Adult Student Services Blog

Study Smarter, Not Harder!

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Get Ready to Study

Before you start studying, set yourself up to focus and learn.

  • Get enough sleep: A rested brain can focus and remember information better.
  • Find a good study spot: Choose a quiet, comfortable place where you can focus.
  • Limit distractions: Put away your phone, turn off the TV, and avoid social media.
  • Try background music: Instrumental or lo-fi music may help you focus.
  • Grab a snack and water: Staying fueled and hydrated can help you stay focused.

A little preparation can make your study time more productive!

The SQ3R Studying Method: Learn by Reading Smarter

Do you ever read a whole chapter and then forget what you just read? The SQ3R Method can help you better understand and remember what you are learning.

  1. Survey: Look through the chapter before you start reading. Check out the headings, pictures, and other important information.
  2. Question: Think of questions about the topic. What do you want to learn? What do you already know?
  3. Read: Read the chapter and look for answers to your questions. Pay attention to the main ideas.
  4. Recite: Stop after each section and think about what you learned. Try explaining it in your own words without looking at the book.
  5. Review: Look over the chapter again when you are done. Quiz yourself and spend more time on anything you do not remember.

Study Tip: Try SQ3R the next time you have a long chapter to read. It can help turn reading time into study time!

The Leitner System: Study What You Don’t Know

Do you use flashcards to study? The Leitner System is a simple way to use flashcards to spend more time on what you do not know and less time on what you already know.

Start by making flashcards and dividing them into three boxes or piles:

  • Box 1: Learning – Put all new flashcards here. Study these cards every day.
  • Box 2: Almost There – When you get a card right, move it here. Study these cards every other day.
  • Box 3: Know It – If you keep getting a card right, move it here. Study these cards about once a week.

If you get a flashcard wrong, move it back to Box 1. This helps you spend more time practicing information that is harder for you to remember.

The Feynman Technique: Learn by Teaching

Have you ever studied something and thought you understood it, but then had trouble explaining it? The Feynman Technique helps you find out what you really know.

  1. Choose a topic you are learning.
  2. Explain it in simple words. Pretend you are teaching it to someone who has never learned it before.
  3. Notice where you get stuck. Go back to your notes or textbook and review those parts.
  4. Try again. Explain the topic one more time using your own words.

You can write your explanation down, say it out loud, or even teach it to a friend or family member. If you can explain it simply, you are more likely to understand it!

The Pomodoro Technique: Study in Short Bursts

Do you have trouble staying focused while studying? The Pomodoro Technique breaks your study time into short blocks with breaks in between.

  1. Choose a task you want to work on.
  2. Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus only on that task.
  3. Take a 5-minute break when the timer goes off.
  4. Repeat for four rounds.
  5. After four rounds, take a longer 15–30-minute break.

Short study times can make a large task feel easier to manage. You can also change the study and break times to find what works best for you!

Find What Works for You

There is no single study method that works for everyone. Try different techniques and see which ones help you stay focused and remember what you learn. You may even find that using more than one method works best!

Need Additional Support?

From Summer to Semester: Prepare for Fall 2026

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August will be here before we know it! On-campus the grass will be green and the halls will be full of students; our online students will be signing in on their laptops and taking advantage of flexible programs… August is such an exciting time at Mo State! No matter what stage you’re at in your academic journey, the fall semester is undeniably an important term. Whether you’re stepping into your freshman year as a new student, beginning your senior year classes, or transferring from another institution you’ll find steps below on starting off strong.

Newly Admitted Adult Students

First, welcome to Missouri State University! Your first semester can feel daunting, and that’s normal! Take a deep breath and review our next steps checklist to be sure you’ve handled on the important elements: setting up your My Missouri State account, completing the FAFSA, meeting with your advisor, etc.

While optional, we recommend attending the Adult Student Orientation taking place on the Saturday before the start of the semester. It’s held on-campus and is a great opportunity to receive an introduction to Missouri State, take a tour, and meet other nontraditional students. If you’re unavailable or an online student – don’t worry! We’ll post the orientation materials on the Adult Student Services Community page in Brightspace for you to review at your convenience.

New Transfer Students

We are so happy you’ve chosen Missouri State on the next step in your academic journey! Review Transfer Student Checklist for guidance on activating your account, reviewing your transfer credits, finding your advisor, and more. Prior to registering for your classes, you’ll need to complete the online transfer orientation. It will give an overview on Missouri State policies, resources, services, and more.

If you’ve earned fewer than 24 transferable hours after graduating from high school and are not a nontraditional student, head to the admitted freshman checklist for your next steps.

Continuing Students

Congratulations on another semester completed and continuing to make progress toward your degree! By now, you may feel confident navigating next steps… but we’ve provided a quick list below (just in case!).

  1. Complete the FAFSA, if you haven’t already done so. Be sure to use Missouri State University’s federal school code: 002503.
  2. Meet with your advisor, if necessary.
  3. Register for classes.
  4. Purchase necessary supplies (textbooks, parking permits, etc.).
  5. Welcome your fellow Bears!

 

Welcome (back), Bears! It’s going to be a great semester!

 

Have a specific question or need a little more support? Connect directly with Adult Student Services.

Mid-Semester Check-In

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The semester is flying by and we are so eager to see campus bloom in the coming weeks. And if you can believe it, we are already at mid-semester and first block final exams (March 6th)!

Study Tips

  • Make time to study. As simple as it sounds, designating time specifically for study and review can make a huge impact in helping you feel prepared and easing pre-test anxieties.
  • Anotate your notes. Take notes and review them carefully. When you’re reviewing, write overarching ideas, important details, and definitions in your own words to help you retain the information. Don’t be afraid to revisit your source materials and textbooks.
  • Take advantage of your instructor’s office hours. Your instructors want to see you succeed. If you feel like you’re falling behind or need extra guidance on a topic covered in class, reach out and meet during their office hours.
  • Rest and refuel! Getting enough sleep and having proper nutrition will help you immensely.

Quick Tip

On campus and need a spot to relax or study? Check out the Commuter Corner on the second floor of the Plaster Student Union (PSU) next to Bear Necessities. The Commuter Corner is equipped with study pods, a microwave, a printer, and multi-seat tables. There’s comfortable seating throughout PSU with a variety of vendors for quick bites and drinks, making it a great spot to tuck into for a quick study session over lunch or between classes.

COMMUTER_CORNER 3

Commuter Corner, PSU. Image by Madison Reece, 2024.

Take a break

Shortly after exams, students will have spring break. March 14th-22nd, there are no classes and you are encouraged to celebrate your hard work and take a deep breath. For our students in the Ozarks region, there are so many events and activities happening this time of year. Visit Springfield has put together some great guides on spring activities: check them out! For our non-Ozarks students, check out your local activities boards and make time to enjoy your break from studies!

Note that offices remain open during spring break – we’re here if you need anything!

 

Do you need support?

We understand that the first weeks of the semester are full of transition; you have a new schedule and you’re learning all new information. Hopefully, as you settle into your routine you’re feeling more comfortable and confident on campus and in your online classes. Or, maybe you’re enrolled in second block classes and a brand new round of courses awaits you. Regardless of where your schedule takes you, Missouri State is here to help support you.

 

Stay Informed on Campus Happenings

 

You got this, Bears!

A Time for Thanks, A Time for Advising

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Before you sign off for Thanksgiving break, give your future self something to be thankful for: get prepared for the spring 2026 semester! Find a registration checklist and extra tips and resources to help you start the spring semester on a high note below.

Thanksgiving break: November 22, 2025-November 30, 2025. No classes, offices closed November 26-28, 2025. (See academic calendar)

Your Registration Checklist

1. Meet with your academic advisor

    • Find your advisor’s name and contact information in My Missouri State > My Student Records > Advising Notes
    • With your advisor, you can discuss your degree requirements, course options, and resources for support if you need extra assistance in the upcoming term.
    • If you do not have an assigned advisor, contact the appropriate advising center or connect with your department directly.
    • Check out our tips for making the most of your advising appointments

2. Remove registration holds

      • You won’t be able to register if you have any holds on your account, so it’s important to get those cleared up as soon as possible.
      • Clicking on the hold often provides more information or a way to resolve the hold, but a breakdown of hold codes can also be found online.
      • To find holds: Log in to My Missouri State > Registration > Registration Status Eligibility

3. Check your registration time

    • Your registration time is the earliest you’re able to register and is based on earned credit hours. You can register any time after your assigned time. It’s recommended to register as soon as possible to increase the likelihood of getting a seat in your preferred section(s).
    • This information is located on your Registration Status Eligibility page.

4. Register for classes

    • Review your Degree Audit to confirm the courses fit your program and requirements.
    • Use Trial Schedule Builder or the Class Schedule Search to review possible schedules. It’s a good idea to consider back up courses or alternative sections if you’re first option is full.

5. Check on your financial aid

 

Be Thankful You Thought Ahead!

If you are planning on taking classes in fall 2026 and spring 2027, set yourself up for success. The 2026-2027 FAFSA is open and applications are being accepted now. Complete by December 1, 2025 for priority consideration and to maximize your eligibility for grants and scholarships.

Furthermore, the MSU Annual Scholarship is also open! The deadline to submit is March 1, 2026; awards are dispersed in Fall 2026. This one application will apply you toward nearly 1,000 different scholarships. Please note that you must be admitted to MSU in order to access and complete this scholarship application.

  1. Log into your My Missouri State account.
  2. Locate your “Financial Aid & Scholarships” card.
  3. Complete your Financial Aid e-Agree (if you have not already done so).
  4. Select the MSU Foundation Scholarships link to complete and submit your application.

 

Additional Resources

  • Registration Resources: find guides on using the Trail Schedule Builder and adding/dropping classes
  • Academic Calendar: see important dates for spring 2026
    • Winter break: December 22-January 2 (no classes, offices closed)
    • Spring 2026 full semester and first block classes begin January 12, 2026
  • Student Support: there are many offices at Missouri State available to help you be successful. Take advantage of them!

 

Thankful to be a Bear!

A Study Guide for Studying: Part II, Review and Test Preparation

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Step 2 of learning how to study is actually studying (go back and read Part I: Note-Taking, if you missed it!). Studying is both simpler and more complex than one might think. Studying can be broken down into two smaller sections: preparation and time management.  

Preparation

In my opinion, the preparation takes the most time, because it requires planning (sometimes before you know what you’re planning for!). By reading your syllabus and keeping an up-to-date calendar of important due dates, you’re less likely to be surprised by any quizzes or exams. If you haven’t checked your syllabus or Brightspace lately for upcoming assignments, it’s not too late! Check down and begin preparing for future success.

If you’ve been keeping up with your notes (like we discussed in Part I), then you’ve been preparing! Taking notes help you actively engage with the material and promote retention. Next, do your assignments – doing is preparing.

Every assigned reading, discussion board, and homework assignment is designed to get you to study and retain information. By doing the work, your brain is making connections. 

Read your notes, revisit your graded assignments and make note of what you did well on and what areas could see improvement. Be brutally honest! If you find that you mix up dates in history, or swap integers in calculus, it’s important to recognize so you don’t continue to make the same mistakes.

Time Management

The second step, time management, would come after the test has been announced (or sooner if you’ve been keeping track on your syllabus!). A great way to manage your time to create a study plan. A study plan will help you stay focused and review the information you need to do. Questions to ask while you make your study plan: 

  • When is my test? 
  • What does it cover? (Specific chapters, topics/themes, etc.)
  • Was I comfortable with the assignments and readings that I completed in this module?  
  • What areas did I struggle most with?  

By asking these questions, you will be able to have a clear understanding of what you need to do.  

Making a Study Schedule  

While everyone’s study schedule will be different based on subject matter, familiarity level, timeline, etc., the following week-long sample plan serves as a solid foundation.

  • Day 1: Make an outline of what you already know. And revisit the textbook to add in additional details that you may have overlooked or forgotten. Also, leave a section for questions – write down any questions as they come (don’t answer them yet!).  
  • Day 2: Make flashcards for the unit, focusing on the areas that you struggled with, and quiz yourself regularly. 
  • Day 3: Take a brain break! Let your mind sit with information – allow the questions to arise (and write them down). This is a time where deficiencies can be defined clearly. 
  • Day 4: If you’re taking more than one class, begin mixing in flashcards from other classes to help your brain recall information when it’s not necessarily primed to do so. (This is a great tip from Cornell University!)
  • Day 5: Make a new outline of what you know. You’ve added more details and information in your mind, so it is a good idea review once more. 
  • Day 6: Test Eve! Find answers for all the questions you wrote down throughout the week and have not yet been able to answer during review.  
  • Day 7: Feel prepared on test day! 

 

Bonus Tips 

  • Get rest. It’s easy to fall into the thought pattern that you need to study as much as possible, even if it means giving up rest. This is a trap! Your mind and body need to rest in order to perform their best.
  • Proper nutrition*  Proper nutrition supports optimal brain function, so be sure you eat well during study sessions and on test day!
    • *If you’re facing food insecurity: visit the Bear Pantry or search Food Finder to find a local food pantry near you. 
  • Take advantage of MO State Resources!

 

Sources and Support

A Study Guide for Studying: Part I, Note-Taking

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Knowing how to take notes and how to study can be a key to success for students everywhere. By building strong habits and diligent practice, your memory will improve and your grasp on the information will strengthen. It’s more than rote memorization, it’s finding ways to deeply understand the information given and build your knowledge base.

Note Taking

Whether you enjoy taking notes or not, it is proven to be a valuable tool in learning and understanding. Simply writing down everything your instructor says word-for-word is unlikely to be helpful. Plus, can you really write as fast as someone speaks? Taking notes forces active engagement with the material. Because you cannot write as quickly as someone speakers, you are forced to condense and paraphrase the message in your own words (this strengthens comprehension!).

Typing and writing are both great ways to take notes, but by writing the information, new neural pathways are created which improves your memory. A study done in 2011 showed that, “Statistically, most studies on the relationship between handwriting and memory (including those conducted in Japan, Norway, and the United States) have shown that people remember information better when it is handwritten compared with when it is typed.” (Handwriting vs Typing, Longchamp) Typing is still an effective learning tool, but has spurs different brain activity.

Whether typing or handwriting your notes, you are forced to make connections with what you know and new information presented. Organizing the information by headings, bullets, and diagrams also helps simplify these complex ideas into digestible content. There are multiple proven note taking methods, but the best method for you is the one that you can stick with.

Cornell Method

This method was devised by Walter Paulk an education professor at Cornell University. With this method, you creat a space to write down facts (Notes), write down questions (Cue), and summarize the information on the page (Summary). You can use the Cornell Method for any subject and for any type of class or presentation: in-person, virtual, video, PowerPoints, etc.

Example:

example image of Cornell note set up

Learn more from the experts at Cornell

Outlining

Outlining is an easy and simple method for notetaking. Goodnotes breaks down the process into four easy steps:

  1. Write down the main point to the left of the page
  2. Indent to the right, and note any supporting ideas below it
  3. Whenever you need to elaborate on a point, indent to the right and start adding new points below
  4. Repeat

This method of note taking allows you to easily identify a hierarchy of ideas and how each point relates to each other. Outlining may not be best suited for diagrams, visuals, or charts, due to the overall structure of this note-taking style. This style is particularly beneficial for online/typed notes where information can quickly be added and adjusted for ease of organization.

Example

Example of outline structure with advantages and disadvantages

Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is another popular technique for notetaking. It can be particularly helpful within the review phase of studying, or as a summarization tool. A mind map is a visual representation of information and ideas, organized around a central topic, and branches and sub-branches help to capture relationships. Goodnotes offers 4 separate mind mapping methods: library maps, brace maps, flow charts, and brainstorming.

  1. Library maps are best used for organizing everything you need to know about a topic.
  2. Brace maps are usefully in breaking down big ideas into small parts- going from big ideas to topic specifics.
  3. Flow charts are helpful when you need to illustrate a process.
  4. Brainstorming is ideal when ideas are free-flowing. This may not be ideal for structures note taking during a lecture, but can be helpful when you’re generating ideas for creative projects or problem solving.

See examples for Mind Mapping

 

Summary

This is not a comprehensive list of note taking styles or methods, and more than likely, you’ll end up using a blend of these methods. Personally, I use the outlining method and add in visuals and diagrams as necessary, with labels to help me connect the point to the visual. The Center for Academic Success and Transition has additional academic resources for students on active reading strategies, additional note taking strategies, study tips, and more! Stay tuned for Part II – How to Actually Study.

Mind map showing the three note methods, concluding that individuals should choose what works for them.

Welcome Back, Bears!

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Sharpen your pencils and charge your laptop, it’s time to kick off a new semester of learning and growth, and we are so happy that you have joined us!

We understand the unique needs of adult learners and this monthly newsletter full of resources, tips, and important dates is just one way Adult Student Services can support you in achieving your academic goals.

In this month’s newsletter you will find important dates regarding the beginning of the semester, change of schedule, and refund/drop deadlines; an introduction to campus and learning resources; and tips for overcoming challenges and setting yourself up for a successful semester.

Important Dates

  • August 18 – First day of full semester and first block classes
  • August 18-22- Change of schedule period
  • August 22- Last day to drop for 100% refund * Be sure to check your Personalized Refund and Drop Deadlines from your portal August 29- Return to Learn Scholarship application deadline
  • September 1- Labor Day (no classes)
  • September 10- My Payment Plan installment due

Back-to-School Checklist

Student Resources

There are many resources available for Missouri State students, whether attending classes on campus or online.

Adult Student Services is your resource for resources! We understand that being a student is just one aspect of your life, and we are here to help you find a way to manage it all.

The Veteran Student Center serves veteran and military students and their dependents.

Bear CLAW Center for Learning and Writing offers tutoring, peer mentors and coaches, the Writing Center and Presentation Center.

The Disability Resource Center provides support, accommodations, and resources to help individuals with disabilities.

MSU Libraries offer access to all types of media, research assistance, and more.

The Computer Services Help Desk offers online and in-person support for account access, computer troubleshooting, and many how-to guides for processes such as registering for classes and using Brightspace.

The Career Center offers guidance about where different degrees can lead you, career fairs, mock interviews, and much more.

Student Wellness, Student Engagement, and the Foster Recreation Center create opportunities to connect, learn, engage, and take care of yourself through programs like the Fall Walking Challenge, online counseling, and student organizations.

This is nowhere close to a complete list of all the resources available to you as a student at Missouri State University, if you can’t find what you are looking for, please ask!

Tips for a successful semester:

1) Get organized- Whether you want to call it a plan, a schedule, a routine, or something else, time management is a big part of your life. You know what all you are responsible for, knowing how you are going to put the puzzle pieces together ahead of time will help you fulfill your responsibilities.

2) Plan on studying- The time commitment outside of class varies from course to course, but in general, doing well in your classes will require some study time. Maybe you will study in the evening after the kids are asleep or get up early to study before you go to work. Maybe you need to leave the house entirely to be able to focus and study at a library or coffee shop. Find what works best for you and protect it.

3) Communicate- Strong communication skills are important for every person in every aspect of life. Talking with your support network, instructors, and advisors can make a huge difference in your life as a student. Ask questions, ask for help, share your ideas and experiences.

4) Set realistic goals- An important factor in your success is being realistic about how much you can add to your already busy schedule. As tempting as it may be to dive in head-first, you are a full-time adult and easing back into school as a part-time student may benefit you in the long run. This allows you to acclimate to the changes in your schedule, routine, and get used to schoolwork again.

5) Keep an open mind- If it has been a while since you were in a classroom, school may be different than you remember. Technology has changed, the demographics of students have changed, academic expectations have changed, and most of all, you have changed. Whether you were previously a “good” student or a “bad” student does not define the type of student you will be now. You are not just here because you are “supposed” to be. You are actively choosing to be here, and that is powerful.

 

Here to Help!

Whether it is your first time attending college or you are picking up where you left off, we are excited to help and support you as you work towards your goals. Check out the Adult Student Services Blog and the Adult Student Services Community on Brightspace for more detailed information about resources and tips for success. As always, your Adult Student Services team is here to assist you in any way we can, so do not hesitate to reach out. Our booking links are always available online so you can schedule an appointment whenever you need us.

Making the Most of Advisement

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It’s registration season and that means it’s time to meet with your advisor! You are pursuing a degree at Missouri State University and that means you have access to a wonderful resource: an academic advisor. Your academic advisor is available to help you navigate your major and degree requirements, connect with campus resources, and more. On your Registration Status page, there’s a line for an “Advisor Release,” sometimes it says, “Not Required,” other times there’s a red X and you’re blocked from registering for classes. This is called a hold. 

When/Why Do I Have an Advisor Release Hold? 

Some groups of students are required to meet with an advisor. 

    • All undergraduate students with less than 75 completed credits.
    • All undergraduate students with less than three fall or spring advisor releases.
    • First-time transfer students
    • Students on academic probation
    • All graduate students

However, it’s a good idea to meet with your advisor regularly to check in on your academic progress, help you navigate the course catalog, and help you meet your goals – even if it’s not “required.”

How Do I Find My Advisor? 

Before you can meet with your advisor, you first need to figure out who they are and how to contact them. Advisor information can be found in a couple places on your My Missouri State account. 

  1. Advising Notes and Release
    • My Student Records card > Advising Notes
    • This is where you will see notes from all your advising appointments
  2. Registration Status 
    • Registration card > Registration Status link
    • This is where you’ll find any holds preventing registration

No advisor listed? No problem.
If you have a declared major, consult with the advisement center of the college of your major.* Reach out to the department of your major for assistance if your college is not indicated below.

 Darr College of Agriculture Student Success and Advisement Center
College of BusinessAdvisement Center
College of Education Advisement Center
College of Natural and Applied Sciences Student Success Office
McQueary College of Health and Human Services Student Success and Advisement Center
College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities Student Success and Advisement Center

*Incoming transfer students should locate their program’s transfer advisor. 

For adult students without a declared major, contact AdultStudentServices@MissouriState.edu to meet with an advisor.

After you locate your advisor, schedule with them using their booking link (if available) or send them an email to discuss meeting options. 

How Do I Actually Make the Most of My Appointment?

This is the hard part. You need to be prepared and engaged to recieve the greatest benefit of the meeting. First, review your degree audit/student planner, then write down any questions that come up while you review your materials . Don’t forget to mention any specific goals you have to explore ways to acheive them. We’ve provided a few examples below. Borrow these or make your own! This is your degree and journey. 

Questions to Ask

  1. What are the requirements of my degree?
  2. Are there any electives I should consider to boost my resume? 
  3. Is it worthwhile to add a certificate? 

Goals to Conisder

First, make sure you’re making S.M.A.R.T. Goals. 

  1. I want to raise my GPA by .5 this semester. What resources can I utilize to achieve this? 
  2. I want to finish my degree in 4 years – how many credit hours do I need to take each semester to meet this timeline? 
  3. I want to add in service learning to my curriculum. How can my program support this goal?

 Degree Audit and Student Planner

Degree audits are used by students and advisors for planning what courses to complete in order to earn a declared degree program and to view final graduation eligibility. The student education planner is used by students and advisor for planning course sequencing by semester (what order to take courses in).

  1. Sign into your My Missouri State.
  2. Locate the Degree Audit and SEP Card.
  3. View Degree Audit.

Finally, be sure to bring something to take down these notes: pen and paper, a laptop, even the notes app on your phone can be a good tool. Even though you can look back on your Advising Notes through your student portal, it is helpful to have notes of your own to refer to. 

Additional Resources

Preparing for Advising Appointments (CAST Blog, October 2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about Advising Issues 

Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals

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Each one of us has goals. To get an “A” in a course, to buy a new car, to retire by 65, etc. There’s not really any right or wrong goals, but you can go about acheiving them in a smart way… or should we say S.M.A.R.T way?

What is a S.M.A.R.T. goal?

A S.M.A.R.T goal is specific, measureable, attainable, realistic, and timebased.

  • Specific – What is your specific goal? Be as precise as possible. Answer who, what, when, where, and why. 
  • Measurable – How do you measure success? How will you know when you have reached your goal? Your measurement needs to be precise and answer the question of “how many” or “how often.” 
  • Attainable – Make sure your goal is attainable and realistic. If it isn’t, it will always remain a dream. While setting high standards is important, if the standards are unrealistic, then they probably will not be achieved. 
  • Realistic – Does your goal align with your other goals and your values? If it conflicts with your vision of yourself or your short- or long-term plans, then you should reassess the goal. 
  • Time-based – Set a deadline for achieving your goal. If your goal includes steps or milestones, make a timeframe for them as well. Again, be precise. If your deadline is a vague “sometime in the future,” then your goal may always remain a dream. 

Goals in Action

Let’s take a look at an example. Riley has never attended college, he did not take high school dual credit classes, and he graduated from high school over 10 years ago. He has been working for a popular retailer as a sales associate. He wants to move into a management role, but he needs a college degree to do so.

Riley’s goal? Get a degree as quickly as possible.

Is this a good goal? Sure. Is it a S.M.A.R.T. goal? Not really.

 

Why wasn’t Riley’s goal S.M.A.R.T? He didn’t specify what degree he wanted to pursue, didn’t set a timeframe, and didn’t consider his lifestyle needs.

Make it S.M.A.R.T

Riley was on the right track but here’s how he can improve:

  • Make the goal specific: Riley wants to finish a degree at Missouri State that compliments his career goals in 4 years so he can apply for management positions in the future.
  • Make it measurable: He needs to complete 15 credit hours a semester for 8 consecutive semesters (excluding summer) to graduate in 4 years.
  • Consider attainability: 4 years is the “typical” time to complete a bachelor’s degree. There are many support services at Missouri State to s
  • Is it realistic?: Riley will need to keep working full-time to support himself (limited availability for seated classes), and he still wants to have free time to travel. It is possible to work and go to school full time, but this isn’t conducive to Riley’s desires. By extending his timeline or reducing his fall/spring course load to take 1-2 summer classes can help create that “free time” to relax, spend time with loved ones and enjoy himself. He can also consider pursuing his degree online so he can work towards his degree on his own time from just about anywhere!
  • Time-Based: By the end of each academic year, Riley will need to have completed 30 credit hours (15 hours in the fall, 15 hours in the spring or 6 hours in the fall and spring and 3 hours in the summer) to maintain his 4-year completion goal.

Even with this S.M.A.R.T.-er goal, it could be improved by taking costs into consideration and setting goals for his GPA. This plan also doesn’t account for any fluctuations such as changing majors or needing to retake a class. If your circumstances change, it’s okay (and smart!) to reevaluate your plan and make tweaks to keep yourself on track. Riley could choose to extend his timeline to take fewer classes each term, or he could decide to sacrifice travel opportunities to take additional credit hours.

Takeaways

We’re here to help you set S.M.A.R.T. goals and achieve them, even as life circumstances change. We are here to help you succeed and take all the factors into consideration.

Through advisement, financial aid, and dozens of student support services – Missouri State is here to help you every step of the way.

Meet with an Adult Student advisor to see how you can get started.

 

Campus Resource Spotlight: Career Center

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Missouri State University offers numerous services to students – for both on campus students and those taking classes virtually. The Career Center is one area providing students with support. The Career Center can help you gain vital information about yourself, explore career options, and connect you with employers.  With spring commencement just around the corner, it’s a great time for our senior Bears to take a leap in preparing for the next step in the academic or professional journey. For our other undergraduate Bears, is it ever too early to begin planning for your future? 

Career Development Process 

Whether you’re new to the workforce or trying to determine how a college education can help you get ahead, it’s important to understand the steps of the career development process. This ongoing process includes self-knowledge, exploration, decision-making, and action.  

Self-Knowledge 

Self-knowledge standardly refers to knowledge of your own thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and desires. It also includes knowing your values and skills. Being able to identify these things is the first step in connecting them to a meaningful career.  

The Career Center offers one-on-one meetings with career resource specialists to help you gain self-knowledge and identify career assessments and inventories that will benefit you. You may also opt to enroll in IDS 120: Exploring Careers and Majors. This two-credit hour class is 16-weeks (full semester), is available either online or seated, and covers all the stages of the career development process.  

Exploration 

The second step is exploration. The U.S. Department of Labor has categorized 840 classifications of occupations. While it’s not feasible to take a look at every single occupation, there are ways to test the waters and learn more about career fields.  

The self-knowledge gained from step one can help to identify potential career fields that would be a good fit based on your personality, interests, skills, etc. Another great tool offered through the Career Center is What Can I Do with This Major? This site offers helpful information for nearly every major: career areas, types of employers, strategies to become a more marketable candidate, and more.  

When possible, you should talk to professionals working in areas that interest you. This can look like informal interviews and open discussions, or even job shadowing. Job shadowing is a method for observing or “shadowing” professionals at work. Sometimes a job shadow experience lasts only an hour or two; sometimes you are able to shadow a professional for an entire day or longer. 

Consider joining a campus organization based on your desired profession. Check out student organizations through BearLink.  

Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of research. Research occupations, industries, and employers. If you’re committed to living in a particular geographic region, you may begin your search by looking for growing or stable industries in the region. Check out these helpful career research tools. 

The Career Center can help you navigate these tools. If you have decided on a major, you may want to meet with the career resources specialist linked to your major.

Meet the Career Center staff to find your liaison

Decision-Making 

Step three (decision-making) can feel overwhelming. Remember to move through the Decision-Making Process logically and deliberately.  

  1. Identify the decision 
  2. Gather information 
  3. Identify alternatives 
  4. Determine pros and cons 
  5. Consider (and choose) among alternatives 
  6. Take action 
  7. Review and evaluate decision 

The Career Center’s resource specialists can share more on the Decision-Making Process and provide additional resources as you move through this process.  

Take Action 

You’ve done all the research, you’ve made your career decision, and now? You’re ready to act.  

Set S.M.A.R.T. goals 

  • Specific – What is your specific goal? Be as precise as possible. Answer who, what, when, where, and why. 
  • Measurable – How do you measure success? How will you know when you have reached your goal? Your measurement needs to be precise and answer the question of “how many” or “how often.” 
  • Attainable – Make sure your goal is attainable and realistic. If it isn’t, it will always remain a dream. While setting high standards is important, if the standards are unrealistic, then they probably will not be achieved. 
  • Realistic – Does your goal align with your other goals and your values? If it conflicts with your vision of yourself or your short- or long-term plans, then you should reassess the goal. 
  • Time-based – Set a deadline for achieving your goal. If your goal includes steps or milestones, make a timeframe for them as well. Again, be precise. If your deadline is a vague “sometime in the future,” then your goal may always remain a dream. 

 

Additional Services  

Career Counseling and Academic Major Exploration 

Internships and Relevant Experience 

  • Handshake (free to students and alumni) to find full-time jobs and internships 
  • Mock interviews 
  • Big Interview, which is an online resource allowing students to practice interview skills and receive instant performance feedback using their webcam 
  • Portfolio development 
  • Employer and industry research 
  • Networking 

Job Search, Graduate School, and the World of Work 

  • Assistance with the job-search process 
  •  Review of application materials 
  • Access to free Professional Headshot Booth 
  • Interview assistance 
  • Assistance with applying for graduate work or professional schools 
  • Information on the world of work 
  • Career Fairs

Connect with the Career Center. 

 

 

The world is yours, Bears!