1 Career Assessment

2 It is logical that, if you do what you like to do and if enjoy the tasks involves, then you will be more energized and perform better. A first step is to take a good hard look at yourself, where you are, what’s important to you and where you’re going,. Assessing yourself, being prepared to communicate clearly your skills, interests, strengths and career goals to others is essential.

3 Job / Career Satisfaction (identifying characteristics) What are 2 Qualities or strengths you most value in yourself? Have these qualities been recognized and rewarded? Have these qualities been consistent with the type of work you have performed? What are 2 areas in which you would like to increase competence? Have past jobs facilitated your development in these areas? What are the 2 kinds of work activity you enjoy most? Have past jobs centered on these activities? What are your principal areas of interest? Have these interests been satisfied in your career up to now? What are some areas in which you have acquired high skill levels? Has your career up to now, utilized these skills to an acceptable degree? What are 2 of your most dominant personality traits? Have past positions offered a comfortable fit with these traits? What are kinds of activities for which you have a strong aptitude? Have these activities been part of your job?

4 Career Path/Options  Have your career/job changes resulted from: 1. Your own decisions? 2. Events beyond your control? 3. The influences of others?

5  Are the original reasons for selecting your most recent job still valid?  What is your principal goal?  Is this realistic?

6 PERSONAL QUALITIES AND STRENGTHS? Which of your career options are likely to provide the kind of personal development you are seeking? Which of the options are likely to provide the level of job security you require? What factors may reduce the number of options available to you? Do you feel confident that these can be overcome? Do you feel that you are aware of most of your valid options ? If more education or training is required in order to quality for your option, is that acceptable? Are you willing to invest time and effort? If a drop in earnings would result from pursuing a particular options, is that acceptable ?

7 Attitude and Motivation Summarizing the way you feel about your initial expectations and your ability to cope with complexities of exploration. Are you moving toward a well-defined career goal or job rather than an unpleasant situation? Are you able to maintain and project a positive mental attitude despite the frustrations you face? Has your self-esteem remained intact despite experiencing rejection or lack of employer interest in you? Are you coping with the stress involved in exploring, job searching? Is your partner, family network, community supportive or your plans?

8 Family Involvement Summarizing the way you feel about other’s role and attitude toward your career plans, changes, etc. Other than yourself, who will be most affected by your career/job change? Will he/she participate in the choices and decisions you will be making relative to your changes? Is he/she likely to have insights about you that will be useful as you assess yourself and evaluate your options? Is he/she likely to positively affect your sense of self confidence and your ability to sustain motivation throughout the process? Are his/her life goals consistent with the decisions you are making about your career/job? Is your level of career satisfaction an important priority for him/her ?