Friday, September 28, 2012

Mapping Your Future: Using Career Assessment Tools as a Compass


At some point in time we’ve all been asked: What do you want to be when you grow up? In fact, some of us have written essays on the topic in school. Now that you’re considering new options and opportunities for your future – What do you want to be when you grow up? 

Life’s an adventure and there are plenty of pathways and trails to explore, but if you’re looking for a final destination once the sight-seeing is through, the use of career self-assessment tools can help steer you in the right direction. So, if you’re looking to draw up a map and set some career option coordinates a great place to gather information is at RCC’s Career Base Camp. On the left hand side of the page you’ll find a list of links, select Career Exploration, near the bottom of the page you’ll discover a section titled: Self Assessment Tools. In here you’ll find:

1. Career-Related Values – This survey sheds light on your work values by placing twenty cards with statements in order of importance to you. This will generate scores for six work values and direct you to occupations that are linked with them. Finding fields that are in line with your work values can lead to greater job satisfaction.

2. Holland Code Quiz – This quiz will look at things you can do, might like to do, or types of actions that best fits you. Once completed, you’ll receive two Holland Codes, by clicking on them you’ll be able to view possible job titles and corresponding degree programs offered on campus.

3. Interest Profiler –The interest profile will organize your interests into six broad categories, after answering 180 items with either like, unsure, or dislike. Once you’re through, you’ll be given your scores, by clicking on various categories you’ll be taken to a page that will list possible jobs, the education level required, wages, and if the positions are considered green.

4. MBTI – The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator can help illustrate how you like to make decisions, organize your life, and acquire information. It helps give you an idea of where your focus lies, like towards the outer world (people and things) or the inner world (ideas). The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is one that must be administered by campus staff. For more information, contact Joe Momyer at 541-956-7193 on the Redwood Campus or Michelle Gray at 541-245-7754 on the Riverside Campus.

5. Strong Campbell Interest Inventory (SII) – The SII, like the MBTI, must be administered by a career development professional who will score it and interpret your results. Your report should include a list of occupations that may be compatible with your interests that you can later explore. To complete this assessment, contact Joe Momyer at 541-956-7193 on the Redwood Campus or Michelle Gray at 541-245-7754 on the Riverside Campus.

6. Oregon Reality Check – This link gives you an inside look on what to expect in living expenses in various parts of Oregon. This tool can provide an outline for how much money you’ll need to make and possible occupations that could provide it.

7. Skill Competence – This assessment tool can help identify occupations based on skills you like. This may also help you identify transferable skills and allow you to explore occupations, modify your current career direction, and even prepare for an interview.

If you have any questions regarding the seven resources listed above, please drop by the office and ask. Otherwise, unroll those maps and dust off your compass as new career opportunities are waiting to be discovered. Get exploring!

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