Last week I talked about trusting God.
However, just because you are trusting God, does not mean you can be lazy!
That said, welcome to Post Three.
My brother recently gave me a book titled 48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller. Anyone going through a job search should have this book. Even if you are not going through the job search, you should still have it. It is amazing. Buy it. Read it. You will not regret it.
That being said, Dan Miller writes about figuring out what you are good at, setting goals, and how to perceive and pursue a job search. I am going to try my best to sum up these points – as well as put in my own input – but the best thing for you to do is READ THE BOOK. (Can you tell I want you to read the book?)
Point 1: Figuring out what you are good at.
I struggle(d) with this one. I feel as though I am good at many things. I was good at Calculus in high school, so I came to college as an engineering major. I hated Calculus in college. In fact, I hated all of my engineering classes.
Just because you are good at something, does not mean it is what you have to do for the rest of your life.
I always enjoyed writing, but I never really saw it going anywhere. Writing was just a way for me to get my thoughts out of my head – clear my mind. I also noticed I enjoy telling people how to look good. (That sounds bad, but I mean it more as how to put your best foot forward.) Then I started reading the public relations’ class descriptions. They sounded intriguing and – oh my word – FUN! Toto, I don’t think we’re in the College of Engineering anymore.
In my new classes, I learn all about how to write well, and how to make organizations look good, as well as what to do when your organization looks bad.
Umm… Hello. Two worlds colliding perfectly!
I am that crazy person in class who usually – we all have bad days – comes to class excited and ready to learn. I thoroughly enjoy most of my homework – even when I am freaking out because the paper is due at midnight and it is already 11:30 p.m. (Ah… Procrastination still gets me sometimes). I love all the facts and tidbits I get in class like, how the potato is a great source of Vitamin C, or how carcinogens and cancer fighters should not support each other (KFC and Komen).
All of that is besides the point. I love what I am learning, and I know I am going to love what I do if I am in the PR industry.
Another great way to find what you are good at is by figuring out your strengths. Freshman year we had to take a test called StrengthsQuest. As much as I hated taking it, the test has really proven useful. You can look at all of the strengths here. Mine are: Belief, Adaptability, Activator, Connectedness, and Woo (winning others over).
These five strengths mean I base most of my decisions based off of my beliefs. I am able to adapt to different situations. I enjoy getting projects started. I like to be connected to those around me. And, I enjoy making friends. It is pretty self-explanatory. These strengths are helping me narrow my search as I look for my future place of employment.
What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing?
Gardening?
Brushing your teeth?
Styling hair?
Putting computers together?
Think about what you really love and what strengths you have to achieve it.
Point 2: Setting Goals
Now, I have never been one to really set goals. I just know what I want, and I go for it. Miller brought up a valuable point, though, only 8 percent of the population can identify clear goals and only 3 percent write them down. Instead of just having ideas of what you want floating around in your head, write them down. This way you have something to keep you accountable.
This is also a great way to prepare for a job interview! Two interviews I have had lately have asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Nothing is worse than the crickets singing in the background.
You should make goals based on three aspects of your life:
1. Skills and Abilities
2. Personality Traits
3. Values, dreams and passions
I suggest starting at 10 years from now. Where do you want to be in that time? CEO of your own company? Married? Single? Homeowner?
Then go to 5 years. Where should you be in 5 years to be able to accomplish your 10 year goal?
Then 2 years, 1 year, 6 months, 3 months, this month, this week, and today.
Since my life plan is changing regularly, I have only made my 10 and 5 year goals. However, I will write the rest soon!
The important thing to remember is goals are not concrete; they are a starting point, something to work towards.
Point 3: How to Perceive and Pursue a Job Search
This is probably the most important part of this post. However, it is so important that I think it needs its own post or two. (I cannot give away all of my secrets in one post!)
Stay tuned…
About Sarah Chollar
