List Your Skills and Interests
Your school choice may be based partly on the career you select. An inventory of your interests and skills is the first step toward making a career decision. Make a list of things you enjoy doing and do well. If you have any skills you have gained from work, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work, list those as well. Once you've completed your inventory, see if you can identify a common thread. You may wish to take a Personality Assessment test at the ESF College Planning Center. We will give you the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® personality assessment to look at different aspects of your personality. You will also take an aptitude assessment to measure your verbal, numerical and general learning ability. We’ll combine these two assessments with your interests and work values to explore possible careers. Request an appointment by calling 601.321.5533 or send an email to collegeplanning@esfweb.com
Look Into Prospective Careers
After you've determined your interests, you are ready to research different careers. Click here for a listing of links to helpful career sites. Also consider using an Internet search tool to discover other sites. Resources are available at your public library, through your high school guidance counselor or at the ESF College Planning Center.
Do Some Personal Research
As you narrow your choices, try to find out what your prospective careers are really like. Talk with people who work in fields that interest you, and spend some time with them at their job site, if possible. Another way to gain knowledge of a specific career is to work in that area as an intern.
Find Out What Else You Need To Do
Once you've settled on a career, determine what preparation you need. If specialized training is necessary, find out which schools offer the required training. Determine if your career requires you to take certification exams after college and if you need to earn an advanced degree.
