Fasset brand ambassador campaign
2012-02-07Fasset brand ambassadors are appointed for their leadership and achievements to date, and will inevitably serve as role models within their own communities. Their influence and impact will extend far beyond their campus, into the townships and rural communities, in which they live. more
Youth climate change indaba
2012-02-04Cape Town: Young people showcase solutions to climate problems facing our youth in South Africa. Venue: Iziko Museum. Entrance is FREE more
« Back | Home » Know Yourself
PREPARING FOR YOUR CAREER
You are responsible for shaping your own career and future. To make the right decisions it is important that you start to understand yourself before exploring the career you wish to follow. Things you need to think about:
- who you are (the things that make you the unique person that you are)
- what you are passionate about
For instance: If you are outgoing and love working with people, becoming an Accountant or an Actuary might not be the career for you to follow, however following a career in Marketing or Public Relations could be the direction to follow.
Try this exercise to help you:
- On a blank sheet of paper list at least 10 things that make you special
- List any and all personal achievements and successes – at least 10 (this can also include things like overcoming shyness, standing up to a bully, standing up for your beliefs in a difficult situation etc)
- List at least 10 things that you are good at or can do well
- Write down at least one particularly attractive physical feature (even if it’s a cute pinkie toe or particularly shapely ear lobe!)
- Try reading this to yourself out loud every morning for a week
The most important thing about your career is: TO ENJOY THE JOURNEY!
Here are some more questions to help you understand yourself:
There are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers – just answer as honestly as you can!
What are your personal qualities - the qualities that make you who you are? Are you:
-
caring, patient, impatient, hardworking, friendly, resourceful, pro-active, obedient, self-disciplined, shy, impulsive, adaptable, systematic, open to new ideas?
-
a leader or a follower?
-
a visionary or an implementer?
What are your abilities?
-
What interests you?
-
What do you enjoy doing?
The career you’ll enjoy most is the one that gives you a chance to do what you are good at and to develop your strengths and your potential.
Here are some key general areas for you to think about:
Your school subjects -
-
which are your favourites?
-
which are you best at?
-
which would you like to follow and develop further in the career of your choice?
Your interests -Think about what:
-
kind of work do you like doing best
-
you enjoy finding out about
Independence -
-
do you like to work on your own?
-
to make your own decisions?
-
to take responsibility for yourself and for what you do?
Group and teamwork skills/interpersonal skills/working with people: how well do you:
-
get on with others?
-
handle negotiating?
-
tolerate different viewpoints?
Information handling skills/working with data - are you good at :
-
researching
-
cataloguing
-
interpreting
-
classifying
-
selecting
-
organising
Computer skills - can you:
-
work with different computer programs
communication skills/working with words - are you good at:
-
expressing yourself
-
listening
-
writing
-
interpreting
-
criticising constructively
-
debating
-
negotiating
-
explaining
Number skills/working with numbers - do you enjoy:
-
counting & measuring
-
estimating
-
calculating
Problem solving skills/analytical skills/working with ideas - how good are you at:
-
thinking things out
-
planning
-
assessing
-
analysing
-
strategizing
-
evaluating
practical and technical skills/working with things - do you like:
-
designing
-
making
-
planning
-
controlling
-
getting things to work
Think about the goals you would like to achieve through your work -
-
Job satisfaction
-
money
-
responsibility
-
status
-
secure employment,
-
your own business?
For whom and in what kind of surroundings and conditions would you like to work.
-
Would you prefer to work for a large company or organization or a small one?
-
Do you prefer to work outdoors or indoors; in an office or in a plant or in a laboratory?
What needs do you have? Do you need:
-
security
-
challenges
-
recognition?
-
Do you need independence or do you need to feel
part of a team? -
Do you need to feel you are ‘making a difference’?
-
Do you need to feel ‘in charge’ of a team or project or activity?
-
Do you prefer to focus on implementing ideas or projects?
-
Do you feel the need to start up new projects?
-
Do you prefer to focus on seeing a particular job or activity
through to its conclusion?
What are your values and what is important to you?
-
Do you want to earn a lot of money
-
have status
-
work independently
-
have enough money
-
help others
Now list your answers. Once you understand what you want from life - it will be easier to set career goals and choose paths that will take you where you want to go.
The most important thing is: TO ENJOY THE JOURNEY!
Information courtesy of: water @ work - a career guide
Published by the Water Research Commission
Published by the Water Research Commission
196.7.127.15