My parents over winter break forced me to go to a three hour career testing session to help get an idea of what jobs might best fit my personality. I was pretty skeptical about the whole thing. I mean, how can paper tests help determine what jobs I would like? Well, I suppose if my parents wanted to waste their money, then they could, but I wasn't so lenient with my time. It didn't help that it was in Glen Ellyn which is three hours away, meaning that I would have to get up early to go to this testing that I wasn't so crazy about in the first place.
The day of the career session came and me, my dad, and my sister (who was only coming along because she wanted to visit a friend in Glen Ellyn) got up at 6 am and piled into the car. The ride itself wasn't such a waste, I merely watched Arrested Development on my portable DVD player and slept, which is what I probably would've been doing anyway. When we arrived in Glen Ellyn we still had fifteen minutes to spare, so we hit up Starbucks, which was a nice treat. Non-fat chai latte in hand, I headed over to the career center on the second floor of a small business building. They took me into a room with computers and two other kids who looked like they were about my age were already there. I took my seat and began the testing.
There were a lot of tests. I had to go through a list of about 150 careers and rank whether or not I would like to do that job. Then I did typing tests, which I accidentally cheated on one since we were only supposed to use one hand, but whatever, it won't change my life. I went through and did a bunch of other tests on the computer and after about 2 hours we were given a lunch break. This other girl who was also testing and I went to Chipotle. We chatted for a bit about college, our school, and the career testing over our burritos then we headed back to the career center. We got back a little early so we decided to start testing right away (might as well get it over with, right?). The next tests were a little more fun; there was shape assembly, grip strength, and dexterity testing with putting little rods into holes and seeing how many you could do in one minute. Right after dexterity testing she mysteriously handed us each a piece of candy then walked out of the room. I eyed it suspiciously. Was this another test? I glanced over at the other girl, she shrugged back at me, so we ate our candy.
It was soon four o'clock and time to go. I waited in the lobby for my dad, who ended up being 20 minutes late. He asked how I did, as though it were an ACT or something. I merely said "it was fine" and proceeded to pop in my ipod ear buds. It occurred to me that I would have to come back later for the three hour analysis of my results, but oh well, maybe I'd get another burrito out of it. I suppose the testing wasn't a complete waste, but I'll remain a skeptic until I see their results.
I'm a bit skeptical that a series of tests can determine what job a person would do best in. Maybe it can evaluate physical skills, but personality is a big factor, and somehow I doubt they can accurately label every aspect of someone's unique personality.
ReplyDeleteNice post :) I especially liked the bit about the candy being another test!
I was really curious to know whether or not you were happy with whatever career this three-hour test determined you for - maybe you should have a follow-up post next week!
ReplyDeleteIndeed. I am planning on it.
ReplyDeleteI really do question the legitimacy of these career tests. Sometimes I wonder what Bill Gates would have received if he had taken them.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, another great post. Loved all the details about your food including the non-fat chai latte. I feel like we would be BFFs in real life, outside the blogosphere that is.
Career tests are helpful, especially in this case, cause yours sounded very thorough and holistic. I think such tests are of better use as suggestions, not really the "final word" on any kind of interest you may have. Incidentally, I lived in Glen-Ellyn for a long time!
ReplyDeleteI would be curious to take such a test.
It's sort of funny that there was a dexterity testing part of the test. It will be interesting to see what they come up with for you. One thing to remember, though, is that you can change careers if you're not totally excited about the career you choose. Many successful adults do this over the course of their lives.
ReplyDeleteSometimes a piece of candy is just a piece of candy.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea these assessments existed. It will help so much with college that you'll have an idea of what you might want to do career-wise before senior year. I entered senior year having no idea and picking colleges based on a faint idea of what you want to study can add unnecessary stress.
ReplyDeleteNice post :)
I so approve of your non-fat chai latte choice! Starbucks is delicious, and if you ever get the chance/honor, please work there! I would be delighted to see your smiling face every time I go order my drinks.
ReplyDeleteGetting food for going along with something your parents wish you to do is, I think, one of the only joys both parents and children find in common. For every doctor's appointment, I get sushi; it's fair.
Good post! Please tell me what your assessment revealed!
Hahahaha oh Karl, what a funny fellow. I swear that test will give you some foolish job and it would've been a waste of time. Good luck on your results :P
ReplyDeleteI feel kind of weird about the fact that you, a high school junior, was forced to drive 3 hours and take an exhaustive test to determine what you should do with your life. Very few people go off to college with a clear sense of their future plans, and that's totally fine. I've always thought that exploring a little bit, trying out different areas of study, is a much better way to figure out what you are best at. At least it sounds like the experience itself wasn't too bad. Chai lattes are the best! I'm pretty curious to hear about your results-- keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteI'm curious as to what kind of questions they use to determine something as serious as your future career. I think if I were to take the test I would constantly be thinking of how they would analyze each test.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Abby