In order to identify a career that is a good match for you, you first need to have a clear understanding of your own interests (what you like to do for work), skills (what you are capable of doing and do well), and values (your reasons for working, expectations of work, and lifestyle preferences). Start searching for your future career by identifying, clarifying, and prioritizing your unique interests, skills, and values. Once you complete a number of self-assessment activities and have a good sense of who you are and what you desire from a career, then you can begin researching a number of careers that may be a good match for you; careers that other people with similar interests, skills, and values succeed at and enjoy. Try some or all of the following activities and resources to clarify your interests, skills, and values: - Take some free online career, interest, and skills assessments at:
- Browse through the Cape Cod Community College course catalog or one of many guides to majors and degrees (available for CCCC students in the Advising and Counseling Center or your local library). Write down any classes or academic programs that strike you as interesting or enjoyable.
- Browse through the want ads, both in local newspapers and online. Circle or cut out any that appeal to you. Do you notice any patterns? Keep in mind that more jobs are NOT advertised than are advertised.
- Read the "Best-Selling Job-Hunting Book in the World," What Color is Your Parachute, by Richard Nelson Bolles. This career guide was originally published in 1970 and is updated each year. Complete the workbook exercises associated with this book and visit the author's companion web site at: http://www.jobhuntersbible.com/
- Explore a variety of career fields at http://www.careeroverview.com/.
- Reflect back on your experiences. Write down: activities you've enjoyed, school subjects you found interesting, your top five accomplishments/achievements, events or ideas that tested your values, etc.
- Ask others close to you to describe you. Specifically, what do they identify as your top five interests, skills/abilities, and values.
- Keep a journal. Make note of daily activities that you enjoy or dislike. Jot down things such as what books you go to first in the bookstore, what newspaper or magazine articles you stop to read, and what topics captured your interest throughout the day.
- Pretend you won the lottery. Write down the organizations/causes you would donate money or time to, the books you would read, and the places you would visit.
- Consider Non-traditional careers for your gender. Learn more about gender and career choices here.
- CCCC students can make an appointment to speak with a career counselor in the Career Planning and Placement Office, on the second floor of the Grossman Student Commons Building. Students may also take a number of pencil and paper assessments including the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), the Self-Directed Search (SDS) or the Harrington O'Shea Career Decision Making Inventory.
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