Setting Mid-Year Academic and Career Goals: How Student Veterans Can Reset, Refocus, and Rebuild Momentum
Midway through the year is the perfect time to take stock of your academic and career journey. Whether transitioning from the military or being in school for a few semesters, setting clear mid-year goals helps you stay focused and finish strong. The second half of the year offers fresh opportunities, so don't let it pass you by without a plan.
Reflect on What's Working (and What's Not)
Before setting new goals, take 15-30 minutes to review your spring semester or recent experiences. Ask yourself:
What classes or work projects went well?
Where did I struggle—and why?
Have I made progress toward my academic or career goals?
Write down a few wins and a few areas to improve. Don't just think about grades—consider time management, well-being, networking, and personal growth.
Set SMART Goals for the Next 6 Months
Instead of saying, "I want to do better in school," try:
"I will raise my GPA from 2.8 to 3.2 by improving my performance in core classes this fall."
Or instead of, "I want a job," try:
"I will apply to 10 internships in my field by October and attend three career workshops."
Set 2–3 academic goals and 2–3 career-related ones. Write them down. Better yet—share them with a mentor, advisor, or fellow student vet who can help hold you accountable.
Align Your Goals with Your Long-Term Vision
Not every goal needs to be a moonshot, but it should move you closer to what you want.
Ask yourself:
Is this class or major getting me closer to the job I want?
Am I networking with the right people?
Am I building skills that will help in the civilian workforce?
If something feels off, now's the time to pivot. Mid-year is ideal for course corrections before you invest more time in the wrong direction.
Use Your Resources (You Don't Have to Go It Alone)
One challenge many student veterans face is feeling like they have to do it all solo. You don't.
Check out:
Veterans Resource Centers on campus for academic support and peer connections
Career services for resume help, mock interviews, and internship leads
Tutoring or academic coaching—especially if a tricky subject is holding you back
Leverage your resources and ask for help early and often. Smart doesn't mean doing it alone. It means using what's available to your advantage.
Build in Weekly Checkpoints
Goals can slip through the cracks fast if you're not tracking them. Set a simple weekly check-in every Sunday or Monday:
What did I accomplish last week?
What are my top 3 priorities for this week?
Am I moving closer to my goals?
Use a notebook, spreadsheet, or app—whatever works for you. This small habit can make a big difference in staying on course.
Keep It Flexible, Stay Mission-Focused
Just like in the military, your plan will meet resistance. Classes get harder, personal life gets busy, and motivation can dip—that's normal. What matters is that you adjust, adapt, and keep moving.
Setting mid-year academic and career goals helps to maintain momentum and take ownership of your future. You've already proven you can lead, learn, and adapt under pressure. Now it's time to apply that mindset to your next mission: success in college and beyond.