The questions below have been developed by the Career Development Office and the Civic Engagement Office to help you become more aware of and confident about your interests, abilities and values. Try this self-inventory to help you identify the kinds of co-curricular activities you might want to engage in during your time at Bryn Mawr, and what career paths you might want to explore.
Values What is most important to me? What type of volunteer, service and/or working environment is important to me? What was my least favorite volunteer, service, and/or work experience and why? In what areas do I want to make a difference for good in the world? How do I imagine my close relationships and family life as interdependent with my career or important activities? |
Skills or Talents What am I confident about? What am I good at? What are my proudest achievements? What kinds of roles do I like to play in a group or team? What is my work style? Why do people value me as a co-worker or employee?
|
Interests What do I like to do? What types of volunteer or service experiences or careers do not interest me? If there were no constraints, and I could do anything I wanted to do, what would it be? |
Characteristics List ten qualities that describe you. Ask three people to describe you using 5 qualities. Which ones surprised you most? Are there traits you want to gain or lose? |
Choosing a life path is a process that goes better with patience, effort, and a sense of curiosity -- and of humor. Sometimes a path already exists; sometimes it must be cut; often it's a blend of both. At times, you might feel confused or discouraged; that's okay. Remember your strengths, passions, and commitments and give yourself scope to explore options through research, conversation, and experience. Taking steps based on purposeful and joyful inquiry is bound to work, even if they lead in unexpected directions at times.
The next step is simply to talk to people and to dive into activities and work experiences. The CEO and the CDO have many wonderful resources available including internship opportunities, an extern program and a variety of career programs.
Back to Sophomore Planning Process