Carroll Community College

Career Self Assessment

Making decisions about a career path can be a challenge for many students.   It is hard to know what to do and where to find information. Once it's found, it's hard to know how to sort it all out.  To help in selecting a career path, the following assessment was designed to clarify tasks that can help in making a decision. Career Decision Making is comprised of four knowledge areas:  Self-Knowledge, Career Exploration, Experiencing Career Alternatives, and Implementation of Choice.

Self-Knowledge

I Can…

    Yes               No                  

                          Describe my interests

                          Describe my strengths and weaknesses

                          Describe my skills

                          Describe what is important to me

                          Describe what I want in a career

                          Describe what employers want

Career Exploration

I Can…                       

    Yes               No

                           Identify two or more careers that match my skills and interests

                           Describe education needed for my career

                           Describe my preferred work environment

                           Describe the tasks I want to do every day

                           Identify where to get more information about my career

                           Use a decision-making process to develop a career plan

                           Identify a major that prepares me for my chosen career

Experience Career Alternatives

I Can…                       

    Yes               No

                           Relate information in classes to my chosen career

                           Use resources to compare transfer requirements to four-year schools

I Have…

    Yes               No                  

                          Gained experience in my career field through service learning/volunteering

                          Developed a plan to assist in changing my major

                          Developed a plan for transferring to another school

                          Developed a job search plan

                          Reviewed and updated my career plan

                          Interviewed people working in jobs that interest me

Implementing Career Choices

I have…

     Yes              No      

                          Developed a plan for my job search

                          Investigated sources for job openings

                          Developed a network to assist me in my job search

                          Prepared a resume that has been reviewed and critiqued

                          Prepared cover letters that have been reviewed and critiqued

                          Identified and developed skills to keep a job

                          Set goals and objectives

                          Developed self-marketing skills

                          Practiced answering interview questions

                          Developed sources of information for help in the future

Look back over your answers to the questions and pay particular attention to those you answered “no.”  These questions will help you determine what activities will help in your career process.  To assist you, resources are listed below.  You may also contact Career Services at 410-386-8523 for further assistance.

RESOURCES FOR ASSISTANCE

SELF AWARENESS

• Talk with the career counselor (A201)
• Utilize the Career Library (A102)
• Attend a Career Café
• Complete various assessments (MBTI, SDS, Discover)
• Register for Career Development Throughout the Lifespan (CAR 100)

CAREER EXPLORATION

• Talk with the career counselor
• Conduct informational interviews
• Utilize resources in the Career Library
• Utilize career information books in the school library
• Utilize the link “What Can I do With a Major in…” at www.carrollcc.edu/services/career
• Attend the Majors Fair in the spring

GAINING EXPERIENCE

• Participate in service learning opportunities (A118)
• Participate in activities with the Academic Communities
• Participate in leadership positions in clubs and student government
• Obtain a student worker position on campus (A114)

IMPLEMENTING CAREER CHOICES

• Attend a Career Café workshop dealing with resume writing, interviewing, networking
• Speak with an academic advisor (A102) about a transfer plan
• Attend the annual spring Job Fair to meet employers and start networking
• Utilize the Job Board (Student Center) 
• Register on College Central Network and post your resume
• Attend transfer road trips to visit local colleges and universities.
• Utilize ARTSYS to determine what courses you need to transfer