Career Investigation

• Your personality plays a big role in what you want to do for a living.

Consider these questions:

• Do you like working with people or do you prefer to work alone?
• Do you motivate yourself? 
• Do you look to others for help doing your work? 
• Are you funny? Compassionate? Smart? 
• Do you like to do a lot of things at once, or a little at a time?

The answers to these questions can help you better understand who you are and what kind of job would best fit your personality.

• Your interests and hobbies are other important factors that can help you decide. 

If you like video games or working on computers, maybe you’d like to be a computer programmer or Web site designer. If you enjoy sports, perhaps you’d like to work for a TV station as a reporter. If you’re into clothes and style, maybe you’d like to be a fashion designer or buyer. Think about what you like to do now and find ways to use these interests and hobbies to pick your career.

It’s never too early to start investigating career choices.  Best of all, getting started can be as easy as 1-2-3.

STEP 1:   Take some time to discover your personality

STEP 2:   Identify your interests and hobbies

STEP 3:   Explore career options

Have you considered using Internet resources to get started in the process of career investigation?  Browse specific jobs and learn about working conditions, job forecasts, related professions, and what you can be doing right now to reach your career goals.  Here are a few links to get you started:                                               

• What's Next Illinois' Career Planning
• Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) Web site

Be sure to consider your personality, interests and hobbies when looking for possible jobs you might like.  Having a better idea about what you want to do will help you better prepare for your future.