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Get to Know Yourself
There is a big difference between getting a job and reaching a career destination where you love what you do! This section on self-discovery gives you some tools to learn more about yourself and suggests ways to translate that self-knowledge into successful career planning and job search goals. The first step in your self-discovery quest is one that you will repeat many times in your life: an inventory of your interests, values, personal style and skills. Even if you have a good idea of what you want to do, self-assessment is vital to writing a resume and doing well in an interview. These exercises will provide a frame of reference when you begin to explore your career options.
Where are you in the career planning cycle? Use the bullets below as a guide to see what you have and still have left to do.
Self-Assessment — Obtaining Information About Yourself
- I am aware of the interests that I possess and can name five activities that I enjoy.
- I am aware of the skills that I possess and can identify my five most developed skills.
- I am aware of the personality characteristics that I possess and can name five characteristics to describe myself.
- I know what I value in a career and can list five work-related values that meet my career expectations.
Career-Exploration — Increasing Knowledge of Career Options
- I can identify ten careers that integrate my interests, skills, personality characteristics and work-related values.
- I can identify five career resource publications that provide information about my career options.
- I can list the names and titles of five people to ask for information about my career options.
Career Decision-Making — Selecting a Primary Career Goal
- I have researched information on five career choices.
- I am familiar with one decision-making method and can describe that process.
- I have made a career decision and can describe that choice in detail (i.e. title, duties, qualifications, salary, career path).
Preparation — Creating a Career Goal Action Plan
- f can identify five work-related qualifications that are necessary in my career choice.
- I can identify academic programmes and courses relevant to my career choice (i.e. major, minor, graduate schools).
- I can list the titles / locations of five volunteer, internship, or work experience opportunities relevant to my career choice.
- I can name five student / professional organisations that are related to my career choice.
Job Search — Job Seeking and Career Employment
- I have developed an effective resume and cover letter.
- I have developed effective interviewing skills.
- I am familiar with five different strategies for job seeking.
- I can name ten companies or industries that are potential employers.
Career Management — Advancing in Your Career
- I can describe and rank by preference the positions I have been offered.
- I have accepted an offer of career employment.
- I can describe methods of advancing in my organisation. I can describe my next career goal.
- I know how to initiate a career change when it is necessary.
Discussion:
Where are you in the career planning cycle? What have you done? And what have you left to do?