Self Assessments:
Guidance To Your Career Path
Office of Career & Transfer Services
Harcum College
What Is A Self-Assessment
• Self-assessment is the process of learning more
about yourself to help you make a wise decision
when selecting a major and/or a career path.
• It is not a ‘magic’ bullet that will tell you what
you should do or be…rather it’s a careful review
of several key components.
I should take an assessment if…
• I have a very general major; I’m undecided
• I don’t know what I want to do with my life after college
• I’m interested in more than one major and I don’t know which
one to choose
• I have a major, but I’m not sure if it’s right for me
• I want to learn more about myself: personality, interests,
skills, values
• I’ve selected a major and a career, but I think I made the
wrong decision
• I’ve selected a career or major, but I can’t decide on a specialty
area
• I’m thinking of changing careers or majors
• I can’t make up my mind about anything and I feel pressure to
make a decision
What Do Self-Assessments Measure?
Interests
Personality
Skills
Values
The combination of these assessments
can provide a clearer picture of you!
Interests
What you enjoy doing…ie. Playing golf, hanging
out with friends, travelling, etc.
Someone who LOVES to be outdoors would get
more enjoyment working as a:
1. Receptionist
2. Walmart Manager
3. Camp Counselor
Online Self-Assessments
INTERESTS
• OSCAR INTEREST PROFILER
• RIASEC Interest Inventory (PDF)
• RIASEC Occupations (PDF)
• Holland Code Majors (PDF)
Skills
The activities you are good at, such as writing,
problem-solving, teaching, etc.
Would someone who has limited knowledge about
computer programs become an IT guy/gal?
Online Self-Assessments
SKILLS
• America’s Career InfoNet Skills Profiler
• O*Net Skills Search
• Motivated Skills Test
• Transferable Skills Survey
Personality
A person’s traits, motivational drives, needs, and
attitudes.
Would someone with a bleak attitude towards life
would do well as a crisis counselor?
Online Self-Assessments
PERSONALITY
• True Colors Personality Assessment
• Type Focus Personality
• Keirsey Temperament Sorter
• Personality Mosaic
Values
the things that are important to you, like
achievement, status, and autonomy
Would someone who vastly values team work and
social interaction do well in a position where
they are isolated and work by themselves?
Online Self-Assessments
VALUES
• Work Values Inventory
• Life Values Inventory
• Career Path Assessment
• Employment Characteristics Inventory
Interests
Values
Skills
Personality
The combination of these assessments
can provide a clearer picture of you!
Helpful Online Tools
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Target Your Interests (Online)
Prioritizing Grid
Research Occupations
Salary.com
How To Utilize Self-Assessments
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Step 1: Complete a self-assessment.
Step 2: List 4-10 jobs that appeal to you.
Step 3: Research these jobs and reduce to 4.
Step 4: Use Keywords and job titles from your
list to identify career positions.
• Step 5: Based on the job description, determine
what you still need to develop or achieve to reach
career goal
Important Tips
• Be Honest With Yourself.
• Answer what you are, not what you want to be.
• Meet with the Office of Career & Transfer
Services for additional help.
• Be open-minded about career options.
• Some assessments make time to complete.
The Biggest Tip…
Take The Time To Invest In:
Yourself
Holland and RIASEC
Career Orientation
Characteristics
Representative Occupations
1. Realistic
Prefers activities involving the systematic manipulation of machinery, tools, or animals in a well-ordered environment. The individuals may lack social skill. They are most likely to be described as
genuine, stable, practical and may be shy, uninsightful, and conforming.
Semi-skilled or crafts positions: carpenter, architects, machinist, assembly line worker
2. Investigative
Prefer activities that involved observing and analyzing phenomena to develop knowledge and understanding. They tend to be curious, methodical, and precise.
Science: biologist, mathematician
Business :Research & development
3. Artistic
Prefer ambiguous and unsystematic activities in expressive forms - written, spoken or visual. They tend to be imaginative, intuitive and independent.
Artistic: painter, musician, dramatist
Business: advertising, graphics
4. Social
Prefer activities that involve informing, helping, or developing others. Dislike well-ordered and systematic work environments. They are often describe as sociable, tactful, friendly, understanding and
helpful.
Counseling, nursing, teaching.
Business: marketing, sales, training & development
5. Enterprising
Prefer to lead and control others in order to achieve specific organizational goals or obtain economic gains. They are confident, ambitious, energetic, and talkative.
Banker, lawyer, salespeople, manager
6. Conventional
Prefer rule-regulated, orderly activities which include organizing written or numerical information in a fairly stable work setting. Typically describe as conforming, orderly, efficient, and practical.
Accountant, financial experts, secretaries, file clerks