“Getting fired is nature’s way of telling you that you had the wrong job in the first place.”
—Hal Lancaster
During my master’s program, one of the mandatory courses was Career Counselling. I remember shaking my head when I saw it as part of my course requirement. At the time, I was not interested in career counselling or the prospect of doing vocational assessments.
However, my attitude and opinion of the class changed within the first lecture hour.
The reason for my shift in attitude is that I had never considered how closely one’s job is connected to one’s mental health or how one’s personality and experiences shape what one chooses to do for work.
The Impact of Values, Interests, and Skills on Career Choices
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing Helen Filipe, MA, a career counsellor and career consultant with Azul Education Services, a company focused on working with individuals transitioning into their careers.
She also works with youth (one of her passions) to help them identify their next steps in career choice.
You can watch the full interview by clicking here.
Career Counselling is About Self-Reflection
In my interview with Helen Filipe, we discussed a variety of topics. Here’s what stood out for me.
1. Understanding Personal Values:
When individuals delve into their core values, they uncover what is truly important. This self-awareness is pivotal in guiding career decisions that align with their beliefs and principles.
2. Exploring Interests:
By exploring a wide range of interests, individuals can discover potential career paths that resonate with their passions and ignite their enthusiasm for work. Yes, there are some things that you are currently good at.
But what else would you like to be good at? Helen pointed out, “It’s not what you want to do. It’s about what challenges you.”
3. Recognizing Skills:
Identifying your unique skills and strengths is essential in choosing a career path that leverages these abilities and offers room for growth and development.
We are all born with different gifts and strengths, but we are only sometimes good at recognizing these gifts. Sometimes, it takes a conversation with a counsellor to uncover and acknowledge these strengths.
People Change, and So Do Career Choices
It’s essential to remember that career choices are not set in stone and can evolve. Embracing change and staying open to new possibilities is crucial in finding a career that resonates with who you are at your core.
When you consider your values, interests, and skills and incorporate these elements into your career search, you create a solid foundation for a fulfilling and purpose-driven professional life.
Richard
Check out my interview with Helen Filipe of Azul Education Services