What Is Self-Assessment?
Self-Assessment is the process of gathering and understanding information about yourself. To know yourself is, of course, the task of a lifetime, but it is also the essential first step in the career development process. It involves analyzing three elements of your personality--interests, values, and skills--to figure out what you want to do. Thinking about these three elements as they relate to work will help you to identify the career fields, work environments, lifestyle, and job functions that you want to explore.
Work Environment
People: Colleagues & Clients
Organizational: Size, structure
Physical: Work space, comfort, safety
Lifestyle
Income, benefits, prestige, security, travel, balance with family and other activities, autonomy, flexibility, pressure, hours, commute.
Career Field
Substance, content, mission, or product/service of organization
Job Function
Working style, role in organization or endeavor (e.g. marketing, sales, human resources, production,
management, etc.), tasks and skills needed.
I Know Myself. Do I Really Need Self-Assessment?
Taking the time to identify and understand your preferences and skills will not only help
you to focus your exploration and clarify your options, but it will also increase your
chances of getting a job. Your resume, cover letters, and interviewing skills will all improve
because you can articulate who you are and what you have to offer. And once you're on the
job, you'll do better and be happier because you took the time to find the right fit.
So, as tempted as you are to skip this step--DON'T.
How do I "do" Self-Assessment?
A great way to start thinking about your interests, skills, and personality is to
work with a Career Counselor (Extension School students / Alumni see Linda Spencer).
Complete self-assessment exercises:
There is a plethora of self-assessment activities that will help you identify your interests, values, and skills. Check the Reading Room Reception Area shelves for many books and excercises. A career counselor can also help you identify the best exercises for your needs.
Take Career Assessment Inventory:
We offer one career assessment inventory at OCS, the
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.
Ask at the front desk about scheduling to take it.
