Explore Careers
Discover The Real You
GET TO KNOW YOURSELF
There’s 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 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 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 interview 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
- I can identify five work qualifications that are necessary in my career
choice.
- I can identify academic programs 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 organizations 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 organization. I can describe
my next career goal.
- I know how to initiate a career change when it is necessary.