Defining Purpose, Goals, And Objectives

Defining Purpose, Goals,and ObjectivesHow to best define your personal purpose andgoals to achieve maximum satisfaction

Let’s look at the Big Picture What makes a successful engineer?University missionEngr. curriculum designABET outcomesKnowing yourStrengths &weaknessesHow does an engineer sustain a successful career?PURPOSEGoalsObjectives

Personalizing your career path iskey for successWhat makes a successful engineer?University missionEngr. curriculum designABET outcomesKnowing yourStrengths &weaknessesIn an era of economic globalization, how does an engineersustain a successful career?Career as aprofessional engineermust align with yourbigger life purposeTODAY:What is yourpurpose?How have youfulfilled thispurpose in thepast?

The 21st century workplace offersnew career challenges!Identify the type of studentand/or professional youwant to be!Recognize the 21st Centuryworkplace is different – it israpidly changing, global,chaotic, and competitiveIt is important that you locateyour internal purpose set thestage for intentionality

The first step is to identify the typeof student you want to beAsk yourself Do you relate tothis student?Do you want tobe this student?Bored?

The first step is to identify the typeof student you want to beAsk yourself Do you relate tothis student?Do you want tobe this student?Enthusiastic?

The first step is to identify the typeof student you want to beAsk yourself Do you relate tothis student?Do you want tobe this student?Organized?

The first step is to identify the typeof student you want to beAsk yourself Do you relate tothis student?Do you want tobe this student?Uncertain?

The first step is to identify the typeof student you want to beAsk yourself Do you relate tothis student?Do you want tobe this student?Confident?

Now, identify the type of professionalyou want to be

Identify: Short ActivityPick adjectives that most describes what kind of student you arenow and others that most describes the professional that youwant to be

The 21st Century WorkplaceHow is it different?What’s the Bottom Line?The fast pace and expansiveness ofindustry and the impact ofglobalization demands moreattention from the employer thanever beforeBuilding a career requiresMore energyMore creativityMore focusFrom the individual than ever beforeDiminishedEnergy &AttentionThe workplacehas changed tofavor those whocreate ratherthan follow theirjob descriptions.

Connecting the PiecesAt the end of the day, what do you want?ORDisconnected PiecesConnected Pieces

Connecting the Pieces:What is your purpose?Requires no training to define, only some self-awarenessWhat is it that youdo that makes youfeel most fulfilled?Relate this feeling to a singlepurpose:Leading peopleBuilding/Crafting tangible thingsNurturing soulsTroubleshooting logical, tangible problemsConnecting the threadPurpose isDECONTEXTUALIZED:it is consistent whetheryou are a student orprofessional.

Connecting the Pieces:Linking goals to purposeLinking Goals to Purpose where Goals are: Synchronized with purpose Potentially temporary Constant while in the midst of accomplishing objectivesConnecting objectives to goals with IntentionalityORDetails behind the goals steps along the way

Connecting the PiecesExample: Wanda Watt, the MS StudentWho is she? Makes powerful contributions to labs Often performs poorly on exams Dreads getting stuck outside of an R&Djob because of poor gradesBeforeAfterGoal 1: Earn the best gradespossibleGoal 2: Get the best job possiblePurpose: Build tangible anduseful technologyGoal: Remain in hands-onengineering for duration ofcareer

Connecting the PiecesExample: Roger Resistance, the PhDStudentWho is he? Assists advisor in writing large portions ofproposals Resists implementing designs in themicro-fabrication laboratory Simulates designs, but is reluctant tocomplete full characterization Helps other students organize and writepapersAfterBeforeGoal: Learn more about designPurpose: Lead the Big PictureGoal: Pursue project managementin industry

Connecting the PiecesExample: Christina Capacitance, theundergraduate studentWho is she? Pursued the best grades possibleActively participated in three major service activitiesHeld significant offices in two campus organizationsFelt rushed, stressed, chaotic even during social eventsShe did not: Spend time being quiet and introspectiveFeel relaxed in her few social activitiesPay attention to potential burn out AfterMeet her basic needs for emotional Purpose: to create and share basicsustenanceknowledge with othersBeforeGoal: pursue a career in academiaGoal 1: Earn the best grades possibleGoal 2: Get the best job possibleAlternative goal: pursue a career inindustry with a teaching component

In class activity Think and ShareOn a 3x5 note card 1. Define multiple potential purposes.2. Identify goals that suit thesepurposes.3. Share with your neighbor.PurposeGoal 1ObjectiveSet 1ObjectiveSet 2ObjectiveSet 3Goal 2ObjectiveSet 1ObjectiveSet 2

Linking Goals to Purpose where Goals are: Synchronized with purpose Potentially temporary Constant while in the midst of accomplishing objectives Connecting objectives to goals with Intentionality Details behind the goals steps along the way Connect