for this semester. You have creative freedom to establish goals that matter to you!

Suggested Goal Ideas:

  • Safely perform an oil change on your car or a friend's car by the end of the semester
  • Successfully replace brake pads on a vehicle following proper safety procedures
  • Master a specific automotive skill (diagnostics, tune-up, fluid changes, etc.)
  • Complete a vehicle improvement or restoration project
  • Develop expertise in automotive electronics or performance tuning
  • Build confidence in workshop organization and tool management

You are not limited to these suggestions! Think about what excites you most about automotive work and what you want to achieve this semester.

Requirements

  1. Number of Goals: Create at least 1 SMART goal (you may create more if you want)

  2. For Each Goal, Include:

  3. The goal statement (written as a complete sentence)

  4. Explanation of how it meets each part of SMART:

    • Specific: What exactly will you do?
    • Measurable: How will you know when you've achieved it?
    • Achievable: Why is this realistic for you this semester?
    • Relevant: Why does this matter to you?
    • Time-bound: What is your deadline?

  5. Action Plan:

  6. List 3-5 specific steps you'll take to achieve this goal
  7. Identify any resources, tools, or help you'll need
  8. Note any potential challenges and how you'll overcome them

Submission Format

Submit your goals in writing (typed or handwritten). Use this format:

SMART GOAL #1:
[Write your goal statement here]

SMART Breakdown:
- Specific: [Explain]
- Measurable: [Explain]
- Achievable: [Explain]
- Relevant: [Explain]
- Time-bound: [Explain]

Action Plan:
1. [Step 1]
2. [Step 2]
3. [Step 3]
4. [Step 4]
5. [Step 5]

Resources Needed:
- [List resources, tools, or help needed]

Potential Challenges:
- [Challenge 1 and solution]
- [Challenge 2 and solution]

If you create multiple goals, repeat this format for each goal.

Grading Criteria

Your assignment will be evaluated on:

Criteria Points
Goal is Specific and clear 2 pts
Goal is Measurable with clear success criteria 2 pts
Goal is Achievable and realistic 2 pts
Goal is Relevant to the course and your interests 2 pts
Goal is Time-bound with clear deadline 1 pt
Action plan is detailed and thoughtful 1 pt
Total 10 pts

Tips for Success

  1. Be specific! Instead of "learn about engines," try "perform a complete coolant system flush on my vehicle."

  2. Think about what you'll actually do. Your goal should involve hands-on work or skill development.

  3. Make it personal. Choose goals that genuinely excite you about automotive work.

  4. Be realistic. Consider the time you have, the resources available, and your current skill level.

  5. Think safety first. All goals should include following proper safety protocols.

Questions?

If you're unsure about your goal or need help making it SMART, talk with your instructor before the due date!

Due Date: End of Week 1 (January 12, 2026) Submit to: Jessica Hurff (Academic Supervisor)