Choosing a Career: Factors, Learning Styles, and Decision-Making

Areas of study:

Hard science, Financial, Health, Humanities

Megatrends:

is a large, social, economic, political, environmental or technological change that is slow to form. Once in place, megatrends influence a wide range of activities, processes and perceptions, both in government and in society, possibly for decades. They are the underlying forces that drive trends.

Factors to choose a career:

The factors influencing adolescent career choice have been well documented in the literature. These factors can be divided into two categories:

• Factors in the external environment in which the adolescent exists. External factors are those over which the adolescent has no power or control and which cannot be changed.
• Factors internal to each individual decision-maker. Internal factors are unique to each decision-maker and are rooted in individual personality.

Learning styles:

The term “learning styles” speaks to the understanding that every student learns differently.

Profession:

a vocation requiring knowledge of some department of learning or science.

Career:

an occupation or profession, especially one requiring special training, followed as one's lifework

Vocation:

a particular occupation, business, or profession.

8 Simple steps to good decision-making for teens:

1. What is the problem you are facing
2. Gather information. Ask for advice
3. What is important to you?
4. Brainstorm and write down your possible options.
5. What are the consequences?
6. Decide on the best choice for you.
7. Create a plan and carry it out.
8. Measure the results

Personality:

Personality is the combination of behavior, emotion, motivation, and thought patterns that define an individual. It is the quality of being a person; existence as a self-conscious human being; personal identity.

Mission:

is a statement which is used as a way of communicating the purpose of the organization.

Vision:

is a declaration of an organization's objectives, ideally based on economic foresight, intended to guide its internal decision-making.

What is a vision and mission statement?

A vision and mission statement is a paragraph that encapsulates everything you would like to be, do and have in your career.

Vision statement:

A vision statement describes what you want to achieve in the future. The vision statement answers the question “Where do I want to be?” It defines the optimal desired future state-the mental picture-of what you want to achieve over time, say in 5,10 or more years. It inspires you to give your best and shapes your understanding of why you are doing what you do.

Mission statement:

A mission statement describes what you want now and how you will achieve your long term aspiration. A mission statement does not define a long term future state but is more concerned with the present state. It answers the questions of: “What do I do?”, “How do I do it?”, “Who do I do it for?”, “What makes me different”, and “What is the benefit?” It talks about the present leading to the future, and how you will get to where you want to be.

What makes a good vision and mission statement?

A good vision and mission statement is concise and inspirational. It’s easy to memorize and repeat. It should be clear, engaging, and realistic, and describe a bright future. It should furthermore state your intentions, summarize your values, and demonstrate your commitment to living up to these values.

What are the steps?

1. Step 1: Answer the following questions as honestly as you can.
2. Step 2: Visualize yourself five years from now.
3. Step 3: Sum up your vision and mission.

FACTORS TO CHOOSE A MAJOR

• Factor 1 - Know your interests
• Factor 2 - Get information about professions
• Factor 3 - Know the studying areas
• Factor 4 - Relate a verb with a possible profession
• Factor 5 - Stay informed about the career or profession that you want

Potentiality - Quality that can be developed to make something better
Self knowledge - Understanding of one's own capabilities
Skill - Use one's knowledge to execute a performance
Talent - Special ability that allows someone to do something well
Values - You learn it at school, family
Personality - Individual differences (thinking, feeling)
Aptitude - Natural ability to do something (SSA)
Interest - Attract your attention (AAI)
Character - The way someone thinks, someone's personality
Temperament - Usual attitude or behavior of a person

MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES

• Spatial - Uses space
• Linguistic - Verbal expression, redaction, etc
• Mathematical - Good with maths
• Intrapersonal - Relation with oneself
• Musical - Sing, play instruments, etc
• Bodily - Physical activity
• Interpersonal - Relation with other people
• Naturalistic - Appreciate nature

Curriculum - Educational and professional experiences
Dimensions - Spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, social

Personality’s Characteristics

Self-esteem: A feeling of having respect for yourself and your abilities.
Self-knowledge: Knowledge or understanding of one's own capabilities, character, feelings, or motivations
Self-concept: The idea that you have about the kind of person you are, values that you have.
Self-evaluation: Looking at your progress, development and learning to determine what has improved and what areas still need improvement.
Self-acceptance: Is an individual's satisfaction or happiness with oneself, and is thought to be necessary for good mental health.
Self-respect: Proper respect for yourself as a human being.