An internal debate that many students face is whether they should pursue a career they are interested in or one with the greatest employment opportunities that promises financial security. The decision is made more challenging as the choice often dictates which concentration they should enter. The Business Career Passport Workshop: Self-Assessment & Finding Your Fit won’t make the choice for you but will give you considerations that will help in your decision making process.
Prior to attending the workshop I was directed to complete a self-assessment survey, answering a series of questions designed to reveal aspects about my interests, motivations, and skills. Together these three dimensions determined a list of careers that are best suited for me.
The survey helped with the first part of this workshop, identify your vision for career success. This means answering the big questions, we often all avoid, like “who am I?”, “what do I want?” and “how do I get there?”. The career advisor hosting the workshop mentioned that the interest’s component is often the main indicator of success and satisfaction because it remains more stable over time compared to motivators and skills. So if money wasn’t an issue, what would you be doing? It is easier said than done, but it encouraged me to self reflect and answer those difficult but necessary questions.
This led to the next part of the workshop, learn how to use the survey, and making sense of the interests listed. We were divided into groups according to our top interest and shared examples of how we have exhibited that interest in the past. Many students didn’t even realize they engaged in their interest until they were required to think about it.
Next came identify concentrations and career paths that match your interests. Here we were able to read job descriptions of people who shared the same top scoring interest and which concentration they pursued. This showed me there is a wide range of career opportunities available just within my concentration or area of interest and not to aim for a specific job role or title.
The workshop ended with learn how to follow your path. Unfortunately there is no formula to determine career success and satisfaction; instead everyone has their own path depending on their combination of interests, motivators, and skills. However, we examined past student profiles that shared our top interest and currently hold a position, and learned about activities they pursued to give us a sense of the engagement and work needed to forge our own path to success.
It is important to remember that the path to career success and satisfaction is winding and unique to each individual. This workshop helped me to better understand the steps required towards career success and satisfaction.
You can visit Beedie Community to register for an upcoming Passport Workshop: https://beedie.sfu.ca/bba/career/help/workshops.php
Martina is a fourth year Marketing and International Business student at the Beedie School of Business. She is currently on her second co-op work term as the Social Media and Marketing Intern at Beedie, and previously completed a co-op work term at a Vancouver start-up as a Marketing Intern. Martina is also the Public Relations Coordinator for the Student Marketing Association’s Marketers’ Night 2015, one of the largest student-run networking events of its kind, allowing for students and professionals to mingle. When she isn’t working you can find her either watching hockey, practicing yoga, or drinking tea.