Career Success Starts with Self-Assessment

By Dr. Delores Dean

Trying to find a career in today’s competitive global job market is not an easy task. It takes time, energy, persistence, and determination. According to the U. S. Department of Labor, total employment will increase from 144 million in 2002 to 165 million in 2012 – a 14.8 percent increase. There are many opportunities in the job market, and those who are best prepared will benefit the most. Continuing education and training is more important than ever. Learning all you can increases your chances of success.

Therefore, you will need to know yourself in order to excel. Conduct a self-assessment to learn more about yourself: what you like, what you dislike, and how you tend to react to certain situations. Knowing these things will assist you in determining which occupations and work situations could be better for you. There are no guarantees that any one self-assessment search strategy will result in a career; however, I recommend three basic steps:

1.     Know yourself and your strengths

2.     Know what you want in life

3.     Maximize your chances of getting what you want

Know Yourself and Your Strengths

The term “Self” is difficult, at best, to define. It is a composite, yours, of all of your “selves,” each of which has acted differently in each of your experiences, including the one formulating the synthesis at the moment. Your “self,” because of its intellect, imagination and will, can project into the future. Your strength, then, depends upon your ability to exert your will over antagonistic forces. As you can see, you are the only one who has all of the data.

Therefore, you have to research yourself and potential employers. When you know yourself and your strengths, you must construct a resume that reflects your knowledge. Read the article on constructing your resume in this issue of THE BLACK COLLEGIAN.

With knowledge and honesty, look into yourself and all of your experiences when you define your strengths, the results of your exertions of will. Some of your strengths will be your education, training, work experience, talents, good communication skills (both written and oral), self-learning abilities, and proficiency in computer skills and/or second language. Experiential learning, programs such as internships, cooperative education, practicums and life have provided you with work experiences. Think of experience as something consisting of everything you have done in your life, however small or large. Examining the experiences that constitute your entire past is the only way to know who you are. Review that experience to know your limitations and work to improve them. For assistance in self-assessment, consider scheduling an appointment with your career center to take the Myers-Briggs Type indicator or use a similar self-assessment tool that can help you determine or clarify your preferences, leadership potential, and communication style. Such instruments can also help you identify people, industries, and even organizations for whom or which you are a match.

In addition to having self-assurance, you must look the part. Know what to wear, and know how to walk, sit and speak before, during and after the interview. Be sure to wear a winning smile and convey a pleasant personality. Have a firm handshake. Set your own high standards. Always be positive and professional.

Know What You Want in Life

Define your career goals (both short and long term) and values in your life. Know your interests and gifts. Map out where you want to go with your goals. Look at your career goals and determine what you really want to do for a living. You will invest over 40 hours a week or more in your career, so make sure you choose something you enjoy.

For example, if you like working with people, do not chose a career where you will work with only computers. Be aggressive enough to ask lots of questions to help you determine what career path to take. Remember, the only stupid question is the one not asked. For additional assistance in determining what you want to do, you can utilize certain software packages that provide self-assessment with in-depth and up-to-date career information that is easy to use. Explore as many job opportunities as possible.

Maximize Your Chances of Getting What You Want

Once you know yourself and what you want to do, you need to be committed to finding it. Maximize your chances by using the wide variety of resources available. Use them to the utmost. The first resources are family, friends or service professionals such as your hair stylist, dentist or doctor; they are possibly linked to people in your career field who may also be their clients.

Other Resources

• Campus career center: It has many options such as career fairs, job lines, an alumni database, on-campus recruiting and job listings. Visit your career center often. Not all of its resources appear in print. Its most valuable resource may be a person who can counsel you.
• Computer networks: The Internet has become an electronic grapevine whereby members of the various online services can assist each other in their job search and self-assessment. These online services offer portfolios where students can post information about themselves and the types of positions they are interested in. There are many sites to review for possible job listings.
• Conferences and workshops: Attend conferences and workshops, trade shows and other events where local businesses are represented.
• Local newspaper and targeted industry publications: Read the business section as well as the want ads for career possibilities.
• Membership directories: Join local and national professional associations. Use the membership directory for contacts.
• Former faculty and professors: They can assist you in finding a career opportunity from their contacts.
• Alumni association: Many networking and contact opportunities are available.
• Political connections: If a candidate or an issue appeals to you, assist with that political campaign.
• Volunteer work: Although there is no pay, volunteer in an organization where you want to work. Then when a position becomes available, you may be first in line. Think of the experience you will gain.
• Phone book: Don’t forget the Yellow Pages. Look up a particular industry and see what companies are available. There are many other business directories you can search online or buy.

In summary, know yourself. Finding the career for you begins with your self-assessment. Start early – your freshman year in school would have been the best point. I have listed a year-by-year self-assessment chart to help you get to your ultimate career. You will need to network at every possible point in your academic career with potential employers to learn some of the interaction skills that are needed.

Finally, you will need to follow up on everything. Follow-up letters and thank-you notes reinforce your interest and knowledge. Don’t give up and don’t quit once you have found a career. The successful career search never ends. You must know yourself and take it upon yourself to be the best you can and make things happen for you!

Dr. Delores Dean is the director of the Career Services Center at Florida A&M University.