Choosing a career path

MOVING up ceremony for Grade 10 students is almost near. And this means that these students will move to the next level from junior high school to senior high school. And this also means that they have to choose their track for the senior high. Experts say that if students want to have a fulfilling job, they should take a career path that fits their personality. Choosing is much the same as picking their Senior High School (SHS) track because it defines their reactions, actions, values, likes, and dislikes. So if you are still undecided what K-12 senior high school track to take, read on and use this as your guide.

Know Your Personality. One way to tell your personality is through self-introspection. The other one is by taking a test studied and made by psychology experts such as John Holland. Based on his career development model, here are the six job personalities and work settings you can use as a guide in choosing your SHS track: REALISTIC (Doers) – these people are hands-on, practical, and enjoy working with machines or equipment. They prefer activities that need skill, strength, and coordination. Possible SHS Tracks: Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL). Possible Jobs: technician, mechanic, electrician, and carpenter. INVESTIGATIVE (Thinkers) – these people are analytical fact finders and love to work with ideas and solve problems. They love to think, organize, and understand theories and details. Possible SHS Tracks: Academic (STEM). Possible Jobs: physician, lawyer, historian, and scientist. ARTISTIC (Creators) – these people are imaginative thinkers and independent workers. They prefer creative, unique, and random activities that let artistic expression. Possible SHS Tracks: Sports and Arts/Academic (STEM). Possible Jobs: graphic and web artist, photographer, and architect. SOCIAL (Helpers) – these people enjoy dealing with other people. They prefer activities where they can help, inform, teach, counsel, or serve others. Possible SHS Tracks: Sports and Arts/Academic (HESS). Possible Jobs: teacher, judge, counselor, trainer, and psychologist. ENTERPRISING (Persuaders) – these people are cogent and good risk takers. They love settings where they can compete, lead, influence, and market. Possible SHS Tracks: TVL/Academic (BAM). Possible Jobs: politician, manager, entrepreneur, and sales agent. And lastly, CONVENTIONAL (Organizer) – these people are neat and detail-oriented. They want well-structured office work and fixed and clearcut tasks. Possible SHS Tracks: TVL/Academic (BAM). Possible Jobs: accountant, writer, editor and proofreader, and clerk.