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John, your top
career is
Education and
Training
Based on your responses to our Career
Interest Inventory, we have an understanding of what types of career
areas are right for you and why.
Most people involved in
education and training have an idealistic mindset. They believe that
humans are capable of learning, changing, and evolving. Many
talented people in these professions are able to simplify complex
ideas and effectively communicate these ideas to others. Whether
it's teaching new information, skills, or behavior, you need to have
a zeal for interacting and leading. A certain amount of confidence
and charisma is needed to inspire people to see the finer points of
your message. Similar to jobs in counseling, educators and trainers
need to strike a balance between cheering someone on and
disciplining them when it's needed. Knowing which is appropriate
takes sensitivity and patience. People who succeed in these types of
professions are keenly aware that you first need to genuinely like
people before you can tell them what to do.
A job is not just
a job. It serves other needs that are important not to ignore. Don't
forget to consider different aspects of your personality when
thinking about your specific job interests. Below we've given you
some ideas to keep in mind. Following this, the jobs that we've
listed for you were personally picked for you with these needs in
mind.
Although everyone would enjoy having some money, you
want more than that. Whether you actually live in a lap of luxury
isn't the point either. Rather, your desire to have certain comforts
in life partly relates to your job interests. In addition to making
money, jobs carry other benefits too. For example, you may not make
as much money being an artist, but it carries a certain amount of
prestige compared to other higher paying jobs. You want to have a
job associated with having favorable qualities so that you make a
good impression with others. A bit of recognition does not hurt
either in your book. It's far better to work hard and receive some
accolades then it is to work just as hard and not have others admire
you for it. Given that this is the case, think about aiming for jobs
that are seen as admirable by society at large. In your area, think
about jobs that connote high creativity, nobility, or intelligence.
Being around people is one of the perks of the job. You are social
by nature and while some people see socializing as a waste of time,
working with others increases your enthusiasm for what you do. The
thought of sitting in front of your computer all day without
interacting with people would be joyless to you. Maybe it's that you
like bouncing ideas off of other people or you just like taking
breaks with people. Whatever the case, make sure you look for jobs
that allow you to work with others in some way. It would not only
make you happy but also productive.
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On
this test, we presented you with a number of questions asking you to
pick one out of three job descriptions you would prefer. We also
asked questions assessing some of your personality needs. From your
pattern of responses to our test, we could see where your true
interests lie. You were assessed in 12 different career areas.
Earlier, we provided you with a description of your top career
interest. Below, we provide you with a list of occupations that
serve as good examples of occupations from your top career areas.
Although the occupations incorporate your personal needs, it's
helpful to think of this list of occupations as a starting point to
help you brainstorm about different occupations within your career
interest areas. Our Right Job Wrong Job
Test helps target specific occupations for your
type.
College Professor
Financial Analyst
Family
Practitioner
Marketing Director
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For some people, the
hard part is figuring out what they want. For others, they
know exactly what they want, but how do you get from point A
to Point B? Breaking into a new career path can seem like a
mystery. Fortunately, Tickle provides advice that has actually
worked for real people.
Issue 1: I have some ideas,
but I am unclear what the job entails
You've fantasized
about being a lawyer but you're not sure what your daily life
will be like. Well, who says there should only be a "Take Your
Kid To Work Day?" Find someone in your desired
profession and ask if you can be their "shadow" for a day,
which would allow you to follow them around at their workplace
and observe what they do. You have a better chance of having
them agree to do this if you promise that you won't ask them
questions throughout the day. Rather, sit quietly and be as
unobtrusive as possible and observe what a day in their job is
really like. Save your questions for when you take them out to
lunch or dinner as a thank you. You may discover that the real
courtroom is nothing like Law and Order, or you may
leave re-affirmed that you truly do want to be a lawyer. In
this case, there is no such thing as too much
information.
Issue 2: I don't think I have the exact
skills or work experience necessary
It's true that most
of us don't fit job descriptions exactly, especially when
we're trying to break into a new field. When job descriptions
are created, they're an ideal description. Unless there's a
specific degree or certification required that you don't have,
then apply. Chances are that no one fits this description
perfectly, so let the company reject you instead of rejecting
yourself first. Be honest but be creative when thinking about
your skills. Most of us have what is referred to as
"transferable" skills. In other words, we have basic skills
valued by most employers. For example, you may want to become
a daycare worker but lack professional work experience with
small children. This may put you at a disadvantage in
comparison with someone else with this type of experience, but
think about other skills that you have that would make you a
good fit for the job. Previous experience in healthcare,
entertainment, or education can be highlighted to your
advantage. Emphasize your knowledge of First Aid or your
teaching abilities. Employers may see your resume and decide
that they don't want complete overlap with their current
employees and instead are interested in what your unique
contribution would be adding to their workplace.
Issue 3: How do I know this is the career I
want?
This problem is more common than you think. There
are a few ways to address this question. Taking this test is
the first step — so congratulations! Second, think about
whether it's the job or if it's the potential perks that make
this career appealing. For example, your desire may be to
become a musician in a band. Now picture yourself making
enough money to earn a decent living but always playing in
small venues without fame or riches. Do you still want to
become a musician? If so, then this is the right career for
you. If getting on MTV is driving your ambition, then you may
need to think again about this career choice. Most musicians
don't make it to the big time. It's the actual job itself that
needs to propel you. This goes for any job you may desire.
Just as in relationships, when times are good, it's easy to
get along with your partner. It's during the tough times when
you need the motivation to keep persevering. If you still want
to pursue your career even when the going gets tough, then
this is what you want. Adversity reveals what you truly
desire.
Issue 4: I know what I want to do, but I
have no idea how to get there
Whether it's through your
business or social networks, locate someone who is at least in
the ballpark in terms of your career interests. Ask them to
give you their career history. How did they move up? The key
here is to talk to as many people as possible and ask them how
they made it and what they'd look for when they're hiring
someone. In terms of finding people to talk to, you never know
who has the right contact for you. Your next-door neighbor's
nephew could end up being your career resource. A network of
people is available for you online as well. Even go so far as
to "cold" email people and introduce yourself and ask
questions. You can also try requesting an information
interview with people who have the job you want or are in the
field you're targeting. In these meetings, you won't interview
for a specific position, but you'll have a chance to ask
questions and find out what the job or field really requires.
When asking people how they got their dream job, you may be
surprised by their answers. Bottom line: Everyone's story is
different and there is no magic formula for getting the job
you really want. But what you will find is that most stories
involve hard work and good luck. But luck isn't completely
random. People make their luck by actively networking and
seeking opportunities. It's as Thomas Jefferson said: "I find
that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to
have."
Issue 5: How do I get the job I
want?
Apply for jobs that don't exist. Although this
may sound crazy it does work. The trick is to gain the
attention of the right person. Here are two examples of how
this strategy works. David completed school and was on the job
market. His interest was in computers and web design but he
needed to stay in his small town for family reasons.
Frustrated by the lack of jobs, he decided to take matters
into his own hands. David looked up websites of local
companies and discovered a new company that had a poorly
designed website. David sent an email to the head of the
company with advice on how to improve the company's site. Not
only did the CEO appreciate the advice, but he was also
impressed by David's go-getter attitude. The CEO invited him
to visit the company and subsequently offered him a job that
previously did not exist. Using a slightly different tactic,
Sara succeeded in landing a job as well. Sara found a job
posting for a position that did not quite fit with her
qualifications, but she knew that she wanted to work for this
company. Using the contact information provided, she sent off
her resume and job application acknowledging that she did not
quite fit the position but that she had a different skill set
to offer. The company thought she was at least worth
interviewing, and once she was there, she impressed them into
creating a job for her. |
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As
we mentioned before, we looked at your responses to 12 different
career areas. In order to get a clearer picture, we created your own
personal list of career preferences. We ranked your career interests
from your most to your least favorite areas. In your list, we give
you a brief description of the area, your interest score and a list
of four example occupations.
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| Education & Training |
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| Math
& Science |
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| Medicine & Health |
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| Business Relations |
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| Counseling & Guidance |
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| Outdoors |
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| Engineering |
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| Investigation & Testing |
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| Merchandising |
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| Writing & Journalism |
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| Fine
Arts |
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| Law & Enforcement |
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Many
talented people in these professions are able to simplify complex
ideas and effectively communicate them to others. Whether it's
teaching new information, skills, or behavior, you need to have a
zeal for interacting with other people and taking the lead. People
who succeed in these types of professions are keenly aware that you
first need to genuinely like people before you can tell them what to
do.
College Professor
High School Teacher
Occupational
Therapist
Training Supervisor
Professions
in the fields of math and science involve using analytical thought.
Information gathered by people in these types of professions is
useful to a wide range of audiences, but most people fail to
appreciate the complexity and creativity involved in the solutions.
Despite popular belief, most people in math and science are
imaginative types who enjoy creating a new world of information and
possibilities.
Financial Analyst
Clinical Study
Coordinator
Astronomer
Radiology Technician
Occupations
related to medicine and health involves helping other people. Some
occupations require working directly with people and assessing and
diagnosing their state of health. Others work directly with people
to show them how to take better care of themselves. Still, others
help by conducting research on health-related issues such as finding
a new cure or vaccine. Regardless of the type of job, ultimately
they all represent improving the quality of people's lives in some
way.
Family Practitioner
Emergency Medical
Technician
Cardiac Surgeon
Dietician
Professions
in the area of business relations require a variety of skills.
However, almost all the professions involve being persuasive and
shrewd at the same time. You must possess the ability to anticipate
problems and opportunities and use this approach to your advantage.
Although it is important to be methodical, being slow never makes
you a winner in a business environment.
Marketing
Director
Mortgage Lender
Business Planner
Contract
Lawyer
Counseling
and guidance professions involve helping people envision a new
future for themselves. Unlike many other fields, it's rare to hear a
counselor complain that they don't see how they impact other
people's lives. Whether it's working with young children or older
adults, counselors provide much needed emotional, psychological and
practical support to people.
Corporate Trainer
Mental
Health Counselor
Clinical Psychologist
Marriage
Counselor
Working
in the outdoors allows people to feel in touch with nature and less
dependent on technology and other man-made distractions. Part of the
challenge and excitement of working outdoors is the unpredictable
environment. Finding people satisfied with working outdoors is not
difficult. Usually they don't mind getting their hands dirty and
enjoy the fact that everyday is different.
Wildlife
Specialist
Resort Director
Animal Trainer
Gardener
Although
a variety of professions fall under engineering, most involve using
mathematical and scientific knowledge in an applied setting.
Engineers are typically curious about how things work and enjoy
testing out solutions rather than being told how something works.
Given that many engineering jobs require inventing or creating
solutions, having spatial skills, such as the ability to understand
how objects fit together, is helpful.
Architect
Land
Surveyor
Mechanical Engineer
Computer Programmer
Careers
involving investigation and testing involve a fair amount of
high-level thinking. Most occupations within this area prize the
ability to form sound conclusions based on keen observational
skills. People who enjoy working in these types of careers are
naturally inquisitive and are known to ask "how" or
"why."
CIA Operative
Forensic Lab
Technician
Geneticist
Private Investigator
Occupations
in the area of merchandising require not only interpersonal skills
but powers in the art of persuasion as well. People who excel in
this area may not have a psychology degree, but they're attuned to
what people want. Most successful people in merchandising are
skilled at selling, and they never lose sight of the fact that the
bottom line is the clearest indicator of their
success.
Advertising Executive
Wedding
Planner
Inventory Control Director
Real Estate Agent
People
who are drawn to writing and journalism appreciate the power of the
written word and its abilities to shape other people's ideas.
Whether it's convincing us to buy a new car or vote for a particular
candidate, writers and journalists are exceptionally adept at
expressing themselves through language.
Literary
Agent
Newspaper Reporter
Professional Writer
Manual
Writer
Professions
in the fine arts typically involve evoking some kind of emotional
response. Whether someone is into music, drama, or painting, they
typically possess a heightened appreciation for experiencing the
world on a sensory level.
Museum Curator
Art Gallery
Guide
Commercial Music Composer
Commercial Voice
Announcer
Professions
in the law and enforcement field require quick thinking and acting.
Typically, people in these types of professions are interested in
improving people's lives in brief yet heroic ways. People who
succeed in these types of professions are emotionally resilient and
can withstand high-pressure situations.
Court District
Judge
Public Safety Officer
Criminal
Lawyer
Paralegal
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Finding a job that you
love is not easy. Who says you have to follow a traditional
path to find satisfaction? Sometimes you have to think outside
the box to find the opportunity that will be the best fit for
you.
Following is a list of 16 jobs that are "off the
beaten path" that match your top scoring vocational
areas.
Standardized Testing Instructor
English
Teacher Abroad
Americorps Instructor
Ski
Instructor
Bank Teller
Math Professional Development
Coach
Pricing Manager
Food Science Lab
Technician
Medical Rescue Specialist
Medical
Writer
Sex Education Specialist
Group Exercise
Coordinator
Focus Group Moderator
College Marketing
Representative
Publicist
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Now
that you know yourself better than you did before, you can start
planning your future with greater determination and clarity. Just to
get you motivated, we have come up with a few common ways people
create stumbling blocks for themselves. Read on to see if any of
these apply to you.
Are you delaying reality?
Many
people take temporary or unsatisfying jobs to make money before
pursuing their dream job. This is a reasonable strategy. But have
you ever met people who are in the same job five or ten years down
the road, even though it isn't what they really want to do? The
challenge is that pursuing your dreams may require a sacrifice in
lifestyle, time, or money. Unfortunately, too many people get used
to a certain lifestyle and aren't willing to make the necessary
changes. As a result, it can be difficult to give up what a person
is accustomed to, even if it's not ultimately fulfilling. It can
also be tempting to some people to hold on to a dream and not pursue
it in order to avoid failing. Remind yourself: There are no dress
rehearsals in life. Everyday you don't work toward pursuing your
goals is another day you're delaying the fulfillment of your dreams.
Go for what you really want today; you don't want to look back on
your life with regret.
Success is doing something you
love
Too many people in our society pick careers based on
status, money, or their parents' expectations. It's nice to walk
into a party and tell people you have a prestigious profession, but
if your work isn't something you love doing, then that momentary
feeling of pride will be fleeting. Explore why you are in your
current career. Who supported you? If your parents or other family
members did not influence you to go in this profession, would you be
in it now? If not, what do you think you would've chosen on your
own? It's not that people don't find happiness in careers that
weren't their first or second choice, but it's important to come to
terms with the choices that led to where you are today and why.
Through this type of reflection, you may even make peace with
decisions you made in the past. |
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Assessing
career interests is not just for high school students anymore. On
average, people make three major career changes in their lives. With
such a high statistic, it's no wonder that researchers have devoted
their lives to understanding how career decisions are made.
Organizational and personality psychologists typically explore how
personality influences our career decisions. For example, there is
the Strong Interest Inventory and Holland's Career
Inventory.
Our inventory is unique because of its format and
assessment of personal needs. We first conducted a pilot study to
create the top 12 career areas and examine the validity of our
questions and response format. With this information, we created our
assessment tool. We gauged your interest in 12 different career
areas by having you pick which job you would prefer when it is set
against two others. Based on your pattern of responses, we assessed
which career areas were most and least appealing to you. The
personal wants we assessed were specifically related to your social
and status needs.
Here are some books that we recommend for
further reading.
Bolles, R.N. (2002). What Color is Your
Parachute. Ten Speed Press: Berkeley.
Sher, B. &
Smith, B. (1994). I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It
Was. Delacorte Press: New York.
Gottfredson, G. D. &
Holland, J. L. (1996). Dictionary of Holland Occupational
Codes. Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc.: Odessa,
Fl.
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