Where do you want to go?
It pays to learn more about yourself—your knowledge, skills, abilities, accomplishments and the values that drive you. When you know your strengths and what brings you joy, you can create your own route toward personal fulfillment.
It starts with asking questions and utilizing the many resources available to you at UBalt.
As you discover your direction, you will:
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assess yourself
Assessments won't tell you what to do, but they will help you learn about your interests, strengths and personality. They can open up new options for future exploration and help you align your preferences with a complementary career path. If two or three assessments give you similar results, you are on the right track.
Some assessments you can take on your own; others you can take through arrangements with the center. Examples include:- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (available exclusively in the center): better assess your work preferences and styles
- StrengthsQuest: identify five of your natural talents (free for current students)
- Strong Interest Inventory (available exclusively in the center): measure your interest in a broad range of occupations, work activities, leisure activities and school subjects and match yourself with people who share those interests and are happily employed at a job
- Career Competencies Assessment : A quick self-scored assessment to see how you rate on the workplace success skills employers look for in candidates.
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celebrate your accomplishmentsThe single most effective way to create a strong resume and prepare for a great interview is to start celebrating your accomplishments now. Take one job at a time and recall what you accomplished that contributed to the success of the organization. What was the situation, what action did you take to address it and what was the result? Try towrite five accomplishments for each role. Some examples might be:
- Starting the first-ever swim competition as a summer camp counselor.
- Receiving an award for innovation.
- Writing an excellent report.
- Heading up a committee that accomplished something wonderful.
- Helping a co-worker or direct report accomplish something.
- Taking on a leadership role on a committee or board.
Now that you have a list, brainstorm accomplishment statements. In the first example, you might write: "Developed conflict resolution program for at-risk kids that substantially reduced fighting among all campers." These statements will enhance your resume and become the stories you tell during interviews.
As you gain experience, keep adding accomplishments to your list. Here's a guide to writing accomplishment statements that can help you. -
choose your path
Whether you are deciding on a major or whether or not to accept a new job, here are some ideas and resources to help:
- Talk to fellow students and peers who have "been there."
- Follow industry specialists and people you admire on social media.
- Discuss possibilities with your adviser or mentor.
- Participate in networking events related to your field of interest.
- Explore professional associations and journals that serve your prospective field.
Watch: Career Advice Videos
Watch more career advice videos.
Action Step
After you discover your direction, you'll be ready to define your professional goal.