Day 2; Self Evaluation, continued.

Based on Day 1's Self Evaluation Blog, please fill out the following:

Current Line of Work:

Line of Work I am Pursuing:

What I Hope to be Doing 1 Year From Now:

Has the profile I just developed fit this plan?:

Now, think about your life, your family, your concerns about the future of your employment.
Then fill out the following chart:

1) I think that I fit into the _____ category because (please be specific):





2) I don’t think that I fit into the _____ category because (please be specific):






3) What have I learned about myself from this exercise, and what can I do to change?
I HAVE LEARNED:


I WISH TO CHANGE:



Additional thoughts and ideas for possible changes:

The Career Interests Game

Welcome to the Career Interests Game! This is a game designed to help you match your interests and skills with similar careers. It can help you begin thinking about how your personality will fit in with specific work environments and careers. Come play along and see what happens!

This exercise is based on Dr. John Holland's theory that people and work environments can be loosely classified into six different groups. Different peoples' personalities may find different environments more to their liking. While you may have some interests in and similarities to several of the six groups, you may be attracted primarily to two or three of the areas. These two or three letters are your Holland Code.

Imagine walking into a room in which the six groups of people below are already interacting. Read the descriptions of each group and list the group you would be drawn to first, then your second choice, and finally your third choice.

For example, if you choose R then E and then S you would most resemble the Realistic type, somewhat less resemble the Enterprising type, and resemble the Social type even less. The types that are not in your code are the types you resemble least of all. Most people, and most jobs, are some combination of two or three of the Holland interest areas.

REALISTIC = R

People who have athletic or mechanical ability, prefer to work with objects, machine, tools, plants or animals, or to be outdoors

INVESTIGATIVE = I

People who like to observe, learn, investigate, analyze, evaluate or solve problems.

ARTISTIC = A

People who have artistic, innovating or intuitional abilities and like to work in unstructured situations using their imagination and creativity.

SOCIAL = S

People who like to work with people to enlighten, inform, help, train, or cure them, or are skilled with words.

ENTERTAINING = E

People who like to work with people, influencing, persuading, performing, leading or managing for organizational goals or economic gain

CONVENTIONAL = C

People who like to work with data, have clerical or numerical ability, carry out tasks in detail or follow through on others' instructions

This RIASEC model of occupations is the copyrighted work of Dr. John L. Holland, and his publisher, Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc. (PAR).

For the following 3 questions, select one or more, up to three:
I MOST resemble: R I A S E C

I SORT OF resemble: R I A S E C

I don’t really resemble: R I A S E C all that much.

Why do you think you’ve made those choices?


Now that you’ve determined the Holland type(s) you are, read through the following to see if your idea(s) for the type of work you want to do, coincide with your results.

*Note: I am not a psychologist, nor is this test a total validation of the Holland measure, it is strictly an an indication of your interests, and it points to possibilities or potential for you.

REALISTIC
The "Do-ers"

ARE YOU:
practical
athletic
straightforward/frank
mechanically inclined
a nature lover
thrifty
curious about the physical world
stable
concrete
reserved
self-controlled
independent
ambitious
systematic
persistent

CAN YOU:
fix electrical things
solve electrical problems
pitch a tent
play a sport
read a blueprint
plant a garden
operate tools and machinery

DO YOU LIKE TO:
tinker with machines/vehicles
work outdoors
use your hands
be physically active
build things
tend/train animals
work on electronic equipment

HOBBIES:
Refinishing furniture
Growing plants/flowers
Playing sports
Hunting/fishing
Woodworking
Coaching team sports
Building models
Repairing cars, equipment, etc.
Target shooting
Landscaping
Taking exercise classes

CAREER POSSIBILITIES (HOLLAND CODE)
Aerospace Physiologist (RSE)
Air-Conditioning Mechanics (RIE)
Aircraft Mechanic (RIE)
Appliance Mechanics (RIE)
Aquaculturist (REI)
Architectural Drafter (RCI)
Automobile Body Repairer (RIE)
Automotive Engineer (RIE)
Automobile Mechanic (RIE)
Baker/Chef (RSE)
Bookbinder (RES)
Bricklayer (RSE)
Busdriver (RES)
Butcher (RSE)
Carpenter (RCI)
Cement Worker and Terrazzo Worker (REC)
Compositor (RSI)
Construcion Worker (REC)
Corrections Officer (RES)
Dental Assistant (RES)
Dental Laboratory Technician (REC)
Dental Technician (REI)
Diesel Mechanic (REI)
Drafter (RCI)
Electrical Engineer (RIE)
Electrician (REI)
Electroplater (R)
Excercise Careers (RES)
Farm Equipment Manager (RES)
Farmer (RIS)
Farm Manager (RES)
Firefighter (RES)
Fish Hatchery Manager (RES)
Floral Designer (RAE)
Forester (RIS)
Furnace Installer (RES)
Geodetic Surveyor (RIE)
Glazier (RES)
Groundskeeper (RCE)
Industrial Supervisor (REI)
Instrument Repair and Maintainence (RIE)
Jeweler (REC)
Laboratory Technician (RIE)
Line Installer (RSE)
Logger (RES)
Machinist (RIE)
Maintenance Repairer (RES)
Mechanical Engineer (RIS)
Metallurgical Technician (RIS)
Oceanographer (RIE)
Optician (REI)
Painter (RES)
Petroleum Engineer (RIE)
Plumber (REI)
Practical Nurse (RSE)
Printing Press Operator (REI)
Property Manager (RES)
Quality Control Manager (RSE)
Radio/T.V. Repair (REI)
Radiochemist (IRE)
Sailor (REC)
Sheet Metal Worker (R)
Structural Steelworker (REI)
Tailor (RES)
Tool and Die Maker (RIE)
Truck Driver (RSE)
Upholsterer (RCS)
Watchmaker (REC)
Water Quality Specialist (REI)
Welder (RES)
Woodworking (RAE)



INVESTIGATIVE
The "Thinkers"

ARE YOU:)
inquisitive
analytical
scientific
observant
precise
scholarly
cautious
intellectually self-confident
introspective
reserved
broad-minded
independent
logical
complex
curious

CAN YOU
think abstractly
solve math problems
understand scientific theories
do complex calculations
use a microscope or computer
interpret formulas


DO YOU LIKE TO
explore a variety of ideas
use computers
work independently
perform lab experiments
read scientific or technical journals
analyze data
deal with abstractions
do research
be challenged

HOBBIES
Book club
Astronomy
Crossword puzzles/board games
Preservation of endangered species
Computers
Visiting museums
Collecting rocks, stamps, coins, etc.
Amateur Radio
Recreational flying

CAREER POSSIBILITIES(Holland Code):
Actuary (ISE)
Agronomist (IRS)
Anesthesiologist (IRS)
Anthropologist (IRE)
Archeologist (IRE)
Biochemist (IRE)
Biologist (ISR)
Cardiopulmonary Technician (IRE)
Cartographer (IRE)
Chemical Engineer (IRE)
Chemical Technician (IRE)
Chemist (IRE)
Chiropractor (ISR)
Civil Engineer (IRS)
Computer Engineer (IRC)
Computer Programmer (IRC)
Computer Systems Analyst (IER)
Dentist (ISR)
Ecologist (IRE)
Economist (ISA)
Electrical Engineer (IRE)
Geographer (IRE)
Geologist (IRE)
Hazardous Waste Technician (IRS)
Horticulturist (IRS)
Industrial Arts Teacher (IER)
Management Consultant (ICR)
Marketing Research Analyst (IAS)
Mathematician (IER)
Medical Lab Technologist (IRE)
Medical Technologist (ISA)
Meteorologist (IRS)
Nurse Practitioner (ISA)
Pharmacist (IES)
Physician, General Practice (ISE)
Physician Assistant (ISA)
Psychologist (ISA)
Research Analyst (IRC)
Software Engineer (IRE)
Statistician (IRE)
Technical Writer (IRS)
Veteranarian (IRS)
Web Site Developer (IRE)

ARTISTIC
The "Creators"

Are You
creative
intuitive
imaginative
innovative
unconventional
emotional
independent
expressive
original
introspective
impulsive
sensitive
courageous
open
complicated
idealistic
nonconforming

CAN YOU
sketch, draw, paint
play a musical instrument
write stories, poetry, music
sing, act, dance
design fashions or interiors

DO YOU LIKE TO
attend concerts, theatres, art exhibits
read fiction, plays, and poetry
work on crafts
take photographs
express yourself creatively
deal with ambiguous ideas

HOBBIES
Photography
Performing
Writing stories, poems, etc.
Desktop publishing
Sewing
Taking dance lessons
Visiting art museums
Designing sets for plays
Travel
Playing a musical instrument
Homemade crafts
Painting
Speaking foreign languages

CAREER POSSIBILITIES(Holland Code):
Actor/Actress (AES)
Advertising Art Director (AES)
Advertising Manager (ASE)
Architect (AIR)
Clothing/Fashion Designer (ASR)
Copywriter (ASI)
Dancer (AES)
Choreographer (AER)
Drama Teacher (ASE)
English Teacher (ASE)
Fashion Illustrator (ASR)
Furniture Designer (AES)
Graphic Designer (AES)
Interior Designer (AES)
Journalist/Reporter (ASE)
Landscape Architect (AIR)
Medical Illustrator (AIE)
Museum Curator (AES)
Music Teacher (AES)
Photographer (AES)
Writers/Editors (ASI)

SOCIAL
The "Helpers"

ARE YOU
friendly
helpful
idealistic
insightful
outgoing
understanding
cooperative
generous
responsible
forgiving
patient
empathic
kind
persuasive

CAN YOU
teach/train others
express yourself clearly
lead a group discussion
mediate disputes
plan and supervise an activity
cooperate well with others

DO YOU LIKE TO
work in groups
help people with problems
participate in meetings
do volunteer work
work with young people
play team sports
serve others

HOBBIES
Volunteering with social action groups
Writing letters
Joining campus or community organizations
Helping others with personal concerns
Meeting new friends
Attending sporting events
Caring for children
Religious activities
Going to parties
Playing team sports

CAREER POSSIBILITIES(Holland Code):
Air Traffic Controler (SER)
Athletic Trainer (SRE)
Chaplain (SAI)
City Manager (SEC)
College Professor (SEI)
Community Planner (SEA)
Counseling Psychologist (SIA)
Counselor/Therapist (SAE)
Cosmetologist (SEA)
Cruise Director (SAE)
Dental Hygienist (SAI)
Detective (SER)
Dietician (SIE)
Elementary School Teacher (SEC)
Executive House Keeper (SCE)
Family and Consumer Scientist (SAE)
Hairstylist (SER)
High School Teacher (SAE)
Historian (SEI)
Home Economist (SEA)
Home Economics Teacher (SAE)
Homemaker (S)
Hospital Administrator (SER)
Ind./Organizational Psychologist (SEI)
Insurance Claims Examiner (SIE)
Librarian (SAI)
Mail Carrier (SRC)
Medical Assistant (SCR)
Medical Record Administrator (SIE)
Minister (SAI)
Priest(SAI)
Rabbi(SAI)
Nurse/Midwife (SIR)
Occupational Therapist (SRE)
Paralegal (SCE)
Park Naturalist (SEI)
Personnel Recruiter (SEC)
Personnel, Training, and Labor Relations Specialist(SEC)
Physical Therapist (SIE)
Physical Therapy Aide (SIR)
Police Officer (SER)
Preschool Worker (SEA)
Professional Athlete (SRC)
Probation and Parole Officer (SIE)
Public Health Educator (SEA)
Radiological Technologist (SRI)
Real Estate Appraiser (SCE)
Recreation Director (SER)
Recreational Therapist (SEC)
Registered Nurse (SIA)
Relocation Counselor (SAE)
Retirement Counselor (SAE)
School Counselor (SAE)
School Principal-Administrator(SEI)
Secondary School Teacher(SAE)
Social Worker (SEA)
Sociologist(SIA)
Special Education Teacher (SEC)
Speech Pathologist (SAI)
Teacher's Aid (SIC)
Business Teacher(SAE)
Ticket Agent (SCE)
Vocational Agricultural Teacher(SEC)
Vocational-Rehab. Counselor(SEC)
X-Ray Technician (SRI)

ENTERPRISING
The "Persuaders"

ARE YOU:
self-confident
assertive
sociable
persuasive
enthusiastic
energetic
adventurous
popular
impulsive
ambitious
inquisitive
agreeable
talkative
extroverted
spontaneous
optimistic

CAN YOU:
initiate projects
convince people to do things your way
sell things or promote ideas
give talks or speeches
organize activities
lead a group
persuade others

DO YOU LIKE TO:
make decisions affecting others
be elected to office
win a leadership or sales award
start your own service or business
campaign politically
meet important people
have power or status

HOBBIES:
Discussing Politics
Reading Business Journals
Watching the Stock Market
Attending Meetings and Conferences
Selling Products
Leading Campus of Community Organizations
Operating a Home Business

CAREER POSSIBILITIES(Holland Code):
Advertising, marketing, and
public relations managers (ESA)
Advertising Sales Representative (ESR)
Automobile Sales Worker (ESR)
Financial Planner (ESR)
Barber/Hairdresser (ESR)
Bartender (ERC)
Benefits Manager (ESA)
Financial Manager (ESA)
Buyer (ESA)
Computer Operator (ESI)
Cook/Chef (ESR)
Credit Analyst (EAS)
Credit Manager (ERS)
Dental Assistant (E)
Educational/Training Manager (EIS)
Educational Administrator (ESA)
Emergency Medical Technician (ESI)
Flight Attendant (ESA)
Food Service Manager (ESI)
Foreign Service Officer (ESA)
Funeral Director (ESR)
Health Services Manager (ECR)
Hotel Manager (ESR)
Housekeeper (ESR)
Industrial Engineer (EIR)
Insurance Adjuster (ESR)
Insurance Agent (ECS)
Interpreter (ESA)
Journalism (EAS)
Lawyer/Attorney (ESA)
Manufaturer's Representative (ESA)
Office Manager (ESR)
Public Relations Representative (EAS)
Real Estate Agent (ESR)
Restaurant Manager (EAS)
Retail Sales Person (ESR)
Retail Store Manager (ESR)
Sales Manager (ESA)
Sales Representative (ERS)
Social Service Director (ESA)
Stockbroker (ESI)
Tax Accountant (ECS)
Traffic Clerks (ESC)
Travel Agent (ECS)
Urban Planner (ESI)

CONVENTIONAL
The "Organizers"

ARE YOU:
well-organized
accurate
numerically inclined
methodical
conscientious
efficient
conforming
orderly
practical
thrifty
systematic
structured
polite
ambitious
obedient
persistent

CAN YOU:
work well within a system
do a lot of paper work in a short time
keep accurate records
use a computer terminal
write effective business letters

DO YOU LIKE TO:
follow clearly defined procedures
use data processing equipment
work with numbers
type or take shorthand
be responsible for details
collect or organize things

HOBBIES:
Collecting memorabilia
Arranging and organizing household or workshop, etc.
Playing computer or card games
Collecting any related objects
Keeping club or family records and files
Reading home magazines
Studying tax laws
Practicing Clutter's Last Stand
Writing family history

CAREER POSSIBILITIES(Holland Code):
Abstractor (CSI)
Accountant (CSE)
Accounting Clerk and Bookkeeper (CSR)
Administrative Assistant (ESC)
Bank Teller (CSE)
Budget Analyst (CER)
Building Inspector (CSE)
Business Teacher (CSE)
Cashier (CSE)
Catalog Librarian (CSE)
Clerk (CSE)
Computer Operator (CSR)
Cost Accountant (CES)
Court Reporter (CSE)
Customs Inspector (CEI)
Data processing worker (CRI)
Electronic Mail Technician (CSR)
File Clerk (CSE)
Financial Analyst (CSI)
Insurance Adjuster (CSE)
Insurance Underwriter (CSE)
Internal Auditor (ICR)
Key Punch Operator (CSE)
Kindergarten Teacher (CSE)
Legal Secretary (CSA)
Library Assistant (CSE)
Medical Records Technician (CSE)
Medical Secretary (CES)
Safety Inspector (RCS)
Service Station Attendent (CER)
Tax Consultant (CES)
Telephone Operator (CSE)
Typist (CES)



Now that you’ve seen the areas of employment that might interest you most, think about what you need to do to get from here (today) to there (sometime in the near or not so near future).
Do you need more education? Do you need to increase your current skills? Do you have skills from your recent position(s) that can be applied to a new field? This is what you must now figure out before you can begin to shape your future.

Notes:






















 

Day 1; Self Evaluation

Now That I’m Looking For A Job—What Do I Want To Be When I Grow Up??

I need a job. I need to prepare for my future. What do I want to be when I grow up? That’s a question that you may have started thinking about recently. Do you have a clear-cut plan? Have you determined your strategies? Do you find yourself leaning towards another area outside your comfort zone or field of expertise?

Is your chosen field unavailable to you? Has the economy really crashed your world? Do you need to do something—anything to re-adjust your career future?

The path to reaching your future goals begins right now, right here with small steps, each building upon one another! This blog will allow you to explore options, make decisions, determine your future, and, more importantly, teach you how to get there!

Whether you are seeking a long-term goal, just looking to get by for now, or in the midst of changing jobs or careers, this book will provide you with the skill-sets, tactics, techniques, and empowerment to achieve any and all of your goals. You will find each step in your quest towards your future can and will count towards that end.

Whatever the reason you have come to this blog, the important thing to know is that this can be a major stepping stone in your career. Any and every experience you have or have had goes into creating you. You are, therefore, quite unique, and that very uniqueness allows you to offer current and/or future employers something different from the rest of the potential employees.

Taking the sum of all of your experiences, from your first and early jobs, educational background, current job, industry knowledge, to clubs, volunteering, internships, group activities, scouting, all will make a difference in the way you are viewed by possible employers—now and in the future.

This workbook will not give you the educational credentials which may be required for certain professions, nor will it provide you with too much in the way of technical or mechanical expertise; however, it will teach you HOW TO BECOME THE BEST REPRESENTATION OF YOU to any and all future employers!

Chapter 1 –Self Assessment—The First Steps

What is Self-Assessment? Self-Assessment is the process of collecting and analyzing all of the relevant information about a very complex subject – YOU. You need to look at your education, work experience, skills, interest, work values and personality traits. You also need the courage to face your weaknesses, fears and dislikes.

By taking various self-assessment test instruments, it will help you define the position for which you are best suited. With an average of 10 to 15 job/career changes in most peoples’ lifetimes, career planning is now an on-going process, to be repeated over and over again. This process involves conducting a realistic self-assessment.

There are basically 2 steps to the self-assessment process:

1. Defining who you are internally.

2. Using that information to search for an external fit with the job market

To assist you in your determination of how you can best begin to know yourself, within what environment you are most comfortable, your future goals, your interactions with others, the following assessment instruments have been included in this chapter:

· Personality & Attitudes

· Skills & Achievements

· Personal Career Profile

These instruments will give you an idea of how you are seen by others. You may be surprised by how you are perceived; however, if your answers give you an indication of the image you portray, then this can surely assist you to either make some changes, if necessary, or consider jobs and/or careers that would suit who you are. All of us are, of course, happiest and most fulfilled when we are comfortable within our work environment.

The answers to these questions should reflect who you are no…not who you were in the past, nor who you aspire to be in the future. It’s only 10 simple questions, so grab a pencil!

Questions	Answers	My Letter Response
1. When do you feel your best?	a. In the morning b. During the afternoon/early evening c. Late at night
2. You usually walk	a. Fairly fast, with long steps b. Fairly fast, with short, quick steps c. Less fast head up, looking the world in the face d. Less fast, head down e. Very slowly
3. When talking to people you	a. Stand with your arms folded. b. Have your hands clasped c. Have one or both your hands on your hips d. Touch or push the person to whom you are talking
4. When relaxing, you sit with	a. Your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side b. Your legs crossed c. Your legs stretched out and straight d. One leg curled under you
5. When something really amuses you, you react with	a. A big, appreciative laugh b. A laugh, but not a loud one c. A quiet chuckle d. A sheepish smile
6. Wen you go to a party or social gathering you	a. Make a loud entrance so everyone notices you b. Make a quiet entrance so only a few people notice you c. Make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed.
7. You’re working very hard, concentrating hard, and you’re interrupted. Do you	a. Welcome the break b. Feel extremely irritated c. Vary between these two extremes
8. Which of the following colors do you like the most?	a. Red or orange b. Black c. Yellow or light blue d. Green e. Dark blue or purple f. White g. Brown or gray
9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep, you lie	a. Stretched out on your back b. Stretched out face down on your stomach c. On your side, slightly curled d. With your head on one arm e. With your head under the covers
10. You often dream that you are	a. Falling b. Fighting or struggling c. Searching for something or somebody d. Flying or floating e. You usually have dreamless sleep f. Your dreams are always pleasant

Circle the Point values for each response:

Question	(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)	(e)	(f)	(g)
1.	2	4	6
2.	6	4	7	2	1
3.	4	2	5	7	6
4.	4	6	2	1
5.	6	4	3	5	2
6.	6	4	2
7.	6	2	4
8.	6	7	5	4	3	2	1
9.	7	6	4	2	1
10.	4	2	3	5	6	1

Now add your total number of points:

My Points

Over 60 points: Others see you as somebody they should “handle with care.” You’re seen as vain, self-centered, and as extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don’t always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 to 60 points: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, who’s quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes changes and enjoys adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.

41 to 50 points: Others see you as a fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical and always interesting; someone who’s constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to your head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who’ll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 to 40 points: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful and practical. They see you as clever, gifted or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who’s extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expects the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over it if that trust is ever broken.

21 to 30 points: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful—a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

Under 21 points: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive--someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn’t want to get involved with anyone or anything. They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don’t exist. Some people think you’re boring. Only those who know you well know that you are not.

Self-Evaluation:

After taking this assessment instrument, think about the category within which you fall. Does it ring true? Are you as described? Jot down your thoughts and why you agree or disagree with the assessment:

	Agree—Why?	Disagree—Why?
Point One, (please state):
Point Two, (please state):
Point Three, (please state):
Point Four, (please state):
Point Five, (please state):
Point Six, (please state):
Point Seven, (please state):
Point Eight, (please state):