Electrical engineers are some of the most important contributors to society. They help create and develop everything from consumer electronics to large-scale power grids, all while managing complex systems and problems.
To stay on top of their game, electrical engineers need to have a well-defined plan that outlines their objectives for work. The SMART template is one way to do this, as it provides a framework for thinking through achievable goals.
In this guide, we’ll discuss 13 SMART goals for electrical engineers. We’ll look at how each example can help engineers become their best selves both professionally and personally. Let’s get started.
What is a SMART Goal?
The SMART tool can allow you to establish goals for electrical engineering. In case you didn’t know, SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.
Let’s deep dive into each SMART component:
Specific
Electrical engineering requires well-articulated goals to avoid confusion, resource wastage, and inefficiency. By establishing specific goals, you can better understand the tasks, enhancing overall productivity.
It’s also crucial to pinpoint precise actions and individuals involved in accomplishing these tasks. Doing so paves the way for early identification and resolution of potential hurdles.
Measurable
In the context of electrical engineering, measuring your goal progress is essential. For example, suppose your goal is to improve the efficiency of a circuit design. In that case, tracking incremental improvements is vital to knowing whether your efforts are making a difference.
Attainable
While developing goals, electrical engineers need to maintain a balance between aspiration and realism. Considering current circumstances, available resources, and time constraints to define attainable goals.
To illustrate, designing a completely new electrical component may be an exciting goal, but without the necessary staffing or time, it might be more feasible to aim for incremental improvements in existing designs.
Relevant
Creating goals that resonate with an engineer’s values can increase motivation and persistence. That’s to say, an engineer might aim to design more energy-efficient systems if sustainability is a core value to them.
Time-Based
Engineers can stay focused and dedicated to their goals by establishing clear deadlines. Recognize that significant achievements like designing a new electrical system or improving an existing one can’t be met overnight. It requires consistent effort over a set period.
13 SMART Goals Examples for Electrical Engineers
1. Improve the Quality of Electrical Designs
“The engineer will produce quality electrical designs for the project’s duration by applying their knowledge and expertise in the field. Within three months, they want to create comprehensive design plans for all the electrical components of the project.”
Specific: This sets a clear goal for producing quality electrical designs over three months.
Measurable: To ensure quality, compare and review any design plans created at regular intervals.
Attainable: The timeline is more than enough to develop an efficient electrical design plan.
Relevant: Quality designs are essential for a successful project outcome.
Time-based: There is a three-month deadline to reach goal completion.
2. Enhance Your Work Productivity
“I’ll strive to enhance productivity by 5% in the coming quarter. I will analyze our current process and discuss with my team members any areas of improvement that could be made to increase efficiency.”
Specific: The aim is to increase productivity by at least 5% in the following quarter.
Measurable: Evaluating the increase in productivity will be done by analyzing current processes and discussing areas of improvement.
Attainable: This is realistic, given that the person is willing to look into their current processes and make improvements.
Relevant: Improving productivity is vital for any electrical engineer to stay ahead of the competition.
Time-based: Your SMART goal should be met by the end of the quarter.
3. Strengthen Communication With Teammates
“During the next two weeks, the electrical engineer will speak up in team meetings and ask questions that help move the discussion forward. This will allow them to demonstrate my enthusiasm for the project and build camaraderie with my coworkers.”
Specific: The goal is to become more involved in conversations during group meetings.
Measurable: This is assessed by speaking up and asking questions in team meetings over two weeks.
Attainable: Asking questions is something that can be done within a short amount of time.
Relevant: Boosting communication with colleagues will help foster a more supportive work environment.
Time-based: Two weeks is the designated period for completing this goal.
4. Attain Professional Certifications
“I will strive to obtain the EIT certification from NCEES within the next 7 months. I want to create a study plan, research resources, and review related materials to pass the exam with at least 80% accuracy.”
Specific: The electrical engineer knows they must obtain the EIT certification from NCEES.
Measurable: Passing the exam with an accuracy of at least 80% is measurable.
Attainable: Obtaining the certification with a study plan and proper resources is possible.
Relevant: The goal is appropriate for an electrical engineer since the EIT certification is a recognized professional license in engineering.
Time-based: You have a 7-month end date to accomplish success.
5. Learn How to Prototype Circuits
“I can design and prototype their circuit boards within 6 months. That will include researching other designs, studying the relevant components, and putting together a working prototype model.”
Specific: The goal-setter understands how to reach their goal and a timeline they must meet.
Measurable: Determine if you’ve followed the listed criteria by researching, studying, and prototyping.
Attainable: Six months is enough time to familiarize oneself with the components and design a prototype.
Relevant: Learning to prototype your circuits will be beneficial for electrical engineers.
Time-based: Completion of this SMART statement is expected in 6 months.
6. Accelerate Design Cycle Time
“I should speed up my project design cycle time by analyzing the data and applying model-based methods. To do this, I’ll review research articles on new model-based techniques, attend webinars, and practice applying these methods over four months.”
Specific: You have a clear goal in mind and know how to achieve it.
Measurable: Track the time spent researching, attending webinars, and practicing model-based methods.
Attainable: With four months allocated for learning new techniques, it should be possible to speed up the design cycle time.
Relevant: This goal is relevant to the individual’s career as an electrical engineer.
Time-based: You have four months to meet this particular statement.
7. Improve Technical Writing Skills
“To become a better technical writer and engineer, I will complete a series of online technical writing courses and workshops by the end of 5 months. I aim to increase my knowledge and accuracy when writing engineering reports.”
Specific: The goal is concise, explaining the overall objective and how it will be met.
Measurable: After completing online courses and workshops, the electrical engineer can check their writing accuracy and knowledge improvement.
Attainable: Online courses are feasible for those who wish to improve their technical writing skills.
Relevant: This goal pertains to engineering as it’ll help you produce more accurate reports.
Time-based: A time limit of 5 months has been set for goal attainment.
8. Effectively Repair Electrical Systems
“I’ll become proficient in electrical system repairs by practicing what I learn under a more experienced technician for 6 months. To stay accountable, I plan to log all repairs I make and have them signed off by the technician.”
Specific: You will practice with an experienced technician to gain proficiency in electrical system repairs.
Measurable: Gauge progress by logging all repair jobs you do and having your performance evaluated regularly.
Attainable: Learning from someone doing this for quite some time would be the best way to gain proficiency.
Relevant: Being able to repair electrical systems is an integral part of being an electrical engineer.
Time-based: You should anticipate success by the end of 6 months.
9. Reduce Energy Usage Across Designs
“We will reduce the energy usage of our electrical designs by 10% within two years. We will review our designs and find energy-saving opportunities, such as installing solar panels and using advanced insulation materials.”
Specific: The SMART goal specifies how much energy will be saved over what timeline.
Measurable: You can measure the energy used in a design before and after changes.
Attainable: It’s definitely possible to reduce energy usage by 10% over two years with the right strategies.
Relevant: This statement is appropriate for reducing emissions and protecting the environment.
Time-based: There is a two-year window for reaching this particular goal.
10. Boost Your Troubleshooting Capability
“Within four months, I want to become more proficient in troubleshooting complex electrical engineering problems. I’ll do this by attending three advanced courses and spending an hour practicing technical problem-solving exercises each day.”
Specific: You have the activities to do (attend classes and practice technical problem-solving exercises) and how often you must do it (three courses and one hour a day).
Measurable: Count the classes you’ve attended and the hours you’ve practiced.
Attainable: Attending classes and practicing troubleshooting is absolutely doable with dedication.
Relevant: Boosting your troubleshooting capability allows you to identify and solve problems accurately.
Time-based: Goal completion is expected in the four months ahead.
11. Use CAD Software to Streamline Design Process
“I’ll learn to use a CAD software program effectively by the end of two months. This software will help me to more accurately and quickly visualize solutions for design projects.”
Specific: Your aim is clear and concise; you plan to learn a CAD software program.
Measurable: Measure the effectiveness of your learning by comparing design projects completed before and after mastering the software.
Attainable: Any electrical engineer with access to a computer and the necessary software can learn this skill.
Relevant: Utilizing this software will streamline the design process, making projects faster and more efficient.
Time-based: You’ve given yourself two months to learn the software better.
12. Research New Trends in Electrical Engineering
“I want to stay current with the newest innovations and trends in electrical engineering within three months. To achieve this, I’ll read three scientific papers per week related to my field of study.”
Specific: You have precise actions available—read three scientific papers per week.
Measurable: Ensure you read the necessary amount of papers weekly.
Attainable: Engineers can reasonably expect to understand the newest developments in three months if they dedicate the necessary time.
Relevant: This keeps you informed about the developments in electrical engineering.
Time-based: Success should be reached after three whole months.
13. Become a Conference Speaker
“I want to become a keynote speaker at a well-known electrical engineering conference within a year. I’ll apply to speak at conferences, network with potential sponsors, and produce relevant content for publication.”
Specific: The electrical engineer wants to become a keynote speaker at a well-known electrical engineering conference.
Measurable: Check off each step as it’s completed, such as applying to conferences and networking with potential sponsors.
Attainable: If you exit your comfort zone and put in the work, this goal is feasible.
Relevant: Keynote speaking gigs are a great way to establish yourself in the profession and showcase your engineering expertise.
Time-based: The goal is time-bound since it has an end date of one year.
Final Thoughts
Developing SMART goals is an important process for any engineer. With these 13 SMART goals examples for electrical engineers, you can be confident in reaching excellence and staying energized along the way.
Any engineer should also stay up to date with the latest resources and trends in their field. Take the time to attend conferences, read relevant publications, and network with industry professionals.
By doing this, you will become an expert and remain competitive in today’s engineering market. Best of luck in reaching all of your electrical engineering aspirations.
