Career Assessments

Purpose of Career Assessments

Do use career assessments:

As a starting point to learn more about your interests, values, skills, abilities, and personality types
To sort out thoughts and ideas about possible majors, career paths and occupations
As a source to compare results with other information gained in self-discovery activities

Don’t use career assessments to:

Be your only source to tell you what career or field of study to pursue
Determine by yourself which assessment is best for you; schedule an appointment with a career counselor to discuss which assessment is most appropriate based on your situation
Interpret the results by yourself; schedule an appointment with a career counselor for a professional interpretation

7 online assessments including areas associated with interests, skills, personality and values
Self directed, easy to use, online career planning system
Includes extensive occupational information and allows you to compare info side by side
Access Focus: login to UIS CareerConnect, select link under Shortcuts, use provided access code

Career interest inventory used to assess potential gratifying career paths that match your interests.
Based on John Holland’s theory that both people and work environments can be classified in 6 basic types including Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional
Written format: administered and interpreted by a career counselor

Interest inventory that measures interests in a wide range of jobs, work tasks, leisure activities and school subjects
Compares your interests with individuals happily employed in a wide variety of occupations
Use to explore majors and careers, ideal work environments, and preferred work styles
Written format: administered and interpreted by a career counselor

Gain information about misconceptions and barriers related to career planning
Use information to develop strategies to maximize strengths and overcome barriers
Supplemental workbook available ; additional cost – see fee info
Written format: administered and interpreted by a career counselor

Personality inventory used to identify preferred manner of taking in and evaluating information and preferred style of working, decision-making and communicating
Provides feedback on work settings or situations where personality type might be complemented or challenged
Supplemental workbook available ; additional cost – see fee info
Written format: administered and interpreted by a career counselor

Outlines strengths and barriers you may experience when changing professions, changing positions within same company, unemployed, or re-entering workforce
Identifies readiness level to commit to doing tasks required to meet career goals; confidence level in ability to perform and follow through on career activities; external forces that could impede process, and support level of those important to you when making transition
Written format: administered and interpreted by a career counselor

Learn more about fees associated with career assessments.