College, Career, Life » personality

Choosing a Career from a Variety of Interests

collegecareerlife — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:06:53 +0000

Interests are important considerations when choosing a career. But what if you have too many interests? What if your interests are constantly changing? Choosing a career would be easy if everyone had one or two consistent interests. But most of us have several interests that change throughout our lives.

Focus on Personality and Values

When choosing a career, your values and personality matter just as much as interests. Choose a career by first identifying your career values and personality, and then and determine which careers best align with them. Then you can choose the careers that also match your interests. For example, if your interests include health and music but you highly value security, a job in healthcare would be a better choice than a job in the music industry.

Appreciate Interests as Hobbies

Once a favorite activity becomes work, it may not be so fun anymore. Every career has tedious or stressful aspects and it may not be easy to separate what you love from the negative parts of your work. Earning extra money from your hobby might work better than relying on it for a full-time income.

Find Your Career Interest Areas

Instead of choosing a career based on specific interests, consider the broader interest areas. An interest area offers more options and relieves the pressure to choose one right career. Do you like working with people, things, facts, or ideas? Maybe you need a career that combines two or three interest areas.

Interests are just one factor to consider when choosing a career. Instead of finding the most interesting career, find a career that aligns with your personality, values, skills, and interests. Read Career Match: Connecting Who You Are with What You’ll Love to Do for more on choosing a career.

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Career Planning for Highly Sensitive People

collegecareerlife — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 20:08:09 +0000

Are you sensitive to bright lights, loud noises and smells? Do you become easily overwhelmed by stress or conflict? If so, you may be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). The term was coined by Elaine Aron, and several books have been written on the topic. One area that is a special challenge for HSP’s is finding a tolerable work environment. Competitiveness, long hours, fluorescent lighting, and constant interruptions are common workplace characteristics that can lead to a breakdown for an HSP. For HSP resources, including career information, I recommend HighlySensitivePeople.com.

Some basic career tips for the HSP:

Put health before wealth. Your mental and physical well being are much more important than earning a lot of money. This is true for everyone, but even more so for HSP’s. Migraines, stomach aches, fatigue and insomnia are signs you’re job is taking a toll on your health. Making Work Work for the Highly Sensitive Person
Strive for independence. Many HSP’s find self-employment much more desirable than working for someone else. Starting your own business might not be a possibility for you, but try finding work that offers as much autonomy as possible.
Work environment matters more than job title. A bad work environment can have a negative impact on your productivity and health. Look for a laid back environment that offers flexibility and autonomy. Find a company that values employees and treats workers with respect. Some tips for creating a relaxing work environment: Listen to relaxing music with earphones, taking frequent mini-breaks, bring a small lamp for your desk to offer softer lighting, put up relaxing pictures on your walls or desk. The Highly Sensitive Person’s Survival Guide
Choose work where your sensitivity is an asset. Emotional sensitivity is not valued and can get in the way of success as it is defined by our society. As an HSP, you can find work where emotional sensitivity proves advantageous. Artistic and social jobs are two areas where sensitive types can excel. One-on-one counseling, writing, and care-giving are career options to consider.

HSP’s are often told to “toughen up” by the less-sensitive majority. Unfortunately, we are often misunderstood, judged, and even ridiculed. Despite this lack of understanding, HSP’s have a lot to offer the world including creativity, perceptiveness, loyalty, honesty, compassion, and listening skills. You can’t completely change your sensitivity, but you can develop coping skills and find situations that don’t conflict with your sensitivity.

Further Reading:
Highly Sensitive Person’s Companion: Daily Exercises for Calming Your Senses in an Overstimulating World

The Sensitive Person’s Survival Guide: An Alternative Health Answer to Emotional Sensitivity & Depression

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Jobs for Analytical Types

collegecareerlife — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:00:30 +0000

Analytical skills are important for many high demand jobs in a variety of fields. Analytical types enjoy using data and facts to reach a conclusion. If this sounds like you, the following jobs jobs might be a good fit for your personality.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysts analyze and develop budgets for organizations and government agencies. Although a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field is the minimum education requirement, many budget analysts have a master’s degree. Budget analysts working for the government may obtain the Certified Government Financial Manager designation, which requires passing three exams and obtaining two years of experience. Job growth for budget analysts is projected to be fifteen percent through 2018 and median wages were $65,320 in 2008. * Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011: With Bonus Content (Occupational Outlook Handbook (Jist Works))

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts determine user requirements, review system capabilities, make software recommendations, and update existing computer systems and programs. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or information systems is the minimum requirement for most jobs. Projected employment growth for computer systems analysts is 20 percent through 2018 and the median annual wages were $75,500 in 2008. Information Technology (Field Guides to Finding a New Career)

Market Researcher

Market researchers conduct research to determine potential demand and sales for a particular product or service, and may develop marketing campaigns. They may study consumer habits, preferences, and demographics for a specific region. They’re research often involves consumer surveys and competitor analysis. Median annual wages for 2008 were $61,070 and 28 percent job growth is projected through 2018.Careers in Marketing

Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts develop the most effective and efficient solutions to complex operational problems. Linear programming, computer modeling, statistical analysis and data mining are some analytical techniques used by operations research analysts. Some specialties within the field include finance, transportation, and supply chain management. Candidates with a master’s or doctorate degree in operations management or management science will have the best opportunities. Projected job growth is 22 percent through 2018 and median annual wages were $69,000 in 2008. Great Jobs for Business Majors (Great Jobs Series)

Statistician

Statisticians collect and interpret data to provide important information on a number of topics. Statisticians may specialize in certain areas, such as biostatistics or economic statistics. Most statistician jobs require a graduate degree in math or statistics. Statisticians are employed with the federal government, scientific research services, insurance carriers, state governments, universities, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and corporations. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual wages for statisticians were $72, 610 in 2008 and thirteen percent job growth is projected through 2018. Great Jobs for Math Majors, Second ed. (Great Jobs For Series)

There are many other jobs that suit the analytical personality, including financial analyst, medical scientist, and economist. To read more about jobs that suit your personality, read Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type.

* Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook

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Post tags: analyst, analytical, finance, IT, jobs, operations, personality, statistics, systems

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Using the Big Five Traits to Choose a Career

collegecareerlife — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:05:26 +0000

The Big Five personality dimensions are often used by human resources professionals to help place employees. These five dimensions are thought to be the underlying traits that make up an individual’s overall personality. A brief explanation of the five dimensions:

Extroversion - Extroverts derive energy from interaction with others, while introverts derive their energy from within.

Openness - If you enjoy new experiences and learning new things, you will probably score high on the openness dimension.

Agreeableness - Agreeable individuals are cooperative, compassionate, and friendly. Those with low agreeableness are more aloof.

Neuroticism - The neuroticism dimension relates to one’s emotional stability and degree of negative emotions. People that score high on neuroticism often experience negative emotions like depression and anger.

Conscientiousness – A person with a high degree of conscientiousness is prompt and reliable. No matter what your career choice, a high degree of conscientiousness will be an asset.

The Big Five traits are often expressed as percentages, because individuals possess each in varying degrees. How can you use these traits to choose a career? First, determine where you fall on the scale for each dimension. Then identify the extreme traits and focus on careers that accommodate those traits. Assessment.com offers a Big Five test for $8.99. If you’d like career suggestions based on the Big 5, take the career test at Similar Minds.com. Although the names of the dimensions are different, they correlate with the Big 5 traits.

For more on the Big Five traits read The Owner’s Manual for Personality at Work: How the Big Five Personality Traits Affect Your Performance, Communication, Teamwork, Leadership, and Sales.

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Post tags: Big Five, career planning, extroversion, introversion, neuroticism, openness, personality, traits

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Free Tests for Career Planning

collegecareerlife — Fri, 01 May 2009 15:15:40 +0000

Personality

Career Inventory Test at SimilarMinds.com suggests careers based on your levels of extroversion, orderliness, inquisitiveness, emotional stability, and altruism.

What Am I Like? personality test at BBC.co.uk is a shortened version of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®, which is based on 16 different personality types.

Interests

What’s Your Dream Job? test at CareerBuilder.com suggests careers based on whether you prefer to work with people, things, information, or ideas.

Values

Values Assessment at MyPlan.com measures the importance you place on career-related values such as independence, working conditions, and recognition.

Recommended Books :

50 Best Jobs for Your Personality

Career Quizzes: 12 Tests to Help You Discover and Develop Your Dream Career

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Suggested Career Books for Introverts

collegecareerlife — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Introverts face special challenges not only when looking for work, but also when trying to secure promotions. Our quiet nature can come across as rudeness and we often have trouble with social conventions such as small talk. Luckily, there are several books that target introverted people who want to achieve success in their careers. A few to consider:

The Successful Introvert: How to Enhance Your Job Search and Advance Your Career by Wendy Gelberg

Gelberg, an introvert herself, interviewed successful introverts from a variety of backgrounds. Their advice can be found throughout the book, as well as tips for job searching, interviews, and networking.

Confessions of an Introvert: The Shy Girl’s Guide to Career, Networking and Getting the Most Out of Life by Megan Wier

Introversion and shyness aren’t the same thing, but many introverts are shy and vice versa. (A quiz at the beginning of the book will help you figure out if you are an introvert, an extrovert, or shy). The book contains advice about building confidence, dealing with social anxiety, leadership, networking and self-promotion. I recommend this to any introvert or shy person, regardless of your age or career goals.

The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World by Marti Olsen Laney, Psy.D.

Although Laney doesn’t offer much in the way of career advice, this book is an interesting read about the introvert personality and advice on how to introverts can accept themselves in a society that prefers extroverts.

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Jobs for Introverts and Extroverts in Each Field

collegecareerlife — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:21:00 +0000

I’ve focused on introverts in a past article because introverts are more limited in terms of what careers they can pursue. Since I don’t want to leave extroverts out, I’ll suggest some good jobs for introverts and extroverts within each field. Many introvert career suggestions will suit extroverts and visa versa. This post is meant for those that fall at an extreme end of the introvert/extrovert spectrum and want a career that is most likely to suit this particular personality aspect.

Accounting and Finance:

Extroverts are more likely to prefer management positions while introverts will prefer to stay behind the scenes doing research or financial analysis. Extroverts also make good entrepreneurs because they can make connections easily.

Introvert jobs: credit analyst, financial analyst, staff accountant

Extrovert jobs: personal financial adviser, financial manager, financial services sales agent

Marketing and Sales:

A reader commenting on a previous post mentioned that she loves the creativity used in marketing but she feels overwhelmed as an introvert. For creative introverts, marketing can be a good field if you choose a job that allows for some quiet time to concentrate.

Introvert jobs: market research analyst, web/internet marketing analyst, marketing copywriter

Extrovert jobs: advertising sales agent, public relations specialist, marketing manager*

*Marketing manager can be a great job for both introverts and extroverts, depending on the responsibilities of a particular position. Some marketing managers focus a large portion of their time on research and designing promotional material. Presentation and communication skills are essential for marketing management, but extroversion is not. The Successful Introvert: How to Enhance Your Job Search and Advance Your Career

Information Technology:

You may think that only introverts would enjoy computer-related occupations, but extroverts can actually excel in jobs that require good marketing and public relations skills. Introverts will probably enjoy work within an organization where they can remain in the background working on projects without worrying too much about promoting their ideas or products.

Introvert jobs: software engineer, computer systems analyst

Extrovert jobs: independent web developer/designer, professional tech blogger, entrepreneur

If you’re interested in the Information Technology field, you could consider getting information assurance training online to stand out from the rest.

Education:

You might be surprised to learn that many teachers consider themselves introverts. Don’t rule teaching out if you are introverted because many teaching jobs allow for down-time between classes. If you are interested in teaching a certain subject, don’t let your personality stop you.

Introvert jobs: librarian, school psychologist, guidance counselor, college professor

Extrovert jobs: elementary school teacher, education administrator

Health care:

Empathy and patience are two important traits for health care workers to have. Introverts are often very sensitive and contemplative, making them excellent candidates for many jobs the health care field. Extroverts usually do well in jobs that require both good interpersonal skills and stamina. Top 100 Health-Care Careers

Introvert jobs: pharmacist, anesthesiologist, family physician, nutritionist, home health nurse

Extrovert jobs: emergency medical technician, physical therapist, emergency room nurse

For more research about personality and career choice read Career Match: Connecting Who You Are with What You’ll Love to Do

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Post tags: education, extrovert, finance, healthcare, introvert, IT, jobs, marketing, personality

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Six Main Career Interest Areas

collegecareerlife — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:25:00 +0000

An interest area is a way of categorizing careers based on where and how you like to work. Your values and personality will influence your interest areas. Because this categorization combines important factors, it can be very useful when choosing a career. Career Match: Connecting Who You Are with What You’ll Love to Do

A brief description of the interest areas:

1. Conventional

Conventional people like organization, structure, and stability. They prefer work that requires attention to detail and routine.

conventional personality traits: honest, dependable and conscientious

good jobs for conventional types: accountant, actuary, budget analyst, receptionist, bookkeeper, medical records technician, legal secretary, insurance underwriter, office clerk, pharmacy technician

2. Investigative

Investigative types enjoy solving complex problems and appreciate abstract ideas. Science, math, and engineering are areas in which investigative types usually excel.

investigative personality traits: curious, rational, intelligent and independent

good jobs for investigative types: software engineer, actuary, financial analyst, economist, physician, chemist, physicist, medical scientist, computer systems analyst

3. Social

Social types value relationships and gravitate towards the “helping” professions such as nursing, counseling and teaching. They enjoy working with people and communicating.

social personality traits: patient, friendly, generous and supportive

good jobs for social types: registered nurse, dental hygienist, physical therapist, teacher, home health aide, social worker, school counselor, police officer, occupational therapist

4. Artistic

Creativity expression is highly valued by artistic types. They prefer work that does not follow a clear set of rules or regulations.

artistic personality traits: idealistic, sensitive and unconventional

good jobs for artistic types: architect, editor, art director, producer, graphic designer, copy writer, musician, photographer, librarian; drama, art or music teacher

5. Realistic

Realistic types enjoy working outdoors and prefer work that is hands-on. They like using machinery or tools and would probably not enjoy most office jobs.

realistic personality traits: practical, athletic, stable and hard-working

good jobs for realistic types: electrician, plumber, truck driver, civil engineer, welder, firefighter, pilot, radiologic technician

6. Enterprising

Enterprising types like to start and carry out projects. They don’t mind taking risks and are well-suited for leadership roles.

enterprising personality traits: persuasive, confident, decisive and ambitious

good jobs for enterprising types: lawyer, sales representative, manager, recruiter, education administrator, business owner, controller

How do you use an interest area to choose a career? First, realize that you will probably have a primary interest area and a secondary interest area. You should focus on the two or three interest areas that best fit you. Most careers will combine two or three interest areas, so choosing a career based on your interest areas isn’t always simple. Ideally, you will identify the careers that combine your primary and secondary areas. I recommend the book 50 Best Jobs for Your Personality by Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin, which includes a test that will determine your interest areas.

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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Career

collegecareerlife — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:22:00 +0000

Picking a career is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. While in the past most people’s career prospects were limited by economic or social factors, today one can choose almost any career path. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the large number of career choices available and the amount of information about those careers. While looking at job growth and salary data is important, superficial factors such as prestige and income do not provide for career satisfaction in the long-term. The most important factors in choosing a career have to do with who you are as an individual. Carefully consider the following four factors when deciding on a career path:

Interests

What topics do you read about in your spare time and what classes do you enjoy in school? Your career doesn’t have to be your passion, but it shouldn’t bore you to tears, either.

Natural Skills and Abilities

If you struggled through math in school and couldn’t pass no matter how much you studied, you may want to consider a career that doesn’t require a great deal of mathematical ability. However, most degree programs include a variety of classes that may or may not relate to your future occupation. Don’t let this discourage you from pursuing the career you want.

Introversion vs. Extroversion

Introverts require time alone to recharge, while extroverts thrive on social interaction. Most people are close to the middle of the spectrum and will be most happy in a career that balances time alone with social interaction.

Goals and rewards

What do you value in a career? Some people desire to help others directly, while others seek independence and autonomy. Everyone derives fulfillment in a different way. Paying too much attention to society’s values instead of one’s own can lead to the wrong career choice.

Each individual has a unique combination of interests, abilities, personality traits and values. “Best jobs” lists and other information may be misleading because they don’t take the individual into account. Deciding on a career isn’t easy for most people, but your careful research and introspection will be worth a lifetime of career satisfaction.

For more career tools and resources, read my list of The Top 10 Sites for Choosing a Career or
Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type.

© Andrea for College, Career, Life, 2008. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: career choice, career planning, interests, personality, values

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Career Planning for Introverts

collegecareerlife — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 03:08:00 +0000

For an introvert, social interaction requires considerable effort and can be draining. This is hard for most people to understand, since about 80% of the population is extroverted. Introversion is often seen as a negative trait and we introverts are encouraged to change. However, we will always derive our energy from within and this inherent trait cannot be changed. Instead, we should look for careers in which our introverted nature is an asset.

The ideal career for an introvert will allow for some time to recharge during the workday (preferably you will have a space of your own to think and work). Interactions will be one-on-one or in small groups. Remember that all careers require interaction with coworkers and clients, but even introverts can develop good interpersonal and communication skills with practice.

Some careers for introverts to consider:

Actuary
Accountant
Archivist
Computer Systems Analyst
Forensic Science Technician
Software Engineer
Statistician
Technical Writer

Being introverted should not stop you from pursuing the career you want. If your dream career involves working around people, you may just need more rest at the end of the day than your extroverted coworkers. Even introverts can work in social occupations if the work interests and fulfills them.

For more career suggestions for introverts, read 200 Best Jobs for Introverts

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College, Career, Life » personality

Choosing a Career from a Variety of Interests

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Career Planning for Highly Sensitive People

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Using the Big Five Traits to Choose a Career

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Jobs for Introverts and Extroverts in Each Field

Accounting and Finance:

Marketing and Sales:

Information Technology:

Education:

Health care:

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Six Main Career Interest Areas

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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Career

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