prepare - bjc institute for learning and development self exploration...learning, problem solving,...

BJC CAREER SERVICES SELF EXPLORATION WORKBOOK

PREPARE

SELF EXPLORATION WORKBOOK

1

The Prepare phase begins with self-exploration of your

priorities, interests, work values, and skills. No matter

which stage of your career you are in, getting to know

yourself better will help you discover the best career

path for you. This process can take some time and

there may be times when you feel stuck, confused,

even overwhelmed. We encourage you to invest time

to complete the following assessments. We hope that

you are able to identify key themes that will help you

realize your personal potential and direct your career

path.

Note: You do not need to complete all of the

assessments, activities, or answer all of the questions.

You are encouraged to complete only those that are of

value to you.

This is YOUR journey.


2

Priorities: what is important to you right now?

As you go through different stages of your life, your interests, values and work priorities may change.

Your priorities early in your career may differ from those in mid or late career as you seek to find the

right balance. Ultimately, you want to plan for and progress toward a career that will provide you with a

satisfying balance of work/non-work activities.

Examples:

“I value work-life balance but because I’m currently a single parent

my priority is job security and a steady income.”

“I’m new in the workforce and a recent college graduate.

It is my priority to establish my personal reputation and credibility,

and get promoted quickly.”

“I’m a seasoned professional and I want my contributions

to be recognized and valued. I am thinking about retirement.”

Your priorities may be impacted by where you are in the life cycle of your job. While you are learning a

new job, it is exciting. Once you begin to master your job, you feel confident in your ability to perform it.

Eventually, you may hit a plateau and it becomes difficult to sustain your motivation. At that point, you

have several options to consider. We encourage you to either renew yourself by developing in your job

or identifying what job and career will be the next best fit.


3

Determining Your Priorities

There are a number of ways to better understand your priorities.

First, determine which stage of your career you are in.

Early Career Are you focused on establishing yourself? Gaining mastery in your assignments? Being seen as competent by your colleagues and managers? This phase can easily take several years. It begins with a period of establishment followed by a focus on achievement and accomplishment.

Mid-Career Are you reappraising your accomplishments relative to your ambitions and dreams? Are you reexamining your priorities?

Late career Are you focused on remaining productive? Being viewed as competent and preparing for retirement?

What impact, if any, does your career stage have on your job selection and career path now?

Second, ask yourself: Am I as involved, effective or satisfied in the different parts of my life as I would

like to be? Indicate your current level of satisfaction with each of these key areas.

Area of Life Level of satisfaction

Not at all satisfied

Not very satisfied

Somewhat satisfied

Mostly satisfied

Very satisfied

Career

Family

Leisure

Community

Religion/Spirituality

Self-development

Other


4

Based on your responses above, ask yourself the following:

If you are satisfied, what have I done to achieve this?

If not, why am I not as involved, effective or satisfied as I would like to be?

What can I do to become more involved, effective and satisfied?

How might my level of satisfaction or dissatisfaction affect other parts of my life?

Who might be able to help my level of satisfaction?

Analyze your current/future lifestyle

Before you begin career planning, it is important to analyze your current lifestyle and think about what

your future or ideal lifestyle looks like. This is a key first step in the career planning process because your

chosen career path should align with your ideal lifestyle in order to achieve job satisfaction and

fulfillment.

Are you happy with your current lifestyle?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Do you want to maintain it or change it?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

What are specific details about your ideal lifestyle?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

What do you like best about what you are currently doing?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Does your current career path allow you to attain your ideal lifestyle?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________


5

Interests

The interests you pursue in your career should be those things that you care most

about and enjoy doing.

Examples of interests: Planning, Volunteering, Public Speaking, Problem-Solving,

Coaching others

In the following pages are assessments that will help you think about and determine your interests.

Even if you think you know, take a few minutes to do them.

Interests

Interests


6

Activity 1:

Identifying activities that you care about and enjoy doing can help you discover job tasks that you would

like to have in your job role as well as job tasks that you would like to limit. Answer the following

questions to help you identify these activities:

What kinds of activities at home and at work do you enjoy?

What kinds of activities do you avoid?

What activities, places, or people energize you?

Think about projects you have worked on. Which stages of the project tend to excite you the

most: the planning, execution, implementation, or follow –up?

Recall previous jobs you have had, are there any activities that you keep gravitating toward?

What do you love to do in your free time?

If you could do any job, what would it be?


7

Activity 2: Identify Your Core Business Interests

What are your

Core Business Interests? Description

Rank your

Top 4

Application of Expertise

Application of Technology

Getting involved in inner working of things; being curious about better ways to use technology to solve business problems; feeling comfortable with mathematics, computer programming and physical models of reality

Quantitative analysis Engaging in problem solving that relies on mathematical analysis; frequently but not always financial analysis

Theory development and conceptual thinking

Taking broadly conceptual approaches to problem solving; having interest in and comfort with abstract ideas, imagination, theory, plans scenarios, and forecasts

Creative production

Taking part in highly creative activities, ones in which you bring something new into being whether that something is a creative product or a new way to do something

Working with People

Counseling and mentoring Helping others to grow and developing relationships

Managing People and relationships

Dealing with people and interpersonal issues daily

Control and Influence

Enterprise control

Having ultimate decision making authority for an enterprise, division, or project: the power to set the strategy and to ensure that the strategy is carried out

Influence through language and Ideas

Persuading others through the skilled use of written and spoken language to individuals, a small group, or a large audience

Hands on problem solving Solving problems

Ordering Information Organizing information and creating processes


8

Activity 3:

Based on the top four areas of interest you identified earlier, read the description of the essence,

themes and images to help you think about how you might apply those interests in a job.

The Ten Basic Interests

Deeply embedded life interests Essence Themes and images

Application of technology

An engineering-like approach to

problem solving: a love of

technology and how things work

Expertise, innovation, problem

solving, planning, engineering,

science, gadgets, cutting edge,

technology

Quantitative analysis

An approach to understanding the

world through mathematical

analysis

Finance, analysis, control , math,

investments, expertise, forecasting,

modeling, precision, deals

Theory development

and conceptual thinking

Abstract and imaginative theorizing

and analysis

Learning, problem solving, teaching,

research, knowledge, ideas, debate,

imagination, theory

Creative production Blank page creativity

Brainstorming, creating new

projects, designing new projects,

fast pace, free thinking, making art,

loving ideas

Counseling and mentoring Emphasizing relationships and

interpersonal concerns

Relationships, altruism, social

enterprise, making a difference,

teaching, counseling, psychology,

people

Managing people

and relationships Team leadership

Teams, leaders, manager, mentor,

goals, vision, motivation, people

Enterprise control Strategic decision-making, control of

entire operations

Strategy, vision, leadership, control,

ownership, power, decision maker,

player, principal

Influence through language

and ideas Desire to influence and persuade

Ideas, knowledge, persuasion,

writing, speeches, communication,

power of language, influence,

presentation, deals

Hands-on problem-solving Action, pragmatic problem solving Action, service, craft, skills, strength,

sports, tangible results, tools

Ordering information Creation of order and routine Order, routine, predictability,

certainty, detail, structure, care


9

Activity 4: What types of activities are you interested in doing?

What kind of people environment do you prefer? Top 3-4

Realistic

Prefer activities involving explicit, ordered, or systematic manipulation of objects, tools, machines and animals

People who like nature, or plants, or animals, or athletics, or tools and machinery, or being outdoors

Investigative

Prefer activities involving observations and symbolic systematic, creative investigation of physical, biological, or cultural phenomena

People who are very curious, liking to investigate or analyze things, people, or data

Artistic

Prefer activities involving ambiguous, free, unsystematized activities and competencies to create art forms or products

People who are very artistic, imaginative and innovative, and don’t like time clocks

Social

Prefer activities involving manipulating of others to inform, train, develop, cure or enlighten

People who are bent on trying to help, teach, or serve people

Enterprising

Prefer activities involving manipulation of others to attain organizational or self-interest goals

People who like start up projects or organizations, or sell things, or influence and persuade people

Conventional

Prefer activities involving explicit, ordered, systematic manipulation of data, keeping records, filing materials, reproducing materials, organizing written and numerical data according to a prescribed plan, operating business and technology

People who like detailed work, and like to complete tasks or projects


10

Summarize your findings

Choose up to four (4) interests you identified that are most important to you right now.

Include any themes or images (listed on pg. 8) associated with your interests.

Interests


11

Work values: What matters to you at work and in life

Work values refer to those rewards you would like to get in return for

performing your job. These rewards are a source of motivation and satisfaction

for doing any job. Understanding your work values will enable you to select

meaningful development activities and new career paths.

Examples of work values are: recognition, autonomy, work-life balance, financial gain, etc.

In the following pages are assessments that will help you more deeply think about and determine your

work values. Even if you think you know, take a few minutes to do them. You might surprise yourself!

Values


12

Work Rewards Assessment Use this worksheet to think through what really motivates you at work. You can rate each item from low (1) priority or value to high (5). Review these ratings as you assess your degree of satisfaction with your current job, or use them as a guide to what you’d be looking for in your next position/career.

Rate the importance of each value and how well your current position is meeting that value using this ranking: Low - High from 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 - 5

Level of importance or value

How well is value met by current position?

Financial gain Position provides an excellent opportunity for financial gain

Power and Influence Position offers opportunity to exercise power and influence and chance to be an influential decision maker

Lifestyle Position fits with my desired lifestyle. It lets me balance work and life demands and priorities

Autonomy Position offers me autonomy and independence – ability to work without a lot of close supervision

Affiliation Position lets me work with colleagues I enjoy and admire and gives me a sense of belonging to a group

Workspace Locations and physical workspace are desirable and offer benefits such as a pleasing environment, an easy commute, or accessibility to day care

Intellectual stimulation Position is interesting and challenging and offers learning and development opportunities

Competence/Mastery Position offers me opportunity to build competence or expertise in an area

Recognition and Support Position and work environment offer recognition and support for my contributions. My development is also supported

Other: list additional specific rewards you value.

Assessment

As you review your ratings above, what jumps out at you as most important? Least important? How well does your current job meet your rewards needs?


13

Read through the following list and rank your top five – seven values; explain why if you can.

What have you learned about yourself and your work values?

Work Values Self-Assessment Values Rank top 5 Why? 1. Being content with my work

2. Advancing my career

3. Pursuing excellence

4. Being well known

5. Being loyal at work

6. Having major accomplishments

7. Making my own decisions

8. Having low stress work

9. Having power

10. Challenging myself athletically

11. Being well liked

12. Being competitive

13. Spending time with family/friends

14. Being independent

15. Being active in the community

16. Being creative

17. Having high income

18. Helping society

19. Having job security

20. Gaining new knowledge

21. Serving others

22. Having status

23. Freedom to manage my time

24. Taking risks

25. Influencing others

26. Having authority over others

27. Choosing my work location

28. Collaborating w/colleagues

29. Having interests outside work

30. Being part of a team

31. Inventing something new

32. Feeling appreciated/needed

33. Working for the environment

34. Being self-motivated

35. Challenging myself intellectually


14


Choose up to four (4) work values you identified that are most important to you right now.

Work Values


15

Skills

As you progress through your career, you will acquire many different types of skills. Examples of skills are project management, relationship building, problem solving, decision making, collaboration, working in a diverse work culture, etc. As you are evaluating where you would like to go in your career, it will be helpful to identify skills that you already have, skills that you enjoy using, as well as skills that you would like to develop. Identifying your skill set will be helpful for developing your resume as well. The following activity will help you identify your skills.

Skills

Skills


16

Skills Identification

Review the list of skills below and mark each column as described.

You can have the same skill marked more than once in each row.

1. What skills have you already acquired and feel competent doing?

In the first column, mark each skill in which you feel competent.

2. What skills do you enjoy, even if you are not proficient at them?

In the second column, mark those skills that you really enjoy.

3. What skills would you like to learn, acquire or develop further?

In the third column, mark those skills that you would like to develop.

Skill Category: Communication Skills

Feel Competent

Enjoy/ Would like to use more often

Would like to develop

Write, edit, translate, interpret or critique words

Speak in public

Making a presentation

Explaining things to other people/ Instructing

Persuade or selling

Counsel or advise others

Finding Information

Filling out forms

Reading and understanding policies and memos

Listening to others

Other:

Skill Category: Technical Skills

Feel Competent


Would Like to develop

Build or construct things

Do crafts or use tools

Operate/Repair machines or electronic equipment

Install things

Other:

Skills


17

Skill Category: Management and

Self-Management Skills

Feel Competent


Would Like to Develop

Administer, set goals and priorities, plan or make decisions

Initiate, assess needs, anticipate or create change

Manage people, delegate tasks, direct, oversee or motivate

Being patient with others

Offering to help when it’s needed

Knowing how to take directions

Helping motivate others to get the job done

Prioritizing tasks so that the larger goal is met on time

Following the rules

Presenting a neat and professional image

Checking your own work

Using courtesy when dealing with others

Seeking help when needed

Being eager to learn

Solving problems in a cooperative way

Other:


18

Skill Category: People and Social Skills

Feel Competent

Enjoy/Would like to use more often


Care, treat, heal, nurse or rehabilitate others

Counsel, empower, coach, guide or listen to individuals

Host, comfort, please, make welcome or serve customers

Plan social, recreational or other group events

Problem-solve, mediate or network with people

Teach, train, instruct, inform or explain to groups

Caring for children responsibly

Caring for the sick and elderly

Calming people down

Helping people complete a task

Knowing how to get along with different people/personalities

Leading groups or activities

Other:


19

Skill Category: Business Skills

Feel Competent



Working with computers

Working with budgets

Account, budget, program or systematize financial data

Attend to detail, copy, inspect or transcribe

Organizing, filing, updating, categorizing or arranging information

Write business documents

Coordinate events

Fund-raising

Other:

Skill Category: Critical Thinking

and Investigative Skills

Feel Competent



Analyze; Problem-solve

Conceptualize, adapt, develop, hypothesize or discover

Evaluate, assess, test, appraise, diagnose

Observe, reflect, study or notice

Research, investigate, read or interview

Synthesize, integrate, unify or conceptualize ideas

Other:


20


Choose up to four (4) skills you identified that are most important to you right now.

These are skills that you would like to use often or develop in.

Skills


Putting It All Together

It is time to organize the results of your self-assessments and answers to the questions in the preceding pages.

You can use this worksheet to summarize the key areas of your self-exploration you see as critical to your career planning.

Interests Values Skills

Possible Career Goals: 1. 2.


Next Steps

Seek Feedback:

Once you have completed your self-exploration, it is important to seek feedback from others as you

begin to develop your career plan. There are several different ways you can get this feedback:

1. To provide yourself with further insight and confirm your personal insights, schedule a meeting with your manager. He/she can support you not only by listening to your thoughts and ideas; they may also be able to provide a realistic picture of jobs available at BJC.

2. Look at previous performance reviews to identify any theme that might be a source of consideration when thinking about your next job.

3. Ask for feedback from colleagues with whom you have worked on projects.

4. Schedule a meeting with someone you respect whose experience you would like to learn from and who might be willing to act as a mentor or coach.


Identifying Development Activities:

Experience is learning by doing, through new roles or on-the-job “stretch assignments with real

performance consequences. Experience provides the greatest practice field by acquiring and refining

knowledge and skills. These types of activities can not only accelerate your learning but also increase

your exposure to others throughout the organization.

Type/Source Description

Cross-Functional Project

Participate in a cross-functional group to solve business problem, issue or project that is beyond your usual scope.

Stretch Task Take on a new task that calls for you to learn and grow new skills. Step out of your comfort zone and take on a challenge. Doing this will allow you to improve on areas of weakness.

Special Assignment Work with your manager to define an activity outside of your current job responsibilities that will help you grow and develop.

Leadership Challenge

Bring a group of peers together to lobby for a new process, system or practice.

Deliver a Presentation

Create and communicate a formal presentation to a group within or outside your organization during a meeting or conference.

Expand a Skill Identify an activity that you can incorporate into your daily work to help you gain knowledge, address a development need, or enhance an existing skill.

Teach/Coach Provide mentorship or coaching to a new employee on your team. Offer to teach a skill to others.

Special Initiative Special Project

Champion a change your team or department has been resisting Work with colleagues to improve a work process. Collaborate with colleagues outside of your department if possible.

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