Know Thyself: Personality and Career Tests
Do you know why you want to go to college?
Many students do not. But they go anyway and hope for the best.
While this may work for some, recent studies point to negative outcomes when students do not prepare themselves financially, socially, or emotionally for college. Dropout rates are higher than ever before.
It’s never too soon to start planning for one of the biggest investments of your life…and to have fun doing it!
Step One: Know Thyself
What are your strengths, skills, and interests? Being able to talk about yourself will help you not only when interviewing, but when deciding about courses, majors, and careers.
Personality tests and career assessments can be effective outside resources to help you define who you are and what you want (to be).
Below you will find 15 of our (and our client’s!) favorite free assessments and resources to help you 1. explore your unique strengths and 2. identify majors and careers that might be a good fit.
DIRECTIONS: Click on the links below to start exploring. Be honest. Be real. Don’t do these with friends looking over your shoulder. This is all about YOU! The tests are free and do not take a lot of time. As you take them, write down the patterns you see.
What is my personality like?
This is a popular personality test, based on the Myers Briggs assessment. It will give you an in-depth profile.
2. The Enneagram Personality Test
This test will place you into 1 of the 9 enneagram types, which are determined by human motivations and fears. There are three different categories of types: heart, head, and body types. Which enneagram type are you?
This can be the first step to discovering what interests you, career-wise. This test emphasizes that everyone is a mix of these 6 personality types.
4. Sparketype
Take this free test to discover what role you like to play in life.
5. How Conscientious Are You? Free Big Five Personality Test
This test will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses relating to personal and social responsibility.
Which major should I choose?
How to Choose a College Major | CollegeData
This article is a great starting point.
Worldwide Learn Guide to College Majors
College majors vary by school and aren’t as straightforward as they might seem. Browse the subjects that you might be interested in and find out more information about specific degree programs.
What Can I Do with This Major?
Every student wants to know they are picking a college degree that will be beneficial to them in some way post-grad. Check your potential majors and see if the career opportunities align with your interests!
What should I major in? Major Quiz from Loyola University Chicago
Even if you’re not applying/interested in Loyola, take this quick test to figure out what majors they recommend. Once you get the result, we can talk about how this transfers to the schools you are interested in.
This is another great major quiz, not specified to a university. Click through and see what it says about you!
What do I want to be when I grow up?
My Next Move Career Interest Exploration
This 60-question survey (doesn’t take more than 5 minutes!) gives your results on your interests and then guides you to careers related to your interest profile.
Career options based on interests, skills and values
Going PRO Career Finder | GoingPro
If you are interested in a trade career, check out these opportunities. This website is specific to Michigan, but it can inspire you to find something in your own state!
includes job descriptions, salary, required educational background, job outlook, and work environment.
You Tube Videos
If you’re more interested in learning through videos, check out the links below:
A Day in the Life - Job Videos
Step Two: Once you have identified possible majors or careers, get the real story.
How do I ask people about what they do for a living?
Most people love to talk about themselves. Practice first by conversing with family and family friends. A great opener is, “How did you become a _____________?”
For more formal interviews, watch this video on how to approach an adult you don’t know well:
This 3 minute UC Davis video covers all you need to know about how to set up an informational interview
In conclusion, defining your strengths, likes, dislikes, and interests is the first step towards thinking about your future path. Enjoy getting to know yourself!
Source: Weismann, Sara, Why Would-Be Students Aren't Choosing College, insidehighered.com. September 29, 2022.