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Ileana, your top career is
Writing and Journalism
Based on your responses to our Career Interest Inventory, we have an understanding of what types of career areas are right for you and why.
People who are drawn to writing and journalism typically desire to communicate with people outside of their personal circles. Whether it's their own personal beliefs or not, they have a knack for articulating a message in a way that resonates with other people. They understand and appreciate the power of the written word and its abilities to shape other people's ideas. Many people in these professions may see themselves as interpreters in some way. They are able to put into words what some of us can only feel. There are also writers who use their talents for strictly commercial purposes to influence our opinions in a particular way. Whether it's convincing us to vote for a specific candidate or buy a new car, writers and journalists are usually exceptionally adept at expressing themselves through language.
A job is not just a job. It serves other needs that are important not to ignore. Don't forget to consider different aspects of your personality when thinking about your specific job interests. Below we've given you some ideas to keep in mind. Following this, the jobs that we've listed for you were personally picked for you with these needs in mind.
Although everyone would enjoy having some money, you want more than that. Whether you actually live in a lap of luxury isn't the point either. Rather, your desire to have certain comforts in life partly relates to your job interests. In addition to making money, jobs carry other benefits too. For example, you may not make as much money being an artist, but it carries a certain amount of prestige compared to other higher paying jobs. You want to have a job associated with having favorable qualities so that you make a good impression with others. A bit of recognition does not hurt either in your book. It's far better to work hard and receive some accolades then it is to work just as hard and not have others admire you for it. Given that this is the case, think about aiming for jobs that are seen as admirable by society at large. In your area, think about jobs that connote high creativity, nobility, or intelligence.
Being around people is one of the perks of the job. You are social by nature and while some people see socializing as a waste of time, working with others increases your enthusiasm for what you do. The thought of sitting in front of your computer all day without interacting with people would be joyless to you. Maybe it's that you like bouncing ideas off of other people or you just like taking breaks with people. Whatever the case, make sure you look for jobs that allow you to work with others in some way. It would not only make you happy but also productive.
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On this test, we presented you with a number of questions asking you to pick one out of three job descriptions you would prefer. We also asked questions assessing some of your personality needs. From your pattern of responses to our test, we could see where your true interests lie. You were assessed in 12 different career areas. Earlier, we provided you with a description of your top career interest. Below, we provide you with a list of occupations that serve as good examples of occupations from your top career areas. Although the occupations incorporate your personal needs, it's helpful to think of this list of occupations as a starting point to help you brainstorm about different occupations within your career interest areas. Our Right Job Wrong Job Test helps target specific occupations for your type.
Manual Writer
Commercial Voice Announcer
Computer Programmer
Training Supervisor
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For some people, the hard part is figuring out what they want. For others, they know exactly what they want, but how do you get from point A to Point B? Breaking into a new career path can seem like a mystery. Fortunately, Tickle provides advice that has actually worked for real people.
Issue 1: I have some ideas, but I am unclear what the job entails
You've fantasized about being a lawyer but you're not sure what your daily life will be like. Well, who says there should only be a "Take Your Kid To Work Day?" Find someone in your desired profession and ask if you can be their "shadow" for a day, which would allow you to follow them around at their workplace and observe what they do. You have a better chance of having them agree to do this if you promise that you won't ask them questions throughout the day. Rather, sit quietly and be as unobtrusive as possible and observe what a day in their job is really like. Save your questions for when you take them out to lunch or dinner as a thank you. You may discover that the real courtroom is nothing like Law and Order, or you may leave re-affirmed that you truly do want to be a lawyer. In this case, there is no such thing as too much information.
Issue 2: I don't think I have the exact skills or work experience necessary
It's true that most of us don't fit job descriptions exactly, especially when we're trying to break into a new field. When job descriptions are created, they're an ideal description. Unless there's a specific degree or certification required that you don't have, then apply. Chances are that no one fits this description perfectly, so let the company reject you instead of rejecting yourself first. Be honest but be creative when thinking about your skills. Most of us have what is referred to as "transferable" skills. In other words, we have basic skills valued by most employers. For example, you may want to become a daycare worker but lack professional work experience with small children. This may put you at a disadvantage in comparison with someone else with this type of experience, but think about other skills that you have that would make you a good fit for the job. Previous experience in healthcare, entertainment, or education can be highlighted to your advantage. Emphasize your knowledge of First Aid or your teaching abilities. Employers may see your resume and decide that they don't want complete overlap with their current employees and instead are interested in what your unique contribution would be adding to their workplace.
Issue 3: How do I know this is the career I want?
This problem is more common than you think. There are a few ways to address this question. Taking this test is the first step — so congratulations! Second, think about whether it's the job or if it's the potential perks that make this career appealing. For example, your desire may be to become a musician in a band. Now picture yourself making enough money to earn a decent living but always playing in small venues without fame or riches. Do you still want to become a musician? If so, then this is the right career for you. If getting on MTV is driving your ambition, then you may need to think again about this career choice. Most musicians don't make it to the big time. It's the actual job itself that needs to propel you. This goes for any job you may desire. Just as in relationships, when times are good, it's easy to get along with your partner. It's during the tough times when you need the motivation to keep persevering. If you still want to pursue your career even when the going gets tough, then this is what you want. Adversity reveals what you truly desire.
Issue 4: I know what I want to do, but I have no idea how to get there
Whether it's through your business or social networks, locate someone who is at least in the ballpark in terms of your career interests. Ask them to give you their career history. How did they move up? The key here is to talk to as many people as possible and ask them how they made it and what they'd look for when they're hiring someone. In terms of finding people to talk to, you never know who has the right contact for you. Your next-door neighbor's nephew could end up being your career resource. A network of people is available for you online as well. Even go so far as to "cold" email people and introduce yourself and ask questions. You can also try requesting an information interview with people who have the job you want or are in the field you're targeting. In these meetings, you won't interview for a specific position, but you'll have a chance to ask questions and find out what the job or field really requires. When asking people how they got their dream job, you may be surprised by their answers. Bottom line: Everyone's story is different and there is no magic formula for getting the job you really want. But what you will find is that most stories involve hard work and good luck. But luck isn't completely random. People make their luck by actively networking and seeking opportunities. It's as Thomas Jefferson said: "I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have."
Issue 5: How do I get the job I want?
Apply for jobs that don't exist. Although this may sound crazy it does work. The trick is to gain the attention of the right person. Here are two examples of how this strategy works. David completed school and was on the job market. His interest was in computers and web design but he needed to stay in his small town for family reasons. Frustrated by the lack of jobs, he decided to take matters into his own hands. David looked up websites of local companies and discovered a new company that had a poorly designed website. David sent an email to the head of the company with advice on how to improve the company's site. Not only did the CEO appreciate the advice, but he was also impressed by David's go-getter attitude. The CEO invited him to visit the company and subsequently offered him a job that previously did not exist. Using a slightly different tactic, Sara succeeded in landing a job as well. Sara found a job posting for a position that did not quite fit with her qualifications, but she knew that she wanted to work for this company. Using the contact information provided, she sent off her resume and job application acknowledging that she did not quite fit the position but that she had a different skill set to offer. The company thought she was at least worth interviewing, and once she was there, she impressed them into creating a job for her.
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As we mentioned before, we looked at your responses to 12 different career areas. In order to get a clearer picture, we created your own personal list of career preferences. We ranked your career interests from your most to your least favorite areas. In your list, we give you a brief description of the area, your interest score and a list of four example occupations.
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| Writing & Journalism |
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| Fine Arts |
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| Engineering |
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| Education & Training |
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| Law & Enforcement |
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| Math & Science |
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| Merchandising |
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| Investigation & Testing |
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| Medicine & Health |
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| Counseling & Guidance |
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| Outdoors |
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| Business Relations |
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People who are drawn to writing and journalism appreciate the power of the written word and its abilities to shape other people's ideas. Whether it's convincing us to buy a new car or vote for a particular candidate, writers and journalists are exceptionally adept at expressing themselves through language.
Literary Agent
Newspaper Reporter
Professional Writer
Manual Writer
Professions in the fine arts typically involve evoking some kind of emotional response. Whether someone is into music, drama, or painting, they typically possess a heightened appreciation for experiencing the world on a sensory level.
Museum Curator
Art Gallery Guide
Commercial Music Composer
Commercial Voice Announcer
Although a variety of professions fall under engineering, most involve using mathematical and scientific knowledge in an applied setting. Engineers are typically curious about how things work and enjoy testing out solutions rather than being told how something works. Given that many engineering jobs require inventing or creating solutions, having spatial skills, such as the ability to understand how objects fit together, is helpful.
Architect
Land Surveyor
Mechanical Engineer
Computer Programmer
Many talented people in these professions are able to simplify complex ideas and effectively communicate them to others. Whether it's teaching new information, skills, or behavior, you need to have a zeal for interacting with other people and taking the lead. People who succeed in these types of professions are keenly aware that you first need to genuinely like people before you can tell them what to do.
College Professor
High School Teacher
Occupational Therapist
Training Supervisor
Professions in the law and enforcement field require quick thinking and acting. Typically, people in these types of professions are interested in improving people's lives in brief yet heroic ways. People who succeed in these types of professions are emotionally resilient and can withstand high-pressure situations.
Court District Judge
Public Safety Officer
Criminal Lawyer
Paralegal
Professions in the fields of math and science involve using analytical thought. Information gathered by people in these types of professions is useful to a wide range of audiences, but most people fail to appreciate the complexity and creativity involved in the solutions. Despite popular belief, most people in math and science are imaginative types who enjoy creating a new world of information and possibilities.
Financial Analyst
Clinical Study Coordinator
Astronomer
Radiology Technician
Occupations in the area of merchandising require not only interpersonal skills but powers in the art of persuasion as well. People who excel in this area may not have a psychology degree, but they're attuned to what people want. Most successful people in merchandising are skilled at selling, and they never lose sight of the fact that the bottom line is the clearest indicator of their success.
Advertising Executive
Wedding Planner
Inventory Control Director
Real Estate Agent
Careers involving investigation and testing involve a fair amount of high-level thinking. Most occupations within this area prize the ability to form sound conclusions based on keen observational skills. People who enjoy working in these types of careers are naturally inquisitive and are known to ask "how" or "why."
CIA Operative
Forensic Lab Technician
Geneticist
Private Investigator
Occupations related to medicine and health involves helping other people. Some occupations require working directly with people and assessing and diagnosing their state of health. Others work directly with people to show them how to take better care of themselves. Still, others help by conducting research on health-related issues such as finding a new cure or vaccine. Regardless of the type of job, ultimately they all represent improving the quality of people's lives in some way.
Family Practitioner
Emergency Medical Technician
Cardiac Surgeon
Dietician
Counseling and guidance professions involve helping people envision a new future for themselves. Unlike many other fields, it's rare to hear a counselor complain that they don't see how they impact other people's lives. Whether it's working with young children or older adults, counselors provide much needed emotional, psychological and practical support to people.
Corporate Trainer
Mental Health Counselor
Clinical Psychologist
Marriage Counselor
Working in the outdoors allows people to feel in touch with nature and less dependent on technology and other man-made distractions. Part of the challenge and excitement of working outdoors is the unpredictable environment. Finding people satisfied with working outdoors is not difficult. Usually they don't mind getting their hands dirty and enjoy the fact that everyday is different.
Wildlife Specialist
Resort Director
Animal Trainer
Gardener
Professions in the area of business relations require a variety of skills. However, almost all the professions involve being persuasive and shrewd at the same time. You must possess the ability to anticipate problems and opportunities and use this approach to your advantage. Although it is important to be methodical, being slow never makes you a winner in a business environment.
Marketing Director
Mortgage Lender
Business Planner
Contract Lawyer
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Finding a job that you love is not easy. Who says you have to follow a traditional path to find satisfaction? Sometimes you have to think outside the box to find the opportunity that will be the best fit for you.
Following is a list of 16 jobs that are "off the beaten path" that match your top scoring vocational areas.
Book Reviewer
Travel Guide Writer
Cartoonist
Magazine Freelance Writer
Motivational Speaker
Masters of Ceremony
Set Designer for Amusement Park
Las Vegas Performer
Computer Animator
Video Games Systems Programmer
Road Crew for Musicians
Software Manual Writer
Standardized Testing Instructor
English Teacher Abroad
Americorps Instructor
Ski Instructor
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Now that you know yourself better than you did before, you can start planning your future with greater determination and clarity. Just to get you motivated, we have come up with a few common ways people create stumbling blocks for themselves. Read on to see if any of these apply to you.
Are you delaying reality?
Many people take temporary or unsatisfying jobs to make money before pursuing their dream job. This is a reasonable strategy. But have you ever met people who are in the same job five or ten years down the road, even though it isn't what they really want to do? The challenge is that pursuing your dreams may require a sacrifice in lifestyle, time, or money. Unfortunately, too many people get used to a certain lifestyle and aren't willing to make the necessary changes. As a result, it can be difficult to give up what a person is accustomed to, even if it's not ultimately fulfilling. It can also be tempting to some people to hold on to a dream and not pursue it in order to avoid failing. Remind yourself: There are no dress rehearsals in life. Everyday you don't work toward pursuing your goals is another day you're delaying the fulfillment of your dreams. Go for what you really want today; you don't want to look back on your life with regret.
Success is doing something you love
Too many people in our society pick careers based on status, money, or their parents' expectations. It's nice to walk into a party and tell people you have a prestigious profession, but if your work isn't something you love doing, then that momentary feeling of pride will be fleeting. Explore why you are in your current career. Who supported you? If your parents or other family members did not influence you to go in this profession, would you be in it now? If not, what do you think you would've chosen on your own? It's not that people don't find happiness in careers that weren't their first or second choice, but it's important to come to terms with the choices that led to where you are today and why. Through this type of reflection, you may even make peace with decisions you made in the past.
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Assessing career interests is not just for high school students anymore. On average, people make three major career changes in their lives. With such a high statistic, it's no wonder that researchers have devoted their lives to understanding how career decisions are made. Organizational and personality psychologists typically explore how personality influences our career decisions. For example, there is the Strong Interest Inventory and Holland's Career Inventory.
Our inventory is unique because of its format and assessment of personal needs. We first conducted a pilot study to create the top 12 career areas and examine the validity of our questions and response format. With this information, we created our assessment tool. We gauged your interest in 12 different career areas by having you pick which job you would prefer when it is set against two others. Based on your pattern of responses, we assessed which career areas were most and least appealing to you. The personal wants we assessed were specifically related to your social and status needs.
Here are some books that we recommend for further reading.
Bolles, R.N. (2002). What Color is Your Parachute. Ten Speed Press: Berkeley.
Sher, B. & Smith, B. (1994). I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was. Delacorte Press: New York.
Gottfredson, G. D. & Holland, J. L. (1996). Dictionary of Holland Occupational Codes. Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc.: Odessa, Fl.
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