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.