When making significant career or education decisions, it is important to
recognize a few key characteristics about yourself so that you make choices that
are well suited for you. Specifically, it is helpful to clearly understand what
you are interested in, what your strengths and abilities are, what your
personality type is, and what is valuable to you. Having self-awareness about
these attributes will help you choose a major, career, or advanced degree
program that will bring a sense of satisfaction.
One way to uncover such personal characteristics is to use self-assessment
tools. Assessment tools are designed to help you identify your interests,
skills, personality type, and values and how they can be best matched with
school or career pursuits. Many self-assessments make a correlation between your
personal attributes and related career fields, however, they do not provide a
definitive answer to the question "What career should I choose?" Instead, they
give you suggestions of a variety of careers that might be a good match for you.
You will benefit the most from self-assessment if you see a Career Center
counselor to assist you with interpreting the results.
In addition to self-assessment tools, there are other ways you can evaluate
yourself. You can learn a great deal about your interests, skills and values
through real life experiences such as internships. Also, in-depth discussion
with a Career Center counselor can be a helpful means to evaluating your
personal characteristics as they relate to careers.
Below is information regarding the self-assessment tools offered by the
Career Center. You will need a referral from a Career Center counselor to take
an assessment. To do so, make a Mini-Appointment.
Reality Check
A common myth about self-assessment tools is that they
tell you what major or career to pursue. In reality, assessments do not serve
that purpose. Rather, they increase your self-awareness so that you can choose a
major or career path that fits you given the unique person you are.
Interests - Strong
Interest Inventory
The Strong Interest Inventory measures your interests in a wide range
of jobs, work tasks, leisure activities and school subjects. It includes
information on how your interests can be linked to majors, campus activities,
internships, and part-time jobs. It also provides tips for choosing a:
- Major
- Graduate program
- First job out of college
This assessment is offered online. Once a Career Center counselor gives you a
referral, which will include instructions and login information, go to the SkillsOne website to take the assessment. An
appointment with a Career Center counselor is required in order to receive your
results and will be scheduled when you are given a referral.
Personality Type -
TypeFocus
TypeFocus concentrates on identifying personality types and related
strengths and career preferences. It will help you to answer the questions:
- What are my personal strengths?
- What careers will I find satisfying?
- How do I use my strengths in a successful job search?
This assessment is offered online. Once a Career Center counselor gives you a
referral, which will include instructions and login information, go to the TypeFocus website to take the
assessment. Meet with a Career Center counselor during your scheduled
appointment to discuss your results.
Real World
A recent alum got a finance job after graduation, a
typical first position for an Econ major. She only worked in this field for a
year, though, because she realized she was more interested in technology, was
good at solving problems and customer service, and wanted to interact with
people instead of working alone at her desk. She got a new job in software
support which was a better match for her interests, skills and personality.
Skills -
SkillScan
SkillScan helps you identify your inherent strengths and skills that
are transferable across careers. It will help you to:
- Identify career options that utilize your skills and talents.
- Prepare strategies to move your career in the right direction.
- Gain a skill-based language that will help you market your strengths on a
resume and in interviews.
This assessment will be completed during your 45-minute appointment with a
Career Counselor. You will receive instructions for completing SkillScan
and will discuss your results during the same appointment.
Take Action
- Meet with a Career Center counselor (make a Mini-Appointment) to determine which
self-assessment tool might be appropriate for you. You will be given
instructions and login information and will be scheduled for a follow-up
appointment.
- If scheduled for Strong Interest Inventory or Typefocus, take
the self-assessment online.
- Meet with a Career Center counselor during your scheduled appointment to
discuss your Strong or Typefocus results, or complete and review
SkillScan
