PROJECT: YOUR INTERESTS AND ABILITIES This project will give you a chance to consider several questions that will help you explore your potential career interests and other aspects you should consider when selecting a future career.

OBJECTIVES
Examine your interests as they relate to a potential career.
Directions
You may or may not know what you want to do for a career. If you know what you want for your future career, you may have an easier time knowing what steps and actions to take. If you don't know what you want to do, now is an excellent time to explore your likes and dislikes so you can make more informed choices in the future. And even if you have decided what you want to do, it's very possible that you will change careers more than once or change your mind in the process of pursuing your first career.

If you already know what career you want, how did you come to that decision? Is it because your family thinks it's a good idea, because you will earn a lot of money, or because you have a sincere interest in that field? If you don't know what you want to do yet, what should you consider before making a decision? There are lots of questions to consider as you work towards a career.

Think about yourself and answer these questions:

What are you interested in (science, engineering, computers, math, English, history, etc.)?
What do you value doing (inventing, helping others, researching, etc.)?
What type of role would you like in a job (worker, manager, leader)?
Where would you like to work (indoors, outdoors, in the city, in the forest, in a small business, in a big business, in a lab, in a classroom, etc.)?
Do you have any personal challenges that will take some extra effort to overcome (a bad temper, etc.) or that will require accommodations at a job (a disability, etc.)?
Why is it helpful to talk to a school counselor about future career plans?
What positive trait do you have that you can work on developing even further to help you in a future career?
If you already know what career you want, answer these questions:

Why do you want the career you've chosen?
How would you feel if you had to change careers?
What can you do now to prepare for the career you want?
If you don't know what career you want yet, answer these questions:

Why would a person choose a career that he or she isn't interested in?
Would you be willing to choose a career that doesn't match your interests? Why or why not?
How does knowing about yourself help you as you consider future careers?