After the high school or college graduation commencement music ends, and the silk and cardboard hats are tossed, we face the next step: get out in the “real world” and get a job. Maybe we begin our well-planned job search for a coveted career in something we have a great desire to do; maybe we just need money for rent and food. Either way, when we see another doing something that person loves to do, we often think, ‘Wow, what a great gig he landed!” or “Man, she is stinkin’ lucky!”
There may be some luck, some providence involved, but most of the time it is a matter of individuals knowing who they are and what they want, matching their skills and talents, and pursuing a position with passion.
To help those of you who feel vocationally aimless to begin realizing these traits in your life, I’ve listed a few questions for you to answer:
What I love to do more than anything else is ________________.
People often praise me for my talent in ___________________.
I would love to learn more about ________________________.
If someone needed my help, I could show or teach that person how to ________________.
Self-discovery is the starting point. The answer to these questions may be gold nuggets that help you to focus on a job or career that gets your blood warm. Ultimately, your goal should be a vocation, not just some labor you endure for sake of a check.
As an example of this process, say you love sports. Seeking a job as a YMCA summer kids coach, an ice- cream vendor at Chase Stadium, or a lifeguard might be a great fit for you. Apply some creative thinking, and you may consider helping set up collector card tables at the mall, or you might seek a sales position in a sports retail store.
Confidence in your skills are important for success, so you will need to consider what it is that you would like to learn if you feel short on qualifications or knowledge to do a job. If running a kids camp appeals to you, spend several summers working in various positions at such a camp and ask the managers lots of questions. If you excel at mastering 3-D video games and have a knack for graphic design, ask about an internship or back-office support in a graphic design firm.
Having both identified your key skills and desires and gotten some real-life experience under your belt, you’ll be much better prepared for serious job hunting. Last tip: Share the wealth. Tell future employers your specific dreams, talents or skills in the job application and in the job interview. According to Bruce Wilkinson, author of ‘The Dream Giver’, 50% of people never tell anyone about their dreams. Employers don’t want just warm bodies who fill a position; they want employees who have some passion and guts, eager to share what they know as well as to learn new skills.
A great place to start is taking the DISC Personality Profile.
