Introduction: The intent of this assignment is twofold. First, it acquaints you with just one of the many things that psychologists and counselors do. In this case the focus is on the exploration of educational and career choices of individuals. Secondly, it requires you to take a good look at yourself and the options, influences, and important elements in the decision process as you prepare for your future.
Deciding to pursue a formal college or university education, selecting a major, and planning on a specific career are some of the most important decisions you make for your life. For some, the path seems straightforward. For others, the journey may take several turns, and maybe even some backtracking before the choices seem right. Some students change majors along the way. A few decide on other forms of job preparation as an alternative to school. There are also people who change careers completely at some point in life. Making sound choices about school and career can increase your likelihood of success and satisfaction in the world of work. It is my hope that this paper will encourage you to examine those choices, and that in doing so you will be better informed and more certain of your direction. A satisfying career is one that fits your interests, abilities, and personality.
Directions
A. Describe and discuss where you are with respect to choosing a major: a). no clue; b). undecided between two or more choices; c). decided but unsure about the one I chose; d). decided and content with choice. What is your major, or what majors are you considering?
B. Describe your career objectives. What will your eventual degree qualify you to become? Tell about this occupation. The Dictionary of Occupational Titles is an excellent resource you can utilize here, and the Occupational Outlook Handbook is a valuable tool that will give you information about careers, including qualifications, the nature of the work, working conditions, salaries, outlook, etc. You will find a wealth of career information on line. Go to www.occupationalinfo.org, O*NET OnLine (www.onetonline.org), and www.bls.gov/oco.
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I. INTERESTS
Tell about the development of your interests in the major(s) and career(s) you are considering or have decided upon. Talk about your childhood career ideas (what you first thought you wanted to be when you grew up), and why that seemed like a good idea. Trace any changes over time that led to your current decision or difficulty in deciding. Who or what has influenced you in this process? Tell about the role of family members, peers, role models, or events that have helped to shape your current plans. Is there any relationship between your educational/vocational goals and your preferred hobbies or activities? The Holland Code can help you to categorize your interests and how they are represented by your choice of a particular major and career. All occupations involve some combination of the six interest themes.
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The Holland Code divides work environments/activities into six broad interest areas: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. These are described as follows.
Realistic (R)
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Realistic types prefer to deal with Things.
A person with a Realistic Personality tends to be frank, practical, focused, mechanical, determined, or rugged.
Examples of Realistic Abilities include manipulating tools, doing mechanical or manual tasks, or doing athletic activities.
Examples of Realistic Holland Code Careers include Engineer. Craftsman, Fitness Trainer, Optician, Policemen, Fire Fighter, and Physical Education Teacher.
Possible Realistic College Majors are Engineering fields, Justice Studies, Fire Science, Athletic Training, Martial Arts, Corporate Fitness, and Physical Education.
Investigative (I)
