CAREER EXERCISES

Step 1: Assess yourself, including what is important to you.

Activities: Exercise 1 (Mandatory)

a) What specific, day-to-day tasks that might occur in the workplace do you enjoy doing, and why? (Note: You may have already completed this question last week)

Meet new people everyday
Enjoy sharing stories and conversation with customers
Make their nails look pretty
Flexible schedule

b) What specific, day-to-day tasks that might occur in the workplace do you dislike doing, and why?

Sometimes too busy that no break for lunch
A lot of site works

Activities: Exercise 2&3

When I think of what interests me, I first think of:

When I think of the areas that I’ve had experience in, I think of: I have been doing nails for 8 years and have a nail license

I like to read about: gossips, travel, cosmo magazines, new fashion trends

I like to shop for: fashion clothes, cosmetics, etc

I like to watch TV shows about: Vampires Diaries, Once upon a time, etc…. tv show that can take my mind off a long day at school or work

I like to listen to: all pop music

If I had an extra hour to spend, I’d: take a nap

If I had an extra day, I’d: get massage or facials

If I had an extra week, I’d: call my friends and family to talk to them, go shopping, hang out with friends

If I had an extra month, I’d: go on vacations

If I could do anything on vacation (money no object), I’d: swimming, dancing, sightseeings, eating good food

My favorite recreational activity is: swimming, dancing, kickboxing

I’ve always wanted to learn more about:cosmetologist for skin care

I generally spend my free time doing: homework, reading magazines, sleeping, taking to friends

I’d like to spend more of my free time doing: reading news, watching TV, attend activities at schools

When I was a kid, I used to like doing: drawing

When I was a kid, I was good at: doing little art like paintings

A few years ago, I used to spend time doing: cooking and baking

I’ve been curious about what it would be like to be involved with: non-profits activities to build shelters or help poor people in Africa, South America, etc…

If I could travel anywhere (money no object), I’d go to: Hawaii

I sometimes daydream about: having my own nail salon sucessfully

I’m intrigued by: challenges

I once wanted to be a: computer wiz

Someone I know does this, and I’d like to find out more about it: physical therapy

I’m really good at: create ideas

My idea of fun is: doing something spontaneous, road travel

My family members are involved with these interests: teacher, accountant

If I could take a class on anything, it would be: baking, cooking, bartender, skin care,…

Skills: Exercise 1

It is important to select an entrepreneurial career which uses your personal skills. Rate yourself, compared to most of the population, on the following competencies using the scale below.

1=Outstanding, 2=Above Average, 3=Average, 4=Need for Improvement, 5=Strong Need for Improvement, and C/E= can’t evaluate

Competency	Definition	Score
Efficiency Orientation	The ability to perceive input/output relationships and includes the concern for increasing the efficiency of action.	1
Planning	The ability to define goals/objectives, strategy, tactics and resources to be used to meet the purpose (mission).	1
Initiative	The ability to take action to accomplish something, and to take this action prior to being asked or forced or provoked into it.	1
Attention to detail	The ability to seek order and predictability by reducing uncertainty.	2
Flexibility	The ability to adapt to changing circumstance, or alter one’s behavior to better fit the situation.	2
Networking	The ability to build relationships, whether they are one-to-one relations, a coalition, an alliance, or a complex set of relationships among a group of people.	2
Self-confidence	The ability to consistently display decisiveness or presence.	1
Group Management	The ability to stimulate members of a group to work together effectively.	2
Developing others	The ability to stimulate someone to develop his/her abilities or improve their performance toward an objective.	3
Oral communications	The ability to explain, describe, or tell something to others through a personal presentation.	2
Pattern Recognition	The ability to identify a pattern in an assortment of information, unorganized, or seemingly random data.	2
Social Objectivity	The ability to perceive another person’s beliefs, emotions and perspectives, particularly when they are different from the observer’s own beliefs, emotions, and perspectives.	1

From: Jacqueline M. Stavros and Jane Galloway Seiling (2009). Chapter Six: Mindful Leadership Development:

Assessing Self for Leading Change. In W. Rothwell, J. Stavros, R. Sullivan & A. Sullivan –

Third Edition, Practicing Organization Development: A Guide for Leading Change, p. 152, Table 6.2:

Leadership Competencies to Effectively Lead Change (Adapted from Richard Boyatzis).

Skills: Exercise 2

ABILITIES AND TALENTS BRAINSTORMING EXERCISE

Your current job: Nail technician

Previous jobs/work experience: working at travel agency, nail supplies; pick up phone and customer services

Volunteer experience: none

Hobbies: tennis, swimming, dancing

Education/school/classes: General Studies at Oakland Community College, Senior at Oakland University in General management degree

Any kind of training: manicurist training

Certifications/licenses: Manicurist licensing

Natural talents and abilities: details, creative

Type of skills you learn quickly: watching what people do and learn on the jobs

Things you’re just good at: customer service

Things other people think you’re good at: working fast and do pretty art nail designs

Step 2: Pick some potential careers.

Advisor/Counselor– This e-type usually has expertise (such as a lawyer, doctor, therapist, project management professional) or lots of experience in a field. They have people skills which allow them to work one on one or in small groups. They have the ability to promote themselves through networking and other methods. They like to help clients succeed.

Management consultant

Clinical Social worker

Home inspection service

Employee assistance resource advisor

Attorney

Financial planner

Public relations consultant

Substance abuse counselor

Education selection advisor

Personal or business “coach”

Mediator

Diet counselor

Accountant

Builder/Creator e-Types desire to create. What they desire to create varies widely. The businesses suited for you, if you are this e-type, are businesses which allow you to combine art and create. Some examples are being an artisan, craft person. This e-type generally likes to work with their hands, has a skill or talent to do the work, and enjoys details. You must be confident enough to sell your work, and be able to adjust your creative vision to that of the client.

Textile Designer

Illustrator

Videographer

Photo Stylist

Creative Director

Carpenter

Multimedia event producer

Animator

Graphic Designer

Photographer

Fashion Designer

Tailor/Seamstress

Lighting Designer

Interior Decorator

Sign Maker

Blacksmith

General Contractor

Pottery Maker

Personal Chef

House Painter

Wedding Cake Baker

Event Designer

Florist

Architect

Caregiver/Maintainer e-types are helping, supporting and nurturing, and keep things going consistently over time. They understand the importance of keeping things well maintained on an on-going basis. They are good at keeping track of things, are dependable, patient and don’t mind “getting their hands dirty.” They are able to work flexible hours. Ms Abrams (2004) suggests the following potential business choices:

Home health care provider

Physical Therapist

Petsitter

Child day care center

Lawn/plant maintenance

Recreational therapist

Equipment repair

Hair stylist

Handyman

Power washer

Errand runner

Property Manager

Taxi service for children

Cleaning/janitorial services

Facialist

Nail Techinician

Nanny

Cleaning/janitorial service

Personal shopper

Window washer

Animal groomer

Doula

Auto detailer

Entertainer/Host – This is the most social of all of the e-types. Generally, this e-type is social and outgoing, and enjoys short-term interactions with lots of people. This e-type likes being the center of attention, and often has talents that can only be expressed in front of a group of people.

Wedding/other event Musician

Product Demonstrator

Restaurant Owner

Bed and breakfast owner

Family entertainment complex

owner

Party DJ

Hairdresser

Bar/Pub Owner

Birthday party performer

TV/Movie extra

Banquet room operator

Magician

Festival coordinator

Festival performer

Voice over actor

Roller rink owner

Investor/Owner This e-type generally has access to capital, either on their own or through friends and/or family. This e-type finds deals, and makes sound judgments on when to buy, sell or pass on something. This e-type likes to work alone, and is able to monitor and maintain the investment they make.

Real estate investor

Antique collector

Second mortgage lender

Classic auto dealer

Angel investor

Franchise owner

Homer “flipper”

Furniture restorer/re-seller

Laundromat owner

Rental property owner

Pawn Broker

Vending machine owner

Art collector

Antique dealer

Manufacturing business owner

Licensee

Organizer/Administrator – This e-type is focused on the details. They know how to meet deadlines, and are organized. They like to see things come out exact, and enjoy having a sense of completion. In general, this e-type does not like being in the limelight.

Bookkeeper

Corporate Event planner

Database and list management

Order or other fulfillment

Errand runner

Closet organizer

Project manager

Payroll services

Debt collection

Loan processor

Holiday card sender

Contracts administrator

Paralegal

Insurance claims processor

Employment agency owner

Direct mail/catalog store owner

Activities inherent in careers: Exercise1

What would you do on a daily basis? Go to school and work at a nail salon part-time besides school
Which activities require the most time to complete each day? Homework
Do the activities vary day to day, week to week, season to season? No, stay the same unless when I’m done with school
Which activities are most important to maintaining the business? Searching for good products or safety products to use for customers
Which activities are most important to growing the business?Keep the old customers happy and loyal and attract new customers
How many hours of work are required each day? Each week?10 hours each day/ 5-6 days a week
What are the hours that this business requires that you be on-call or on-site? 40 hours at least each week

Passionateaboutcareers: Exercise 1

Based on information gathered about the six careers, answer the following questions. Would you be passionate about:

The idea: create a healthy and ecofriendly nail salon, could have a facial and massage also
The service: pedi/mani, facials, massage
The product: organic and eco products
The career: nail technician, business owner

Industry (career/favorability): Exercise 1

Based on information gathered about the six careers, answer the following questions.

Is the industry growing? yes
Do companies make a high profit? So-so
Is the failure rate low? yes
Is competition fierce and based upon price? yes
Are there huge fixed costs? Lease cost and products cost

Reach overall conclusion about how favorable the industry/career is.

Basic Industry Requirements: Exercise 1

Reread the section of my book that discusses Basic Industry Requirements. What are the basic industry requirements the six careers you have chosen? Come up with as many requirements as you can.

What are the basic industry requirements?

List resource and material requirements.
List production requirements.
List human resource requirements
List distribution channels.
List skills needed.
List anything that is a Basic Industry Requirement that you have not already listed.

Do you have, or can you easily get these basic industry requirements.

Step 4: Determine the 2″best” careers.

Now that you have some insights into what you want and or need from a career and some insights regarding what careers have to offer you need to combine it all to come with your two best career ideas.

Matching activities and skills to careers: Exercise 1

The following exercise might provide a nice summary in terms of how well each career matches your skills and desired activities.

	Activity	Skill required	Did I enjoy the task?	Was I proficient at the task?
Business Name

Ask yourself:

1) Overall to what extent do you enjoy the tasks involved for each of these careers?

2) Overall to what extent were you proficient at the tasks for each of the careers?

3) If you were not proficient at, or did not enjoy certain tasks, how easy do you think they could be eliminated, delegated, or outsourced?

4) Were there activities that you indicated you enjoyed for this exercise that you did not mention above? Why? Are you fooling yourself?

5) Were there activities that you indicated you were proficient at for this exercise that you did not mention above? Why? Are you fooling yourself?

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