Values
An individual’s values are often one of the most overlooked aspects of the career exploration process but are in actuality among the most important factors to consider. Career satisfaction has been linked to increased success in the workplace, as well as a higher likelihood that one will persist in their chosen field. Conversely, many have discovered rather quickly when they begin a job that does not align with their personal values that the work can be extremely draining and may even begin immediately researching alternative career options. (For example, someone who deeply values their time spent with family and friends may not want to pursue a job that requires 60+ hours of work per week or a large travel requirement.) Therefore, it is very important at the beginning of your career journey to devote time to discovering your personal and professional values and how they may or may not align with the industries you are considering.
Skills, Strengths, and Interests
It is extremely important to be aligned with your skills and interests so you can not only be successful in your chosen career but enjoy it as well. Playing to your natural strengths creates job satisfaction and allows you to grow. Skills are learned through effort and repetition; strengths are those talents and tasks that feel effortless and instinctive. Interests serve as motivators that inspire an individual to learn more and grow in that given area. You can gain insight on your skills/strengths/interests through reflection, conversations with those close to you, and assessments. It is important to remember to continue developing these skills as time goes on and redirect your goals if your strengths/interests change.
- LinkedIn Learning: Join leadership expert Dave Crenshaw on a journey of self-discovery as he walks you through a simple framework to identify your strengths. Discover your natural gifts, your passions, your skills, and your greatest abilities.
Career Exploration Assessments
Don’t know where to start on your career exploration journey?
Taking an assessment can be a great way to embark on the search process as it allows you to engage in personal reflection and provides potential career considerations based on your responses. Remember, assessments are by no means intended to place you “in a box” and dictate your only future possibilities. Rather, they are a great way to begin identifying potential career options and to determine your next steps in the exploration process.
- CCE Career Assessment Tools: CCE provides additional online assessment tools, including the CareerLeader and CliftonStrengths to help you explore your interests, strengths and fits. Talk to your Career Coach if you are interested to discover which assessment might be right for you!
- CareerLeader Assessment: Developed by two experienced Harvard Business School career counselors, CareerLeader is an interactive tool that offers a personalized, online self-assessment, turning insights about your skills, interests, motivators and passions into concrete recommendations for your business career path.
- CliftonStrengths Assessment: A popular assessment tool developed by Gallup that identifies and measures an individual’s unique set of strengths or talents.Â
Additional Career Resources
Podcasts
Further Readings and Assessments
- Work values test: Want to know what makes you happy or unhappy at your work and career? This free online assessment helps you identify which work values matter most to you.
- Strengths Profile: An online assessment that gives you a unique profile revealing your realized and unrealized strengths, learned behaviors and weaknesses.
- 16 Personalities Test: Based on the MBTI, 16 Personalities provides a free online assessment that allows you to learn more about your personality and how it relates to potential career paths.
- Career Explorer by Sokanu: Free, in-depth online assessment that provides personality insights and shows how they relate to potential majors, careers, and work environments where you might thrive.