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Career Compass

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Jessica Gonzalez

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Compass Coaching Plan

Guide a 12th-grade student to pinpoint career interests, set a targeted SMART goal, and build a detailed Personal Action Plan with a framework for weekly progress tracking.

By clarifying interests, setting meaningful goals, and mapping concrete steps, the student gains ownership of their post-graduation pathway, boosting motivation and accountability.

Audience

12th Grade Student

Time

25 minutes

Approach

One-on-one guided coaching with structured reflections and planning.

Materials

SMART Goal Setting Slide Deck, - Personal Action Plan Worksheet, and - Weekly Progress Log Journal

Prep

Review Materials and Prepare

5 minutes

  • Review the SMART Goal Setting Slide Deck to familiarize with each SMART component prompt.
  • Print or digitally prepare copies of the Personal Action Plan Worksheet and Weekly Progress Log Journal.
  • Jot down 2–3 open-ended questions for career interest exploration.

Step 1

Introduction & Rapport

2 minutes

  • Welcome the student and explain the 25-minute coaching format.
  • Outline today’s objectives: reflect on interests, set a SMART goal, and plan actions.

Step 2

Career Interest Reflection

5 minutes

  • Ask the student to share their top 2–3 career interests.
  • Probe with questions: “What draws you to this field?” “Which skills excite you most?”
  • Note key motivations to align the goal.

Step 3

SMART Goal Setting

8 minutes

  • Walk through the SMART Goal Setting Slide Deck.
  • Collaboratively draft one SMART goal linked to the student’s interest.
  • Verify each element: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.

Step 4

Personal Action Plan Development

7 minutes

  • Provide the Personal Action Plan Worksheet.
  • Break the SMART goal into 3–5 actionable steps with rough deadlines.
  • Identify any required resources or support for each step.

Step 5

Next Steps & Progress Tracking

3 minutes

  • Introduce the Weekly Progress Log Journal.
  • Explain how to record actions, challenges, and reflections each week.
  • Schedule a brief follow-up to review progress and adjust the plan.
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Slide Deck

SMART Goal Setting

Use the SMART framework to create clear, actionable goals.

Welcome the student and introduce the purpose of this mini-lesson: to learn how SMART goals help clarify and focus actions.

Why SMART Goals?

• Improve focus and clarity
• Track progress effectively
• Increase motivation and accountability

Explain why vague goals often fail and how SMART criteria boost accountability and progress tracking.

S: Specific

Define exactly what you want to accomplish.
Prompt: Who? What? Where? Why?

Define the “Specific” element and prompt the student with guiding questions.

M: Measurable

Determine how you’ll measure success.
Prompt: How much? How many? How will I know?

Stress the need for measurable indicators so progress is visible.

A: Achievable

Ensure your goal is realistic and attainable.
Prompt: Do I have the skills/resources?

Discuss realistic considerations—resources, time, and skills—to ensure achievability.

R: Relevant

Align your goal with your broader aspirations.
Prompt: Why does this matter to you?

Connect goals to long-term ambitions to reinforce relevance.

T: Time-Bound

Set a clear deadline.
Prompt: When will it be accomplished?

Highlight the importance of deadlines for momentum and urgency.

Example SMART Goal

Specific: Complete a draft résumé tailored to marketing internships
Measurable: Include 5 key achievement bullet points
Achievable: Schedule two 30-minute writing sessions this week
Relevant: Supports upcoming college applications in business
Time-Bound: Finish draft by Friday at 5 PM

Walk through each SMART element in this example and ask how it could apply to the student’s interests.

Your Turn: Draft Your SMART Goal

Use the prompts below to write your goal:
• Specific:
• Measurable:
• Achievable:
• Relevant:
• Time-Bound:

Invite the student to draft their own SMART goal using these prompts. Offer support and feedback.

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Worksheet

Personal Action Plan Worksheet

Restate Your SMART Goal

Write the SMART goal you set with your coach today:










Break Your Goal into Action Steps

For each action step, specify a deadline, needed resources, accountability partner, and a date to check your progress.

Action Step DescriptionDeadlineResources NeededAccountability PartnerProgress Check Date
1.


2.


3.


4. (Optional)


Identify Potential Obstacles

What challenges might you face? How can you address them?














Support & Check-In Plan

Who will you check in with, how often, and by what method (in-person, email, journal)?










Remember to use the Weekly Progress Log Journal to record your weekly updates and reflections.

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Journal

Weekly Progress Log

Date: ________________________





1. Review of Action Steps Completed

Which steps from your Personal Action Plan did you complete this week? How did they go?





2. Successes & Wins

What accomplishments or breakthroughs did you have this week? Celebrate your progress!





3. Challenges & Obstacles

What difficulties or roadblocks did you face? How did you respond?





4. Lessons Learned

What did you learn about yourself, your process, or your resources? How will that inform next steps?





5. Goals & Action Steps for Next Week

Based on this week’s reflection, what will you focus on next? List 2–3 specific action steps.





6. Additional Notes or Questions

Any further thoughts, ideas, or support you need before our next check-in?





Remember to revisit your SMART goal in the Personal Action Plan Worksheet and adjust as needed before our next session.

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