Consider Your Interests and Values

Step 1 | 40-90 minutes

Instructions

It's difficult to do well in a job or to start a business if it doesn't match your interests and values (what's important to you).  After the brief Reading section you'll complete two action items that will guide you to make a brainstorming list, talk to two trusted adults, watch a video, and take two online inventories.  While this step will likely take a total of 40-90 minutes, you don't need to do everything at once.

 

Reading

"Know thyself" is sound advice that's thousands of years old, yet still true today.  This is a great time to better understand your personal strengths and how they can relate to the work that you'd like to do.  As you think about going directly into the workforce after high school, there are two main directions you can go:

  1. You could work for an employer by getting a job or apprenticeship.
  2. You could work for yourself by starting a business and becoming an entrepreneur.

Regardless of your choice, you'll need to bring your interests, values, and skills to the opportunity.  For example, if you're applying for a job as an electrician's helper, you'll want to demonstrate to the employer that you have a strong interest in this field with a desire to learn, that you have strengths in areas related to what electricians do, and that they can rely on you to be ready and on time for work.  It's similar with an apprenticeship where you start a job while receiving job-related education from a local community college.

If you want to be an entrepreneur, instead of convincing an employer you're the best person to hire, you'll need to convince potential customers that you're the right person to meet their needs.  For example, if you're starting a business as a fitness instructor, you'll need to show customers that you are knowledgeable about exercise and nutrition, that you are trustworthy, and that your service is a good value for their money.  Additionally, you'll need skills for managing different aspects of the business such as maintaining required licenses, keeping track of income and expenses, and marketing to your target audience.

Interests and Work Values

As you decide which direction to go next, you'll want to take time to identify your interests and values.  You can more easily learn skills and excel when your work fits you personally.

  • Interests: the activities, topics, challenges, and tasks that you find most engaging
  • Work Values: what is important to you such as independence, relationships, or support 

The following two action items will help you learn more about your interests, work values, and strengths in different ways.

 

Action Item One
  1. Write - Make two columns on a sheet of paper.  Take ten minutes to brainstorm and write down all the job ideas you've had in one column, and all the business ideas you've had in the other column.  Circle your favorite five.
  2. Talk  - Talk to at least two trusted adults who know you well and ask them: 1) Considering what you know about me, what jobs or businesses could you see me excelling in? 2) What would you say are my strengths?  Take notes.

    Compare your sheet of ideas with your notes from your conversations with adults.  Is there much overlap?  What strengths would you add to the list that the adults gave you?  Are there new job ideas you need to add to your sheet?

 

Action Item Two
  1. Video - watch the video below about NCcareers.org so you'll be ready to take two online inventories.
  2. Two assessments - Go to NCcareers and use your CFNC.org username and password (video on how to create a CFNC account) so you can save your assessments.  While there are several helpful inventories on NCcareers, start by completing the Interest Finder and Work Values Sorter.  These will help you think about your interests and values, and then view related occupations.

    If you are considering starting a business, take the Be Your Own Boss survey that checks your readiness and recommends how to prepare.

 

Video - NCcareers.org Overview

 

Additional Resources and Tips

For Students

Try the Skills Matcher on NCcareers.org!  You'll answer 40 questions to rate your level in a range of skills. Then you'll see a list of careers that are good matches for your unique set of skills.

For Parents

Students can benefit from discussions about realistic budget planning for what's next after high school.  They often have questions about parental expectations and about how much it really costs to live.  If you think a budgeting tool might be helpful for them, take a look at the fun and interactive Reality Check tool on NCcareers.org.  Not only does it allow students to create a sample budget, but it links to jobs that would meet those budget needs in different parts of North Carolina.

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