Kerri's blog
Class of 2009, Communication Major, from Oconomowoc, WI

"Anxiety" doesn't even begin to describe my emotional state while preparing for tests. I'm ridiculous. I start studying a week in advance, planning everything out, and being slightly (depending on my day) cranky when friends and family tell me to "relax". I never have been and (despite how normally optimistic I am) probably never will be, a great test taker.

The other week, however, I took two tests on the same day, completely stress free. I didn't prepare in the slightest bit, I didn't agonize over details, and I didn't memorize one fact.

You see...Career Services offers two tests on their web page, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and the Strong Interest Inventory. These tests help "evaluate you career development strategy", "identify your career options", and "determine preferred learning environments". It took me around an hour to complete both exams - completely painless and anxiety free!

Here's a few highlights I received upon my follow up session at Career Services:

-My Myers-Briggs reported me as ENFJ (Extroversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging). This reveals that my preferred work tasks include: Helping others structure their time and meet deadlines, helping teams arrive at consensus, facilitating teams' achievement of common goals, focusing on people and process issues rather than on technical problems, listening to and understanding the needs of customers, clients, and colleagues, as well as helping others develop new skills.
-My strengths include: inspiring and motivating others by articulating common values, making decisions that respect and take into account the values of others, and organizing people to help them achieve goals. However, my challenge lies in becoming discouraged if I do not receive a lot of feedback from others. (So true...)

My Strong Interest Inventory came back with the following information:
-I am AER (Artistic, Enterprising, and Realistic). This reveals that I: am likely to prefer working with people, comfortable with leading by example and by taking charge, and taking both team roles and independent roles.
-It suggests that I have a preference for helping others, leading through a variety of means, and carefully considering outcomes before acting.

As overwhelming as some of the test packets/results appeared, they provided incredible insight for me. The information presented wasn't previously unknown to me. It wasn't as if suddenly a light bulb had been turned on for me and all of my questions had been answered. I didn't leave Career Services knowing that I was a perfect fit for a specific job. I didn't learn of a new skill that I possessed, or of a weakness I had kept hidden. I was, however, given the opportunity to see myself in a more objective light. I can clearly see how identifying these personal traits will allow me to tailor my internship/job searches to opportunities that will make me happy and successful.

So, I think it's safe to say that for the first and last time, I actually enjoyed an exam!

As the second half of my Junior year is well under way, the looming thought of internships and jobs hangs heavy over head. I really want to make this summer an amazing one. I want to find an internship or a job that really "fits" me. I want to learn. I want to grow. I want to have fun! But how do I do that exactly?

It's my goal to find something that combines both my education (Communication major, English minor) and my passions (health/wellness, creativity, etc). I interviewed last week at an organization that seems perfect for me. The people couldn't have been any nicer, the atmosphere any more welcoming, or the possible learning experience any more exciting.

I am keeping my fingers crossed for a positive response, and will make sure to update as soon as I hear anything!

Until then...

Kerri

*Some people dream of success while others wake up and work for it!