Self Assessments: Guidance To Your Career Path Office of Career & Transfer Services Harcum College

What Is A Self-Assessment Self-assessment is the process of learning more about yourself to help you make a wise decision when selecting a major and/or a career path. It is not a ‘magic’ bullet that will tell you what you should do or be…rather it’s a careful review of several key components.

I should take an assessment if… I have a very general major; I’m undecided I don’t know what I want to do with my life after college I’m interested in more than one major and I don’t know which one to choose I have a major, but I’m not sure if it’s right for me I want to learn more about myself: personality, interests, skills, values I’ve selected a major and a career, but I think I made the wrong decision I’ve selected a career or major, but I can’t decide on a specialty area I’m thinking of changing careers or majors I can’t make up my mind about anything and I feel pressure to make a decision

What Do Self-Assessments Measure? InterestsSkillsPersonalityValues The combination of these assessments can provide a clearer picture of you!

Interests What you enjoy doing…ie. Playing golf, hanging out with friends, travelling, etc. Someone who LOVES to be outdoors would get more enjoyment working as a: 1.Receptionist 2.Walmart Manager 3.Camp Counselor

Online Self-Assessments I NTERESTS OSCAR INTEREST PROFILER RIASEC Interest Inventory (PDF)RIASEC Interest Inventory (PDF) RIASEC Occupations (PDF)RIASEC Occupations Holland Code Majors (PDF)Holland Code Majors

Skills The activities you are good at, such as writing, problem-solving, teaching, etc. Would someone who has limited knowledge about computer programs become an IT guy/gal?

Online Self-Assessments S KILLS America’s Career InfoNet Skills Profiler O*Net Skills Search Motivated Skills Test Transferable Skills Survey

Personality A person’s traits, motivational drives, needs, and attitudes. Would someone with a bleak attitude towards life would do well as a crisis counselor?

Online Self-Assessments P ERSONALITY True Colors Personality Assessment Type Focus Personality Keirsey Temperament Sorter Personality Mosaic

Values the things that are important to you, like achievement, status, and autonomy Would someone who vastly values team work and social interaction do well in a position where they are isolated and work by themselves?

Online Self-Assessments V ALUES Work Values Inventory Life Values Inventory Career Path Assessment Employment Characteristics Inventory

Interests Skills Personality Values The combination of these assessments can provide a clearer picture of you!

Helpful Online Tools Target Your Interests (Online)Target Your Interests Prioritizing Grid Research Occupations Salary.com

How To Utilize Self-Assessments Step 1: Complete a self-assessment. Step 2: List 4-10 jobs that appeal to you. Step 3: Research these jobs and reduce to 4. Step 4: Use Keywords and job titles from your list to identify career positions. Step 5: Based on the job description, determine what you still need to develop or achieve to reach career goal

Important Tips Be Honest With Yourself. Answer what you are, not what you want to be. Meet with the Office of Career & Transfer Services for additional help. Be open-minded about career options. Some assessments make time to complete. The Biggest Tip…

Take The Time To Invest In: Yourself

Holland and RIASEC Career Orientation Characteristics Representative Occupations 1. Realistic Prefers activities involving the systematic manipulation of machinery, tools, or animals in a well-ordered environment. The individuals may lack social skill. They are most likely to be described as genuine, stable, practical and may be shy, uninsightful, and conforming. Semi-skilled or crafts positions: carpenter, architects, machinist, assembly line worker 2. Investigative Prefer activities that involved observing and analyzing phenomena to develop knowledge and understanding. They tend to be curious, methodical, and precise. Science: biologist, mathematician Business :Research & development 3. Artistic Prefer ambiguous and unsystematic activities in expressive forms - written, spoken or visual. They tend to be imaginative, intuitive and independent. Artistic: painter, musician, dramatist Business: advertising, graphics 4. Social Prefer activities that involve informing, helping, or developing others. Dislike well-ordered and systematic work environments. They are often describe as sociable, tactful, friendly, understanding and helpful. Counseling, nursing, teaching. Business: marketing, sales, training & development 5. Enterprising Prefer to lead and control others in order to achieve specific organizational goals or obtain economic gains. They are confident, ambitious, energetic, and talkative. Banker, lawyer, salespeople, manager 6. Conventional Prefer rule-regulated, orderly activities which include organizing written or numerical information in a fairly stable work setting. Typically describe as conforming, orderly, efficient, and practical. Accountant, financial experts, secretaries, file clerks