Self Understanding 2 Activity Book

(1)

JCU Career Development Program

(2)

ACTIVITY ONE – PART A

To help you determine your career interest areas, read each of the six areas of career interest below and rate

on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being ‘not at all like me’ and 10 being ‘exactly like me’) how much each of the following

characteristics describe you.

Realistic (like working with material things and prefer outdoor activities)

Asocial, conforming, frank, genuine, hard headed, materialistic, natural, persistent, practical, self-effacing,

inflexible, thrifty

Not at all like me 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Exactly like me

Investigative (enjoy working with abstract problems)

Analytical, cautious, critical, complex, curious, independent, intellectual, introspective, precise, rational, reserved,

unassuming

Artistic (enjoy self expression, being creative and original, individualistic)

Complicated, emotional, expressive, idealistic, imaginative, impractical, impulsive, independent, introspective,

intuitive, nonconforming, sensitive, open

Social (like working cooperatively and helping others)

Cooperative, patient, friendly, generous, helpful, idealistic, empathic, kind, persuasive, sociable, tactful,

understanding, warm

Enterprising (like leading, controlling or persuading others)

Adventurous, agreeable, ambitious, domineering, energetic, extroverted, exhibitionistic, excitement-seeking,

optimistic, self-confident, sociable, talkative

Conventional (like structure and want to know what they have to do)

Careful, conforming, conscientious, dependable, efficient, inflexible, inhibited, methodical, obedient, orderly,

persistent, practical, thrifty.

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ACTIVITY ONE - PART B

Write down your top

THREE

career interest areas and give an example on why this interest area strongly

describes you.

INTEREST AREA

REASON OR AN ILLUSTRATION ON WHY THIS IS STRONG FOR YOU

e.g.

Social

Enjoy teaching younger children, organising events and helping my

_{friends with their problems.}

(4)

ACTIVITY ONE - PART C

Now that you have identified which are your top three career interest areas, you can explore the typical work

activities and work environments which relate to each one.

Within the top THREE career interest areas you have chosen only, indicate with an asterisk (*) the ones of

particular relevance to YOU.

REALISTIC

Work Activities:



Doing a job that produces tangible results



Operating or designing heavy equipment or machinery



Using tools that require fine motor coordination and manual dexterity



Doing physical labour



Fixing, repairing, building



Spending time outdoors

Working Environments:



Where you work on your own with minimal interaction with other people



Structured organisations with clear lines of authority



Outdoors or in agriculture industries



Manufacturing or industrial firms



Construction



Mining and energy



Transportation



Engineering and technical firms

INVESTIGATIVE

Work Activities



Solving problems that require thinking



Doing scientific or laboratory work



Conducting research and analysis



Working with data



Investigating physical, biological or cultural phenomena



Developing theory and abstract concepts

Working Environments



Where you work on your own with minimal interaction with other people



Structure organisations with clear lines of authority



Unstructured organisations which allow freedom in working styles



Organisations which value achievement and results

(5)

ARTISTIC

Work Activities



Creating and designing



Composing and writing



Performing and acting



Playing a musical instrument



Developing new ideas in music, art, drama



Decorating

Working Environments



Unstructured organisations that encourage self-expression



Where you work on your own with minimal interaction with other people



Organisations which value originality, intuition and nonconformity



Artistic studios



Theatres and concert halls



Advertising, public relations, and interior decorating firms



Educational institutions which teach artistic skills



Museums and galleries

SOCIAL

Work Activities



Teaching and instructing



Enlightening and guiding



Helping and advising



Selecting and training



Solving problems



Leading

Working Environments



Where you work with other people and have friendly relationships with your co-workers



Organisations which encourage cooperation, sociability, understanding and flexibility



Educational institutions, schools, colleges, universities



Social service organisations



Religious institutions



Human resources or personnel departments



Medical practices and health-care facilities



Recreation facilities

ENTERPRISING

Work Activities



Selling and persuading

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Working Environments



Where you work with other people, often competing with them or managing them



Organisations which encourage assertiveness, self-confidence, taking initiative



Industrial and manufacturing organisations



Government and political organisations



Executive offices



Retail and wholesale firms



Fund-raising organisations



Small businesses

CONVENTIONAL

Work Activities



Typing and filing



Operating business machines and computers



Organising office procedures



Keeping records and financial books



Writing business reports and letters



Answering telephones and taking messages

Work Environments



Where you work with other people, often taking instructions or working alongside co-workers



Structured organisations with clear lines of authority



Large corporations



Business office



Financial institutions



Accounting firms



Quality-control and inspection departments



Real estate offices

Look at the ones you have indicated with an asterisk (*) and list them into the table below

I

NTEREST

A

REAS

W

ORK

A

CTIVITIES

/W

ORKING

E

NVIRONMENTS

e.g. Social

Helping and advising

Selecting and training

(7)

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ACTIVITY TWO

Consider all the special Professional or Technical skills you have developed either at University or during Work

or any other situations. Make a listing of these below.

UNIVERSITY SITUATIONS

WORK OR WORK RELATED SITUATIONS

(e.g. Capacity to do electrical design & fittings)

(e.g. Knowledge of child development)

From the two lists above, choose

FIVE

key skills or knowledge which are very important for you to stress when

looking for a job or career and illustrate how you have used each one in a work situation.

WORK CONTENT SKILL/KNOWLEDGE

ILLUSTRATION OF ITS USE

e.g. Knowledge of child development

Part-time position in a day care centre allows for an

understanding of child behaviour and how to use positive

reinforcement

e.g. Capacity to do electrical design & fittings

Designed a digital circuit as a uni assignment and

constructed it in the lab

1.

2.

3.

4.

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ACTIVITY THREE - PART A

Below is a listing of Transferable Skills. Work through the list and mark with an asterisk (*) those in which you

consider yourself to be competent.

TRANSFERABLE SKILL

EXAMPLE

COMPETENT (

*

)

Problem Solving

(that contributes to

productive

outcomes)

Researching, gathering information

Organising, synthesising information

Analysing, evaluating, judging

Troubleshooting

Identifying problems and solving them independently

Learning

Grasping a concept and using the idea

Using experience to create a concept

Dealing and being open to a new situation, ideas and

techniques

Observations, listening or reading

Contributing to the learning community at the workplace

Follow through

Following instructions explicitly

Completing projects, assignments

Improvise to complete task better

Completion of difficult tasks

Communication-written

Writing clear, concise papers or reports

Proof reading or editing

Using words creatively

Reaching people through writing word

Communication- oral

Listening and understanding

Presenting information understandingly

Teaching skills

Public speaking skills

Speaking clearly and directly

Ability to use foreign language

Artistic/creative

Designing skills, creating pleasing image

Using imagination

Applying music knowledge to compose

Performing dramatically

(10)

Numeracy

Calculating, manipulation of numbers

Financial record keeping

Financial analysis, such as budget

Statistical analysis

Human relationship

Counselling, giving advice

Dealing effectively with special people

Negotiating and mediating

Providing good service to a customer

Empathising

Leadership

Taking the initiative or lead

Motivating or inspiring others

Managing people or resources

Taking risks, making decisions

Entrepreneurial

Innovative, able to see opportunities

Designing a new project or program

Taking an idea and putting into action

Recognising usable ideas, concepts

Business knowledge and skills

Physical

Assembling, working with tools

Using hand skills to do demanding work

Applying physical coordination or agility

Using strategy in physical competition

Technology

(that contributes to

effective execution of

tasks)

Having a range of basic IT skills

Applying IT as a management tool

Using IT to organise data

Being willing to learn new IT skills

Having the OHS (occupational health and safely) knowledge to

apply technology

Having the physical capacity to apply technology, e.g. manual

dexterity

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ACTIVITY THREE - PART B

Now review the list above and select from the ones you marked with an asterisk (*) the

FIVE

you think are the

ones you will most want to use to market yourself to employers and give an illustration of where you

developed or used this skill.

TRANSFERABLE SKILL/KNOWLEDGE

EXAMPLE(S) OF WHERE DEVELOPED OR USED

e.g. Written clearly and concisely

Completing an assignment in Ethics on …and

receiving a Distinction for it.

e.g. Statistical analysis

Use of SPSS software on a research project.

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ACTIVITY FOUR - PART A

Below is a listing of Self Management Skills. Work through the list and mark with an asterisk (*) those in which

you consider yourself to be competent.

SELF MANAGEMENT SKILL

_*

SELF MANAGEMENT SKILL

_*

SELF MANAGEMENT SKILL

_*

Accurate

Easygoing

Perceptive

Active

Empathetic

Persistent

Adaptable

Efficient

Persuasive

Adventurous

Energetic

Practical

Aggressive

Enterprising

Precise

Ambitious

Enthusiastic

Productive

Analytical

Expressive

Quick

Appreciative

Firm

Quiet

Articulate

Flexible

Reasonable

Artistic

Generous

Reliable

Assertive

Gentle

Resourceful

Calm

Helpful

Responsible

Charitable

Honest

Self-reliant

Cheerful

Humorous

Sensitive

Competent

Innovative

Sociable

Competitive

Independent

Strong

Confident

Intellectual

Sympathetic

Conscientious

Mature

Tactful

Consistent

Modest

Thorough

Creative

Observant

Truthful

Decisive

Open-minded

Voluntary

Dependable

Organised

(add some of your own)

Disciplined

Out-going

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ACTIVITY FOUR - PART B

Now review the list above and select from the ones you marked with an asterisk (*) the

FIVE

Self-Management

skills you think are the ones you will most want to use to market yourself to employers and give an illustration

of where you developed or used this skill.

SELF-MANAGEMENT SKILL

ILLUSTRATION OF DEVELOPMENT/USE

e.g. organisational

Managing a full work load, a part time job (15

hrs/week) and volunteer work (2hrs/week)

1.

2.

3.

4.

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ACTIVITY FIVE – PART A: OVERALL SELF ASSESSMENT OF YOUR SKILL SET

It is important for you to be able to assess yourself accurately in terms of what you have to offer potential employers. This skills audit will

help you identify which skills you are competent in as well as those you are interested in developing further. You can use this information

to assist in job searches cover-letters, resumes and interviews.

Instructions:

1. Read through each of the brief descriptions provided for the following list of skills and rate yourself in relation to how competent you think you are

in this skill. Make some notes next to your rating about the reasons why you chose that rating. This will assist you in the proceeding activities.

2. Next indicate your interest level by placing a tick in the appropriate box as to whether you are ‘Very Interested’, ‘Moderately Interested’ or ‘Not

Interested’ in this skill.

Skill Area Associated Skill Ranking (circle the appropriate ranking) Scale- 10 = high competency

1 = very low or no competency

Notes Interest Level

Very Interested Moderately Interested Not Interested Communication Listening, speaking, writing, understanding, presenting, reading editing, negotiating, interpersonal relations Interpersonal Skills

Appropriately controlling and expressing feelings, creating a positive environment, working well with others (superiors, subordinates and peers), understanding their needs and reactions, seeking feedback and being able to negotiate effectively with diverse audiences.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Listening and Responding

Involves being attentive when others are speaking, responding effectively to others comments and being sensitive to nonverbal cues during a conversation, effectively developing rapport and using appropriate body language to make others comfortable (e.g. smiling, eye contact, open posture).

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

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The ability to clearly and effectively present information and ideas verbally to others, either one-to-one or in groups, persuade/influence others, sell ideas, products or services, participate in group discussions and clarify information through questioning.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Written Communication

Involves the clear and accurate transfer of formal or informal information, edit and proof read written materials, understand correct grammar and syntax.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Teamwork

Contributing, cooperating, conflict resolution, supporting, allocating to strengths, achieving goals

Teamwork

Involves the ability to work co-operatively and productively in a team through contributing, co-operating, resolving conflict, sharing, allocating strengths and supporting others in order to achieve team goals.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Problem Solving/Critical Thinking Identifying issues, gathering evidence, analysis, evaluating options, innovative, finding solutions Problem Solving

Consists of identifying one’s own skills, values, interests and other personal attributes as well as apply theoretical concepts to practical solutions.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Critical Thinking

Involves the ability to analyse information, evaluate arguments, critique and reflect, express judgments and inferences, and propose solutions to problems as well as apply theoretical concepts to practical solutions.

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Management/Life-long Learning

Information and computer literacy, self assessment,

adaptability, life management and balance, career direction

Involves the ability to effectively seek, understand, evaluate and use relevant information resources and technologies with confidence for study and daily tasks.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Ability to Identify Personal Competencies

Involves the ability to effectively self reflect by identifying one’s skills, competencies and other personal attributes and use this knowledge to maximise effective work performances.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Being Positive and Resilient

Involves pro-active behaviour where oneself is motivated to function at an optimal level of performance, to function in stressful situations, maintain a positive attitude, and respond appropriately to constructive criticism.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Working Independently

The capacity to work independently and achieve desirable work outcomes with minimal supervision.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Career and Life Management

An awareness of the ever-changing nature of work and be responsible for his/her own career and personal development and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Lifelong Learning

Involves the ability to gain knowledge from daily experiences, be up-to-date on new developments and have a strong orientation towards lifelong learning.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

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Professional Research

Discipline specific skills and knowledge, research, report writing, science, use of technology

Involves the knowledge, skills and abilities to deal with the

technical/professional tasks required to operate effectively in the specialist field including the use of other technologies for study and research.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Managing/Organising Scheduling, project and time management, marshalling resources, making decisions, setting and achieving goals.

Time Management

Involves managing several tasks at once, set priorities/goals and determine action, allocate time efficiently in order to achieve goals.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Decision Making

Involves the ability to make timely decisions on the basis of a thorough assessment of the short and long-term consequences and the personal and ethical implications.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Planning and Organisation

The ability to develop plans and objectives, co-ordinate people, activities or tasks to be carried out toward meeting objectives, monitor progress, revise and implement, anticipate problems and troubleshoot, and follow through to ensure task completion.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Understanding Organisations

Involves being able to understand and work in an organisational structure with its inbuilt dynamics and protocols.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Social/Ethical Responsibility

Appreciation of Diversity

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individuals and organisations.

Commitment to Social Justice

Involves advocating social justice and anti-discriminating practices.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Standards and Ethics

Involves engaging in practices which are consistent with legal, ethical,

professional and organisational standards, including recognising and offering proper solutions to ethical dilemmas, valuing and promoting truth, accuracy, honesty and accountability.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Community Involvement

Involves participating in intellectual, social, cultural and professional activities in the local and international community.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Leadership

Motivating and persuading others, delegating, taking initiative, dealing with conflict, setting goals

Leadership and Influence

Involves the ability to communicate at all levels, to give direction and guidance, and to delegate work tasks in a manner which proves to be effective and motivates/inspires others to do their best, be a professional and personal role model for others and to develop and mentor talent.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Coordinating

Involves being able to coordinate the work of peers and subordinates and encourage positive group relations.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Managing Conflict

Involves the ability to identify sources of conflict between oneself and others, or among other people and to take steps to overcome disharmony.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

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Involves being able to vision the future of the organisation and to create innovative strategies and steps for it to be achieved, as well as provide solutions to complex problems.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Creativity/Design

Imagination, creativity and design in fields such as artistic, literacy, mechanical, strategic, social

Creativity and Change

Involves being able to visualise concepts, express ideas, adapt to situations of change, to initiate change, and to provide ‘novel’ solutions to problems.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Low High

Initiative/Enterprise

Risk taking, trying new things, identifying and taking opportunities, starting a business

Risk-Taking

Involves taking responsible job-related risks by recognising alternative or different ways of constructively meeting objectives.

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ACTIVITY FIVE - PART B

When you have rated yourself in all the skill areas, list the skills in which you are highly competent

and have indicated you are very interested in. This is where you should focus most of your work

energies as what you can do and what you want to do are fully aligned. Give an example describing

where and how you used those skills. This can be very useful when it comes to interviews and

networking.

High Competency &

Very Interested Skill

Example

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Now list the skills that you rated at a low competency level (i.e. 4 or below) and have indicated you

are very interested in. These are the skills that indicate a developmental opportunity for you, where

you can select which skills would be worth improving on based on current and future economic

trends. Describe why you have a strong interest in this skill and how it can be beneficial for you in

terms of your career. Next give a description on the steps you need to take to improve this skill.

Consider training opportunities such as formal study, voluntary work and short courses to upgrade

those skills you have a strong interested in further.

Low Competency &

Very Interested Skill

Why do you have a

strong interest for this

skill?

How will this skill

assist you with your

career?

Steps you will take

improve in this skill

Oral Communication

I want to be a news

reporter

This career requires me

to talk! Interviews,

public speaking,

reporting the news etc

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ACTIVITY FIVE - PART C

Now we will take a look at those skills you found moderately interesting.

Write down those skills which you rated yourself highly competent (i.e. 7 or above) with a moderate

interest level in the table below. These skills can play a beneficial role in achieving career satisfaction

for you. You have indicated that you are highly competent in these skills and even though it isn’t a

high interest, you have indicated some interested in these skills. Consider ways on making these

highly competent skills of yours more interesting.

Highly Competent & Moderately Interested Skill

Describe why you are not strongly interested in

this skill

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