Career Development Cycle: Self-Discovery

This stage (also known as self assessment) is all about building a strong foundation focused on what is important to you. Whether you are just starting your career or are considering a change, we can help you think about your goals, skills, interests, values, decision-making process, and personality type and how these can help you find a career path you’ll love. 

Goals

  • Identify your skills, interests, values, and personality. 
  • Be able to speak about them with others. 
  • Understand how each of these (skills, interests, values, personality) can intersect with career goals. 

Suggested Steps 

  • Undergraduate student? Explore majors offered at BU. Speak with faculty, advisors, and career counselors to learn more about which programs and majors interest you. 
  • Make an appointment at the CCD for help with assessing your skills, values, interests, and personality. 
  • Get involved with student groups and professional organizations to learn more about what interests you and how you like to engage those interests. 
  • Reflect on your experiences so far to identify interests, skills, and values. Consider coursework, activities, and hobbies as well as jobs or internships. 

More To Explore 

  • Learn about your mosaic, a holistic view of your BU experience, including how academics and career paths connect and how all of the parts of your experience contribute to finding your career path. 
  • Learn more about how the CCD can help by attending an introductory workshop; options for undergraduate or graduate students are available. Check our calendar for upcoming events. 
  • Browse the our virtual career center to learn more about all the resources and support available through the CCD. 
  • Get started with career skills like resumes, cover letters, and much more.

Self-Discovery and Career Readiness 

Use this as a general guide to understanding what employers are looking for in applicants. Assess for yourself if these are areas in which you feel strong. If not, how can you begin building this competency

  • Career and Self-Development: Demonstrate awareness of own strengths and areas for improvement 
  • Professionalism: Act with integrity and accountability in self exploration 

For more information and additional examples, view the full list of Career Readiness Competencies. 

Self Discovery
Exploring Careers
Building Skills
Making it Happen