Know Thyself: Getting Started
By Cynthia M Piccolo
Choosing a career is no easy task – few people's childhood idea of being a fireman-astronaut-veterinarian actually comes to pass. The good news is that when trying to decide what we want to do in life, there are several sources of guidance.
Formal Testing
Formal testing is usually done at a public or private human resources company or employment agency, at a university, college, or high school career center, or at a university or college psychology/counseling center. Various tests are available online, but some of these are just "for fun" and are not formal or recognized. Formal, recognized tests (such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) are administered only by qualified individuals.
Tests normally used for career purposes are personality tests (such as the Myers-Briggs) and aptitude or vocational interest tests (such as the Jackson Vocational Interest Survey). Not all personality tests pertain to careers, and some vocational tests specialize in testing for aptitude in particular fields.
I once did a vocational aptitude test with a guidance counselor in high school. The test involved a string of paired options, from which I had to choose which interested me the most – of course, sometimes neither did. I recall one pairing being "would you rather be a worm farmer or a ballerina?" I don't recall what my results were. I did a second test in university, as part of a psychology course. My choices were analyzed, and I was given numerous career options, with the main two being international diplomacy or an officer in the military. (I find this ironic for several reasons.) Ultimately, I have become neither – though I wouldn't mind living in style as the ambassador to France or Italy.
Joking aside, more than simply being interesting, these tests have real uses. Overall, you collect and evaluate your preferences, interests, and traits. The results may reaffirm what you already know about yourself, show you how you've changed over the years, or give you new perspectives. For example, vocational aptitude tests present you with types of jobs that often you never knew existed. The tests also provide you with results categorizing levels of interest across career paths (e.g., life sciences, personal service, and teaching) and connect these career paths to possible types of jobs in which you could likely thrive.
Self-Assessment and Career-Strategy Books
Bookstores are full of self-help, self-assessment, and career-strategy books. These books can, of course, be costly, so browse before you buy. As another option, most libraries and career centers at schools and employment centers have some books you can browse through and/or borrow.
Overall, self-assessment and career-strategy books provide a wide range of tools, which usually include: worksheets for the informal assessment of personal interests, values, aptitudes, and goals; motivational/empowerment advice; descriptions of career fields, jobs, and work environments; lists of online job boards; samples and tips for cover letters and résumés; and tips for interviewing.
These books are useful for individuals who like do-it-yourself advice. They can also be used as a first step before consulting a professional and as an ongoing reference for career and job-search issues.
Career Counselors and Job-Search Consultants
Career counselors and job-search consultants have read the latest books, can assess career suitability, know about career planning and job satisfaction issues, have statistics on the latest "hot careers" and salary trends, and specialize in helping people identify what job is best for them. They are also experts in writing cover letters and résumés and in interview techniques. Career counselors and job-search consultants can usually be found at public or private human resources or employment agencies or at school career centers. Private career counselors will charge a fee for their service.
Career Workshops/Career Days
Career centers at colleges and universities often host career workshops of various types: panel discussions involving HR staff and employees from various fields; job/career fairs; career-planning workshops; tips (e.g., job searching, networking, interviewing); and workshops. So if you're a new or recent graduate, see what your alma mater has to offer. Or, see if your local college/university allows non-students to participate.
Job Shadowing or Mentoring
Many school districts have take-your-kids-to-work days to help students make career choices. Find out if you can do the same! Contact a clinic or lab, and ask if you can arrange to speak to someone in a department or on a unit of interest. And, if possible, try to shadow someone on the job. In doing this, you can ask questions and learn about the good and the bad, the routine and the exciting, and see a "day in the life" of someone on the job.