The career and/or college major exploration process is an exciting time in your life! There are endless possibilities for your future and the trick is to narrow down which direction to head in order to secure happiness for your everyday life. The good news is, there are many tools to assist you in your journey. The Strong Interest Inventory assessment is one of the best means for doing so. This easy-to-use 100% online survey of your interests can determine which careers may promote a more enjoyable environment for you to succeed.
When using this tool, it is important to know that it is not necessary for you to have one career throughout the course of your life but to instead find a path that provides satisfaction (even if that includes a culmination of many careers). However, most will find that their interests land on a scale created by psychologist, John Holland called the RIASEC. The RIASEC scale suggests that people assess as one of six categories (or a combination of such). These categories are Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. Generally, your score will be higher in one category over another. This score can offer you a wealth of information for your investigation of your career selection and journey.
The Strong Interest Inventory assessment has 291 questions and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete, however it is not timed and you may take as long as you like to make your submission. Of the 291 questions, many are in relation to careers, leisure activities, and subjects you may find an interest in, 107 questions are specific to career interests and 46 questions are specific to subjects you may find appealing. Many take this assessment prior to selecting a college major or deciding a trade to study. The assessment has undergone several revisions since its release in 1927 in order to keep relevance with the evolution of vocational process and technological advances.
You may be asking yourself, “How do I know that an assessment of my interests will direct me in a path of success?”. The answer: Identifying your interests will allow you to compare your path with those who have similar interests and have also stated to find happiness and success in their chosen occupation. Following extensive studies, Dr. Holland suggested that when like-minded individuals work in coexisting environments, they are more likely to yield results by working together as a group. These accomplishments provide a feeling of success and often result in occupational happiness. This is exactly what the Strong Interest Inventory will provide for you-A sort of magnifying glass for you to sort your options in order to find these like-minded individuals. In short, the Strong Assessment helps you to “find your people”.
Once you have access to your results, you will have a clearer picture of how you can use your interests to your benefit. Take control of your future by getting the insight you need to unlock a bright and happy occupational venture.
