know where you are

Know where you are

The first step to solving a career problem is to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. Exploring your values, interests, and skills will help you find a major and career options that match up with your goals. Whether you are choosing a major, searching for a job, or applying to grad schools, this chapter can help you develop and implement plan for the future.

know about yourself

Knowing what is important to you (your values), what you enjoy (your interests) and what you do well (your skills) will make it easier for you to make a career decision. Think of values, interests, and skills as the three legs of a stool. You will sit more comfortably with your decision if each legs is equally strong.

It is common for people to have difficulty identifying their values, interests, and skills, as we are not often asked to think about this topic. A career advisor can help you get started if you find this process challenging.

Know About Your Options

A career advisor can help you determine majors, occupations, jobs, and related alternatives that match your values, interests, and skills. Listing your options is only half the battle. It is also important to know what options mean in the “real world.”

If your world mirrored prime-time TV, which occupations would you choose? Maybe a lawyer, doctor, detective, or crime scene investigator? The list might be short. Keep in mind that the unexciting duties of some occupations are rarely portrayed on TV.

Discover More About Yourself

A key aspect of most career choices is knowing about yourself. The Career center can help with this self-assessment process. There is NOT a magic test that will tell you what to be, but The Career Center offers variety of print and computer-based self-assessment activities to help you think about your personal characteristics in relation to the options you are considering.

Think About Your Decision-Making

Have you ever had stage fright before a big performance, choked when playing your favorite sport, or experienced butterflies before giving a presentation? These experiences are a natural reaction to stressful events in your environment. Similarly, some people become anxious when thinking about career decisions they must make.

If you find yourself having negative thoughts about current situation, a career advisor can help you learn how to work through these barriers.