A career assessment can involve
a number of things ranging from doing research on
your own to having formal testing done by a certified
career counselor. The type of career assessment
you need depends on your stage in life.
Formal career assessments
involve testing to find out what your personality
is like. Are you an extroverted, outgoing, people
person? Are you more of an introverted, shy person
who would rather deal with data than people? Are
you a high-energy person or do you prefer a slower,
steady pace? A career assessment test will help
you determine your personality type which will help
you know which type of careers are best suited for
you.
For example, a person who is good
at science may decide that a career in the medical
field would be good for him. If he is a person who
loves to be around people, has high energy, and
thrives on an ever-changing environment, he might
be suited to being an emergency room doctor or nurse.
However, if this person is more of a quiet, shy
person who prefers a slower, steady pace and dealing
with data instead of people, he should choose a
career as a laboratory technician or researcher
rather than a doctor or nurse.
Personality isn’t the only factor
a person should consider when doing a career assessment.
His interests and skills should also be considered.
In the example above, we talked about a person who
is skilled in and interested in the field of science.
There are many other fields of interest to consider,
including math, social studies, art, languages,
history, computer technology, agriculture, sports,
fine arts (such as theater, dance, music, and literature),
business, education, construction, cosmetology,
woodworking, and mechanics. The list could go on
and on and is as varied as people themselves. No
field of interest is less important than any other.
Each person is wired differently and is therefore
skilled in different areas.
Another factor in area is a person’s
values. What things are important to you in life?
Many people may be concerned about having a career
that will yield a high salary or recognition. They
may want to be in the public eye and be well known
for their accomplishments. Others may prefer to
have a job with a low stress level, or one that
has great job security. It may be important to some
people that their work makes a difference in the
lives of others or helps those in need. You may
want a job that offers very flexible hours or a
job that has a very steady schedule. Time off to
spend with friends and family might be an important
factor for you. Your career assessment should take
your life values and goals into consideration along
with your personality and fields of interest.
You can do one individually
or you might find it helpful to seek the advice
of a professional. Sometimes it is helpful to have
someone go over the results of the assessment with
you and offer ideas on the next steps to take. Ask
friends and family for referrals of a career assessment
professional in your area.
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