|
|
Evaluate Yourself
When making significant career or education decisions, it is important
to recognize a few key characteristics about yourself so that you make
choices that are well suited for you. Specifically, it is helpful to clearly
understand what you are interested in, what your strengths and abilities
are, what your personality type is, and what is valuable to you. Having
self-awareness about these attributes will help you choose a major, career,
or advanced degree program that will bring a sense of satisfaction.
One way to uncover such personal characteristics is to use self-assessment
tools. Assessment tools are designed to help you identify your interests,
skills, personality type, and values and how they can be best matched
with school or career pursuits. Many self-assessments make a correlation
between your personal attributes and related career fields, however, they
do not provide a definitive answer to the question "What career should
I choose?" Instead, they give you suggestions of a variety of careers
that might be a good match for you. You will benefit the most from self-assessment
if you see a Career Center counselor to assist you with interpreting the
results.
In addition to self-assessment tools, there are other ways you can evaluate
yourself. You can learn a great deal about your interests, skills and
values through real life experiences such as internships. Also, in-depth
discussion with a Career Center counselor can be a helpful means to evaluating
your personal characteristics as they relate to careers.
Below is information regarding the self-assessment tools offered by the Career
Center. You will need a referral from a Career Center counselor to take
an assessment. To do so, make a Mini-Appointment.
Reality Check
A common myth about self-assessment tools is that they tell
you what major or career to pursue. In reality, assessments
do not serve that purpose. Rather, they increase your self-awareness
so that you can choose a major or career path that fits you
given the unique person you are.
Interests - Strong Interest Inventory
The Strong Interest Inventory measures your interests in a wide
range of jobs, work tasks, leisure activities and school subjects. It
includes information on how your interests can be linked to majors, campus
activities, internships, and part-time jobs. It also provides tips for
choosing a:
- Major
- Graduate program
- First job out of college
This assessment is offered online. Once a Career Center counselor gives
you a referral, which will include instructions and login information,
go to the SkillsOne website to take
the assessment. An appointment with a Career Center counselor is required
in order to receive your results and will be scheduled when you are given
a referral.
Real World
A recent alum got a finance job after graduation, a typical first position for an
Econ major. She only worked in this field for a year, though, because she realized she was more interested
in technology, was good at solving problems and customer service, and wanted to interact with people instead
of working alone at her desk. She got a new job in software support which was a better match for her interests,
skills and personality.
Skills - SkillScan
SkillScan helps you identify your inherent strengths and skills
that are transferable across careers. It will help you to:
- Identify career options that utilize your skills and talents.
- Prepare strategies to move your career in the right direction.
- Gain a skill-based language that will help you market your strengths on a resume and in interviews.
This assessment will be completed during your 45-minute appointment with a Career Counselor.
You will receive instructions for completing SkillScan and will discuss your results
during the same appointment.
Values - Career Values
Career Values enables you to explore factors that are important to you in your work life.
Working in a career field that conforms to your
preferences for such things as time freedom, prestige, service to others, etc. will increase the likelihood of
satisfaction with your job. Career Values will help you:
- identify your work values
- explore the intensity of your feelings about some values
- determine if there are any conflicts between your values that make career choices difficult
This assessment will be completed during your 45-minute appointment with a Career Counselor. You will
receive instructions for completing Career Values and will discuss your results during the same
appointment.
Take Action
- Meet with a Career Center counselor (make a Mini-Appointment)
to determine which self-assessment tool might be appropriate
for you. You will be given instructions and login information and will
be scheduled for a follow-up appointment.
- Meet with a Career Center counselor during your scheduled appointment
to discuss your Strong or Typefocus results,
or complete and review SkillScan.
Back to Planning Your Future Home
|
