To make good career decisions, it is essential to start by understanding what you want. Discover your VIPS (Values, Occupational Interests, Personality Style and Skills) to gain a clearer understanding of your strengths and your inclinations. It is equally important to recognise what the world needs so that you can find fulfilment in contributing to society, while growing both professionally and personally for the long‑term.
KNOW WHAT YOU WANT AND WHAT YOU ARE GOOD AT
Values are the guiding principles that give you a sense of purpose and help maintain career satisfaction over time.
Ask yourself:
- What motivates you and why?
- What qualities are most important to you?
- What kind of lifestyle are you seeking?
Occupational Interests refer to the work activities you enjoy and feel passionate about. By identifying where your interests lie, you can choose a career that offers you greater job satisfaction and long-term success.
Ask yourself:
- What past experiences have you found fulfilling?
- What type of activities do you enjoy doing?
- What are you most passionate about?
Personality Style refers to the way you think, feel and behave. It influences how you interact with others, process information and make decisions. Understanding your personality style can help you find work environments where you thrive.
Ask yourself:
- Do you prefer working in a team or alone?
- Are you more comfortable with a fixed or flexible work schedule?
- How do you like to communicate – verbally or in writing?
Skills are your unique abilities, talents and strengths. These can include technical skills that are specific to your field of study or transferrable skills such as communication skills, teamwork, or problem-solving. Identify the skills you have gained through your studies, group work, professional experiences and even co-curricular activities (CCAs).
Ask yourself:
- What are you good at?
- What have you been praised or recognised for in the past?
- What skills are sought after in the fields of work you are interested in?
KNOW WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS
Look beyond traditional roles in your field of study and stay informed about the evolving economy to spot emerging in-demand roles. Identifying where you can contribute can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling career.
Explore the job market. Research market trends, industry outlooks, and challenges faced by industries that interest you. Speak with industry professionals, alumni and mentors in these industries. Find out what led them to their career choices, challenges faced and how they grew in their careers to gain insights on these possible career options and how you can contribute and make your mark professionally.
Ask yourself:
- What job roles would you consider purposeful and meaningful to yourself and to the world?
- How can you stay relevant in an everchanging Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) world of work?
HOW DO YOU START
Start by making a list of industries and job roles that interest you. Do not hesitate to include roles or industries that you may not have considered before. Be curious and keep an open mind to discover the wide range of career opportunities available through job shadowing, internships and career events. Speak with our Industry Relations Consultants to gain deeper insights into different industries. Join NTU ConnectingMinds and be mentored by a community of alumni mentors.
The job search and career journey can present challenges, so it is important to stay flexible and adaptable. Keep up-to-date with emerging industry trends to remain relevant in the job market. Above all, enjoy the process and maintain a positive attitude!
If you are not sure of your VIPS, speak to your Career Coach who can help you kick-start your career exploration.
