1. How People Choose Occupations

2. Self – Concept Dr. Donald Super states that a person chooses an occupation according to the type of person you think you are. –Example: Rugged, masculine and tough = logger, heavy duty equipment operator Clever and a good talker = sales person Artistic and creative = fashion

3. How you feel about yourself, your self-concept, is extremely important Newborn child – no initial concept Child grows – self-concept develops based on life experiences and social interaction Awareness of self-concept – helps you become the person you want to be How you believe others feel about you is part of your self-concept –Person tends to become the kind of person others expect –For example, if your teacher or supervisor says you have lots of potential you may work harder to fulfill this expectation –Everyone thinks of you slightly different –For example, your employer may see you as responsible and quick learning, but lack in organization abilities, where as a friend may see you as good listener and a fun person to be with

4. Poor self-concept often lower expectations and unconsciously fulfill these expectations –For example, if something bad happens to them, these people tend to blame themselves even if the situation is not their fault. If something good happens to them, they may assume it was due to chance. People who think that they will not succeed may influence their success in a negative way – Self-fulfilling prophesy may also constantly criticize others – “build themselves up by tearing others down” consider themselves to be better than anyone else

5. Positive attitude Tell themselves they can accomplish their objectives Tend to develop a good self-concept Ideally – see yourself in a realistic and favourable light If you think well of yourself, you will be better able to fulfill your expectations of success When relating to others and yourself, remember that everyone is unique and has value as a person in spite of slight imperfections We all have enormous potential and are capable of accepting others and of being accepted by them

6. Personality Dr. John Holland believes choosing an occupation is just a way of expressing your personality. People who go into an occupation tend to have similar personalities. In order to make a good occupation choice one must match it with their personality. According to Holland there are six personality types.

7. Thinker (Investigative) Scientific orientation Task-oriented, all wrapped up in their work Introspective and asocial Think through rather than act out problems Strong need to understand the world Enjoy ambiguous (theoretical) tasks Prefer to work independently Have unconventional attitudes See themselves as lacking in leadership skills Analytical, curious, reserved, independent Confident of their intellectual abilities Great dislike for repetitive activities Buy telescopes, calculators, electronic equipment

8. Organizer (Conventional) Prefer well-ordered environments Like systematic verbal and numerical activities Avoid ambiguous situations and problems involving interpersonal relationships Conscientious, efficient, practical Identify with power Value material possessions and status Orderly, persistent, calm Adverse to free, unsystematic, exploratory behaviour in new areas Do not seek out leadership Stable, well-controlled, dependable Most effective at well-defined tasks Save their money or buy conservative things (furniture, houses)

9. Doer (Realistic) Robust, rugged, practical, physically strong Uncomfortable in social settings Good motor coordination Weak verbal and interpersonal skills See themselves as mechanically and athletically inclined Stable, natural, persistent Prefer concrete to abstract problems Have conventional political and economic goals Rarely perform creatively in the arts or science Like to build things with tools Cool to radical new ideas Like to work with big, powerful machines Buy boats, campers, snowmobiles, motorcycles

10. Creator (Artistic) Like art, music, drama, other creative interests Prefer free, unstructured situations Impulsive, nonconforming, independent Adverse to rules Deal with problems through self- expression Like to work in free environments Like small, intimate groups Willing to take risks to try something new Dress in freer styles than other people Have need for individualistic expression Not assertive about own capabilities Sensitive and emotional Spend money on art objects, books, paintings

11. Helper (Social) Sociable, responsible, humanistic, religious Like to work in groups Have verbal and interpersonal skills Avoid both intellectual problem solving and physical exertion Enjoy curling, training, or enlightening others Understanding, helpful, idealistic Dislike working with machines or in highly structured situations Like to discuss philosophic questions Concerned with welfare others Cooperative, friendly, generous Attend lots of workshops, other groups

12. Persuader (Enterprising) Good verbal skills, persuasive Strong leaders Avoid work involving long periods or intellectual effort Strong drive to attain organization goals Concerned with power, status, and leadership Aggressive, popular, self- confident, sociable High energy level Adventuresome, ambitious Enjoy making things happen Value money and material possessions Dislike science and systematic thinking Buy big cars, nice clothes, country club membership

13. Process Ginzberg, Ginsburg, Axelrad & Herma argue that vocational choice is a slow, complicated proves that occurs in clearly marked periods. Four variables identified in making vocational choices –Environmental Factors – responding to pressure of your environment –Educational Factors – the amount and kind of education you receive –Emotional Factors - how a person responds to his or her environment –Individual Values – what an individual perceives as important to them Occupational choice takes place over a period of approximately 11 to 13 years from age 11 to 22 or 24 years. During this time frame a young person makes a series of decisions which gradually reduce the number of choices that are left. A person goes through 3 major periods as well as a number of minor stages in this process of vocational choice.

14. Fantasy period – 8 to 10 years The child thinks they can be anything they want to be A time of make believe Children “play at working”

15. Tentative Period – 11 to 18 years Interest Stage – 11 to 12 years Child begins to recognize the need to identify a career direction Child identifies activities that they like or dislike Capacity Stage – 12 to 14 years Introduction of the notion of “Abilities” into career choice Starting to evaluate their ability to perform in areas of interest

16. Value Stage – 14 to 16 years Introduction of the notion of “service” to society Awareness that work offers more than just the potential of satisfying their own needs Begin to develop a broader time perspective than had before Begin thinking of a career in terms of day-in, day-out activities for years Becoming sensitive to the imminence of vocational commitment

17. Transition Stage – 16 to 18 Individuals begin to face the necessity to make immediate concrete and realistic decisions about vocational future Individuals assume responsibility for these decisions The amount and kind of preparation for career is studied The recognition of varying financial awards is keen

18. Realistic Period – 18 to 22/24 years Exploration Stage Starts at post secondary education Marked by narrower goals, compared to broader goals earlier General indecisiveness continues because interests are still changing Selects a path to follow from 2 or 3 strong interest areas Crystallization Stage Have become involved in specific major field Have a clear idea of what occupational tracks they wish to avoid A commitment to a career choice has become strong Specification Stage Final point in career development

19. Chance “It just happened!”

20. Self – Assessment Self-assessment is a process of determining who you are and how you change over time. As you progress through your school and work experience, you will continue to develop and to learn new things about yourself. –For example, a person who becomes successful in several sports may develop confidence in his or her physical abilities and build a strong competitive nature. –A person who is forced into temporary unemployment may better understand the importance of work in his or her life. Awareness of who you are physically, mentally, and emotionally and how you are changing will help you to make decisions about your future lifestyle and career. You need to examine your characteristics, motivations, values, skills and interests so you can better form career goals that suit you.