Do you want to change careers or explore new job options? Maybe you’re not satisfied with your current career, but you’re not sure what your options are. Maybe you have so many options that you feel overwhelmed. Whatever your situation, taking time for a self-assessment before making any major changes is a smart move. It’s probably been a while since you last thought about your natural talents and abilities! professional orientation can help you discover and identify those talents and skills that, once realized, can guide you on a journey to greater career fulfillment.
try the following brainstorming exercise, designed to help you get the best out of your professional personality. All you need is a pen and paper or your computer, and a quiet moment to reflect. There are no right or wrong answers here. Just be honest with yourself. When we are reasonable about what we can accomplish, we are better suited to a future position, one that satisfies us because we are already inclined to play that particular role and do it well.
1. As a child, what kinds of leisure activities did you enjoy the most?
(Was he handy with tools? Was he good at crafts? Did he write stories, enjoy puzzles? What about sports or outdoor exploration? Was he a budding entrepreneur, with lemonade stands, a trail from newspapers or other lucrative childhood activities? science projects or caring for and spending time with pets?)
2. When you are asked to volunteer for a group project, whether at work, with your church, school, or elsewhere, in what areas do you typically offer your help?
3. What electives did you enroll in in high school, college, or other training school? Of those, which classes stand out in your mind as the easiest and most enjoyable for you? Which ones did you get the best grades on and for what kind of assignments or projects?
4. What extracurricular activities did you participate in at your high school and/or college?
(What groups did you belong to and in what areas did you sign up to offer your contributions? Were you on the school newspaper or yearbook committee? Did you enjoy building sets for the theater group or working as a DJ for the school radio show?) your school? Were you a member of a sports team or assistant coach? Computer or math club?)
5. Think of all the memorable moments in your life when you were praised or recognized for your efforts. What did he do at that time to deserve the recognition? If you can recall thank-you notes, testimonials, or other expressions of appreciation, what messages did people have to say about the best things about him?
6. When you were asked to write your performance evaluations for previous jobs, in what areas did you excel the most and in what ways? Take some time to explain, citing examples of times when you exhibited stellar performance at work.
When you have finished writing the answers to the questions above, go back and read your answers again. What personal attributes can you see appear repeatedly throughout your life? Can you think of different types of jobs where you could better use these skills and personal strengths?
Congratulations! You have just taken the necessary first step in discovering your professional skill set. Now try writing your resume. If you have additional questions or want to take the next step in discovering a career that suits your needs, check out HallieCrawford.com’s Career Coaching and Teleclasses page for more information.
Copyright 2006 Hallie Crawford. All rights reserved.
