Teachers
Careers - Work It
Which Way Now
Interactive Activity
This personality test helps students identify what types of careers may be suitable based on their skills, interests and personality. Whether it is working outdoors, care work, or retail, this activity will help students narrow the choices available.
Aims:
This activity helps students match their personality to a selection
of possible careers. After completing this activity students should be able to:
- Describe their 'career personality'
- Understand how their personality is related to the concept of job satisfaction
- Identify some of their key strengths and weaknesses
- Shortlist a range of careers that are particularly suited to them
Worksheet
Answer the following questions:
- Using the personality descriptions as a guide, write a one-paragraph description
of your career personality. Do you think this activity gave you an more of
an insight into your career likes and dislikes? What are the advantages and
disadvantages of using an activity like this for identifying potential careers?
- (a) On a sheet of paper, make two columns. In the first column make a list
of your achievements and abilities. Achievements are things you have accomplished
in the past (for example, you won an award last year). Abilities are things
you are good at now (for example, you are really good at algebra, or you are
excellent at swimming). Try to be as thorough as possible and think about
everything you do, not just how you perform in school. Maybe on the one hand
you're terrified of public speaking but on the other hand you also know that
you're the best skater in the park. In the other column make a list of things
you would like to achieve and abilities you would like to develop.
(b) Now, pair up with someone in your class and repeat the first part of this
activity, only this time ask your partner to write a list of what they see
as your achievements and abilities while you do the same for them. Now compare
what you classmate has written to your own original list. Are there any differences?
If so, describe why this might be the case.
- Choose one of the careers identified in your career personality description.
Research your chosen career either by visiting your local library or by collecting
information on the internet. Find out:
- exactly what you would do each day if you worked in this role
- what skills and aptitudes the job requires
- what qualifications or training you would need to carry out the role
Creative
You don't like routine or rules. You'd probably be most comfortable working somewhere where you can express yourself freely; solving problems by coming up with great ideas which others might consider impractical, but always seem to work out brilliantly.
Some say you're disorderly and impractical, but you think you're creative and unconventional. Whichever way you spin it though, you're complicated, impulsive, independent, intuitive, open and original - and you need a career that suits!
You're most likely to have talents in the areas of art, drama, music or language. Careers you could consider include commercial art, interior design, industrial design, journalism, copywriting, acting, architecture, dance, editorial roles, photography and music.
Practical
Okay, you're not exactly a loner - you just like working on your own. You're one of those unpretentious people who can't be bothered with worrying about how intelligent you are - you're much more interested in getting things done.
You solve problems hands-on. You're athletic and mechanically inclined. The people around you think you're frank, genuine, honest, modest, natural, persistent and practical.
You have a down-to-earth personality that is well suited to working outside in the great outdoors. You'd much rather face down the elements than face down a boss in an office building while you're chained to a desk.
You like the idea of a job where real work gets done - where you can see concrete results. Career ideas include: police officer, pilot, electrician, athlete, veterinarian, soldier, plumber, racing driver, gardener and mechanic.
Investigative
If there's anything you would readily admit to, it's that you've got the investigative abilities of a modern day Sherlock Holmes. You like to explore and understand things. You're an ace sleuth, because more than anything you love to use your brain.
Your gran thinks you're a bit of a pessimist but she also appreciates the fact you're analytical, cautious, complex, critical, curious, independent, intellectual, introverted and methodical.
Career ideas: biologist, chemist, physicist, geologist, anthropologist, laboratory assistant, medical technician, mathematician and researcher.
Sociable
Most likely you're one of those really altruistic types who can't walk by when you see someone needing help. You're sociable and genuinely like other people, which makes you pretty popular too.
Your friends say you're cooperative, friendly, generous, helpful, idealistic, kind, patient, responsible and sympathetic.
You'd do well working in an environment where you're in the middle of everything rather than closeted away all on your own in an office. You like to teach, and people around you think you're understanding and helpful.
Why not consider being a sports coach, speech therapist, counsellor, nurse, occupational therapist, religious worker, psychologist, nanny, social worker or childcare worker?
Entrepreneurial
Ahh, you sweet silver-tongued devil! You're not only a skilled communicator but you have a knack for convincing everyone to see your point of view. You'd much rather persuade or direct others rather than toil away on scientific or complicated topics.
Dad says you're too ambitious for your own good, but you know that you could wrangle the next big deal for Michael Owen if only you were his agent. You want to run the show… and so you should, because you're willing to do everything that being at the top requires.
You're adventurous, agreeable, ambitious, attention-grabbing, domineering, energetic, extrovert, impulsive, optimistic, pleasure-seeking, popular, self-confident and sociable.
Telling you what you should do is almost a futile endeavour since you probably already have a pretty good idea. But just in case you're still looking for the perfect job, you could look into careers in law, politics, marketing, sales, promotions or television.
Responsible
Your mates tease you about being boring, but you couldn't care less. You like your routines and you know that they're secretly envious that you have the organisational confidence to colour code your wardrobe.
You have the unique talent of being able to bring order to the confusion of the wide, wild world. You solve problems by working within the rules and paying attention to everything, right down to the the smallest details.
You're conscientious, careful, efficient, orderly, persistent and practical. Career ideas include: accountant, banker, cashier, office manager, copy editor, receptionist, tax expert and customer service representative.