Spring Break
Future Figuring
James Alagna
Issue date: 12/9/09 Section: Entertainment
Deciding what to major in is a hard decision for many students. Sometimes it seems that a special class just on how to determine a major is needed.
One way to help in this decision making process is to take one of the self-assessments at www.wiscareers.wisc.edu. There are eight different assessments; all are targeted toward certain age groups ranging from middle school students to adult college students. Each exam takes 20 minutes or less.
On these assessments students are asked about their work values, what their best workplace skills are, how well they work with others, how well they work alone, and what areas interest them. At the end of an assessment, the website uses this information to match students up with possible careers.
However, the website doesn't just spit out a list of jobs; it will also say which careers are "hot", meaning that over the next ten years those careers are projected to have job openings increase by at least 27%. Students can also click on any of the career names and view a general description of the career including the education path needed, future outlook, salary, employers, job openings, and a full explanation of a day in the life of one of the workers in that particular career.
As long as students have some idea of what direction they want to go in school, they should be fine. Even if they don't, they should give these kinds of assessments a try. Students might be surprised at the long list of career possibilities that show up. Also, taking more than one of the eight assessments is always an option and might provide an even better idea of the right path to take.
One way to help in this decision making process is to take one of the self-assessments at www.wiscareers.wisc.edu. There are eight different assessments; all are targeted toward certain age groups ranging from middle school students to adult college students. Each exam takes 20 minutes or less.
On these assessments students are asked about their work values, what their best workplace skills are, how well they work with others, how well they work alone, and what areas interest them. At the end of an assessment, the website uses this information to match students up with possible careers.
However, the website doesn't just spit out a list of jobs; it will also say which careers are "hot", meaning that over the next ten years those careers are projected to have job openings increase by at least 27%. Students can also click on any of the career names and view a general description of the career including the education path needed, future outlook, salary, employers, job openings, and a full explanation of a day in the life of one of the workers in that particular career.
As long as students have some idea of what direction they want to go in school, they should be fine. Even if they don't, they should give these kinds of assessments a try. Students might be surprised at the long list of career possibilities that show up. Also, taking more than one of the eight assessments is always an option and might provide an even better idea of the right path to take.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
pikatje1
posted 2/10/10 @ 9:36 AM CST
It is very helpful for students who is still guessing about his/her future. But I wonder if you really can trust such tests on the internet.
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posted 3/08/10 @ 2:41 PM CST
Thanks for wonderful tips and guidelines. Looking forward to hear more reports from you !
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