You’ve probably heard about all sorts of tests that you can take to help you figure out what you should be when you grow up. Some of these tests are called preference tests and in some cases they can actually help you assess your strengths and as a result can point you in a career direction. Unfortunately I’ve found that the results aren’t necessarily satisfying to the individual tested and more often fall short of a persons real interests. I’ve used these tests in the past, however to get closer to that passion we all want in our careers I have found much more success in a process I call Career Orientation. It’s a 3 step process.
First there is DISCOVERY. This involves conversation. Important to this step since testing doesn’t allow for talk. Through conversation I help my clients find out who they are and what they are really interested in. What’s really exciting is that, once they discovered who they are and what they want, they are surprised how well prepared it makes them for any kind of interviewing they experience along the way. It enables them by bringing clarity to who they are and what they want. Keep in mind that the results can also provide several options for each individual but that it’s common for most to eventually narrow the field as they move on to step number two.
That’s the RESEARCH step. By using the information they’ve gained through Discovery they will begin to create directions for themselves. But until they have the information necessary to validate these interests they really can’t go too far. That means investigation, digging deep to find the information that will either propel them toward their new found goals or will stop them in their tracks. Once the direction is chosen we move on to the last step.
That’s the PLANNING step. This is critical since having a plan is essential to reaching a goal. Together we create the plan that they will use throughout the process. The options may be college, special training, an entry level job with growth, or a career change. But whatever it is this plan will help them reach the goal they’ve set.
All in all you should be aware that, whether you are a high school student contemplating college, a college student about to graduate, or an experienced professional at a dead end job, you are all experiencing the same issues. This program works for everyone. But remember in today’s economy it isn’t smart to be at any of these stages in your life without having a career plan you can follow.
Learn more by contacting me at janmark@careergrapevine.com.
