Pathways to Success Self-Assessment Who am I? What do you want to be when you grow up? There are many adults who still don t know the answer to this question. How can they expect you to know? One of the best ways to explore careers and get pointed in the right direction is to take an assessment test. These can measure things such as: Interests Skills Values Personality The nice thing about these is that there are no wrong answers. Your likes and dislikes are very important in career planning. They will supply you with ideas about the types of jobs that might be a best fit for you. Since these assessments are only part of the entire career puzzle, the results might not be exactly what you expect. Use these results and other experiences to broaden your search and explore careers that you might not have otherwise considered. The assessment that follows is based on the Holland Interest Inventory. At the end of the assessment you will have an interest profile that matches different career areas. Once you have completed and scored your results, you will get a primary and secondary pathway option for your future planning. 8
The 5 Pathway Options Arts and Communications This Pathway is designed to cultivate students interest, skills, and experiences for employment in careers related to arts and communication. Business, Finance, Marketing, and Information Technology This Pathway is designed to cultivate students interest, skills, and experiences for employment in the world of business, finance, marketing, and information services. Engineering, Manufacturing, and Industrial Technology This Pathway is designed to cultivate students interests, awareness and application to areas related to technologies necessary to design, develop, install, or maintain physical systems. This Pathway is designed to cultivate students interests, skills and experience for employment in careers related to family and human needs. Agri-Science, Science and Health This Pathway is designed to cultivate students interests in the agricultural, environmental, life, medical, physical and behavioral sciences. 9
Holland Types and Pathways Matches Step One: In each group, check the items that describe you. Then count up to the number of check marks and fill in the total. Be as honest as you can. Remember, there are no wrong answers. Practical Fix mechanical things Tinker with mechanics Athletic Solve mechanical problems Work outdoors Straightforward Pitch a tent Be physically active Mechanically inclined Play a sport Use your hands A nature lover Read a blueprint Build things Work on cars Operate tools & machinery R Total = R = Realistic Realistic people like to take a concrete approach to problem solving rather than rely on abstract theory. They generally show an interest in activities that require motor coordination, skill and physical strength. Engineering, Manufacturing and Industrial Technology Agri-Science, Science and Health Inquisitive Think abstractly Explore ideas Analytical Solve math problems Use computers Scientific Understand physical theories Work independently Observant Do complex calculations Perform lab experiments Precise Use a microscope Read scientific & technical magazines Analyze data I Total = I = Investigative Investigative people prefer to think, rather than act, to organize and understand rather than persuade. They tend to be good at math and science. Agri-Science, Science and Health Engineering, Manufacturing and Industrial Technology Creative Sketch, draw, paint Attend concerts, theater, art exhibits Intuitive Play a musical instrument Read fiction, plays, poetry Imaginative Write stories, poetry, music Work on crafts Innovative Design fashions or interiors Take photographs An individualist Sing, act, dance Express yourself creatively A Total = A = Artistic Artistic people like to work on unstructured situations where they can use their creativity. They enjoy performing (theater and music) and the visual arts. Arts and Communications 10
Holland Types and Pathways Matches Friendly Teach/train others Work in groups Helpful Express yourself clearly Help people with problems Idealistic Lead a group discussion Participate in meetings Insightful Moderate disputes Do volunteer service Outgoing Plan and supervise an activity Work with young people Understanding Cooperate well with others Play team sports S Total = S = Social Social people like to work with other people and seem to satisfy their need in teaching, counseling or caring for other people. They are often good public speakers with helpful, empathetic personalities. Agri-Science, Science and Health Self-Confident Initiate projects Make decisions affecting others Assertive Convince people to do things your way Be elected to office Sociable Sell things or promote ideas Win a leadership sales award Persuasive Give talks or speeches Start your own political campaign Enthusiastic Arrange activities and events Meet important people Energetic Lead a group E Total = E = Enterprising Enterprising people are verbally skilled and enjoy influencing and persuading others. They like to lead and tend to be assertive and enthusiastic. Well groomed Work well within a system Follow clearly defined procedures Accurate Do a lot of paperwork in a short time Use data Processing equipment Numerically inclined Keep accurate records Work with numbers Methodical Use a computer terminal Type or take shorthand Conscientious Write an effective business letter Be responsible for details Efficient C Total = C = Conventional Conventional people don t mind rules and regulations and demonstrate self-control. They prefer structure and order in their work, are highly organized and generally place value on prestige and status. Arts and Communications 11
Holland Types and Pathways Matches Step Two: Using your totals, identify the three letters that have the highest scores. Record the letter and number of checks in the box below: My Interests Codes Are: 1. 2. 3. # # # Step Three: Now we will match your Holland Interest Type with Career Pathways. In the columns below, circle your three interest code letters wherever they appear. Interest Codes: A C S E R I S E C R I S A E C R I S Pathway: Arts and Communications Engineering, Manufacturing and Industrial Technology Agri-Science, Science and Health Step Four: Count the number of circles in each Pathway to determine your Primary and Secondary Pathways. Primary Pathway (most number of circles) Secondary Pathway (second most number of circles) In the case of a tie, go back and review the assessment for more indicating factors or contact your counselor for assistance. Note: This tool, as well as a series of other types, will be used to assist students and parents in the selection process. As always, this is an ongoing process. 12
Arts and Communications This Pathway is designed to cultivate students interest, skills, and experiences for employment in careers related to arts and communication. Pathway Cluster Areas Visual Arts Performing Arts Publishing Arts Are you interested in... Can you... Do you enjoy... news reporting and writing interviewing and reviewing multi-media productions acting performing in a band performing in a chorus attending concerts radio, television, film, and video designing publishing sing play an instrument be creative act articulate clearly write and conduct interviews meet deadlines sell debate writing making videos working with film props seeking creative ideas working with sound effects performing for a live audience working with computers speaking in public If you answered yes to most of these questions, you might consider a future in one of the occupations listed below based on their level of post-secondary training. Entry (OJT) Technical/Skilled (1-3 years) Professional (4 or + years) Model Radio Operator Stage Hand Stunt Performer Film Loader Floral Designer Florist Projectionist Sound Technician Desktop Publisher Circulation Copy Person Newsroom Worker Announcers Dancer Photographer Make-up Artist Stage Hand Telecommunications Technicians Help Desk Technicians Customer Liaisons Maintenance Technicians PC Support Specialists Sample Careers Actor Choreographer Dancer Artist Fashion Designer Web Designer Cinematographer Costume Designer Set Designer CAD Technician Interior Designer Web Page Designer Control Room Technicians Station Managers Technical Writers Database Specialists Web Masters Web Designers Digital Media Specialists Network Analysts Programmer Art or Music Teacher Composer News Broadcaster Music Critic Production Manager Play/Screen/Script Writer Performance Director Conductor Audio/Video Manager Museum Curator Graphic Designer Video Graphics Animation Software Engineers Data Systems Designers Data Analysts Network Administrators Network Engineers WAN/LAN Technicians 14
Business, Finance, Marketing and Information Technology This Pathway is designed to cultivate students interest, skills, and experiences for employment in the world of business, finance, marketing, and information services. Pathway Cluster Areas Marketing and Sales Finance Information Technology Business Management Are you interested in... Can you... Do you enjoy... receptionist management marketing banking and finance sales computers and technology accounting type organize be creative create spreadsheets convince use computers work with numbers people meeting and organizing designing math people and numbers working with technology processing numbers Cashier Clerk Bank Teller Receptionist Customer Service Data Entry If you answered yes to most of these questions, you might consider a future in one of the occupations listed below based on their level of post-secondary training. Sample Careers Entry (OJT) Technical/Skilled (1-3 years) Professional (4 or + years) Claims Examiner Real Estate Small Business Entrepreneur E Commerce Web Page Designer Travel Agent Executive Assistant Transcriptionist Database Manager Office Manager Loan Processor Appraiser Warehouse Manager Graphic Designer Desktop Publisher Accountant Auditor Customer Service Manager Economist Financial Analyst Public Relations Marketing Research Sports Agent Human Resource Manager Marketing Manager Hotel/Motel Manager Investment Advisor Chief Executive Officer Actuary 16
Engineering, Manufacturing and Industrial Technology This Pathway is designed to cultivate students interests, awareness and application to areas related to technologies necessary to design, develop, install, or maintain physical systems. Pathway Cluster Areas Architecture and Construction Education and Training Manufacturing Information Technology Scientific Research and Engineering Are you interested in... Can you... Do you enjoy... building and construction tools and equipment working with materials math and science classes precision work design and architecture engineering computer technology production management how things work Roofer Machine Operator Laborer Carpet Installer Drywall Installer apply science and math to the real world read and understand directions solve problems of complex nature understand directions and read maps organize reports and people see tasks through to completion use a computer traveling working with your hands designing and working on projects and models working in a lab setting working on a team operating tools and equipment paying close attention to detail If you answered yes to most of these questions, you might consider a future in one of the occupations listed below based on their level of post-secondary training. Sample Careers Entry (OJT) Technical/Skilled (1-3 years) Professional (4 or + years) Heavy Equipment Operator Electric Technician Metal Engineering Technician Auto Mechanic Diesel Mechanic Air Traffic Controller Auto Body Repair Truck Driver Civil Engineering Technician CAD/CAM Technician Laser Technician Supervisor Welder Navigator Aeronautical Engineer Aerospace Engineer Airline Pilot Architect Civil Engineer Chemical Engineer Computer Network Engineer Mechanical Engineer Electrical Engineer Astronaut Technical Writer Construction Manager Industrial Engineer 18
This Pathway is designed to cultivate students interests, skills and experience for employment in careers related to family and human needs. Pathway Cluster Areas Counseling and Personal Care Education Law, Public Safety and Government Hospitality and Tourism Are you interested in... Can you... Do you enjoy... working with people teaching child development food preparation owning your own business aging adults counseling family and social services relate to people communicate well be dependable and conscientious plan budgets use interpersonal skills assume leadership plan and direct programs be creative work with a team organize well serving others needs communication services working with people handling customer complaints searching for answers to human problems helping and protecting others counseling and advising people interviewing people If you answered yes to most of these questions, you might consider a future in one of the occupations listed below based on their level of post-secondary training. Child Care Worker Cosmetics Representative Dry Cleaning Operator Home Health Aide Library Assistant Armed Services Career Bailiff Postal Service Worker Home Care Aide Baker Waitress Teacher s Assistant Security Guard Utility Worker Aerobics Instructor Travel Agent Sample Careers Entry (OJT) Technical/Skilled (1-3 years) Professional (4 or + years) Barber Cosmetologist Fashion Designer Manicurist Massage Therapist Mortician Truck Driver Teacher s Aide Armed Services Career Crime Lab Technician Firefighter Bartender Chauffeur Flight Attendant Meat Cutter Personal Trainer Postmaster Chef Funeral Director Marriage and Family Therapist College Professor Hotel/Motel Management Food Services Manager Family Planner Executive Chef Principal Teacher City Manager Criminologist FBI Agent Lawyer Parole Officer Mental Health Counselor Park Ranger Workforce Director Athletic Agent 20
Agri-Science, science and health This Pathway is designed to cultivate students interests in the agricultural, environmental, life, medical, physical and behavioral sciences. Pathway Cluster Areas Health Science Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Are you interested in... Can you... Do you enjoy... helping people live a healthy lifestyle medicine or dentistry finding answers to questions working in a hospital or medical facility protecting and conserving the environment food production pharmacy sports or fitness geology or mining research and data collection easily solve problems pay attention to details work in a lab setting use computers and technology apply a scientific theory to real life problems work with people communicate effectively apply decision making and problem solving skills demonstrate technical and organizational skills work cooperatively with others studying math and science building or fixing things helping people feel better solving problems working with plants and animals working on a team working with numbers outdoor work developing conclusions from data collected learning new skills as technology and needs evolve If you answered yes to most of these questions, you might consider a future in one of the occupations listed below based on their level of post-secondary training. Pharmacy Technician Forest/Conservation Worker Meat Cutter Landscape/Nursery Workers Health Aide Emergency Medical Technician Certified Nursing Assistant Groundskeeper Pest Control Worker Produce Buyer Patient Care Technician Tree Trimmers/Pruners Animal Breeder Agricultural Laborer Personal Trainer Sample Careers Entry (OJT) Technical/Skilled (1-3 years) Professional (4 or + years) Phlebotomist Medical Biller Health Information Technologist Agricultural and Food Service Technician Crop Advisor Biostatistician Environmental Science Technician Chemical Technician Physical Therapy Assistant Massage Therapist Ultrasound Technician Registered Nurse Dental Hygienist Veterinary Technologist Food Service Manager Medical/Clinical Laboratory Technician Environmental Protection Officer Forester Physician/Dentist Pharmacist Speech and Language Pathologist Landscape Architect Food Scientist Agricultural Engineer Chemical Engineer Nuclear Scientist Environmental Engineer Physicist Zoologist/Wildlife Biologist Physical Therapist Athletic Trainer Soil and Plant Specialist Physicians Assistant Microbiologist Animal Scientist Respiratory Therapist Astronomer 22