Chapter 2 Learning about Yourself
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How you feel about yourself also affects how others see you. If you
feel good about yourself, others will see you in a positive way. If you
know your strengths and your weaknesses and are honest with yourself,
others will respect you. Knowing your strengths does not mean always
knowing the answer. It means that when you are unsure of something,
you are not afraid to ask. You are not afraid to make a mistake. You
know that you can succeed only by trying. You do not make yourself
look good at the expense of making other people look bad.
Interests
Everyone has a unique set of interests. An interest is an idea,
subject, or activity a person enjoys. Right now, you may be interested
in music and singing. Some of your friends may be interested in
technology, while others enjoy sports and hobbies. No person’s
interests are better or worse than another’s. They simply are different.
Interests play a key role in your career.
People who fi nd their work interesting are
usually successful and happy. If you like
your job, work can be fun and exciting.
Which do you enjoy most? Interacting
with people, working with information,
or using tools? In other words, do you
prefer to work with people, data (ideas), or
objects (things)?
You may want to complete a self-
assessment inventory. A self-assessment
inventory is an instrument that evaluates
an individual’s personal information to
help him or her make career decisions.
Your guidance counselor may be able to
help you with various self-assessments
for career planning. There are many self-
assessments on the Internet. Check with
your teacher or counselor to see if the
websites you fi nd are reputable.
People
Are you a person who prefers to be
around others? Do you like to talk with
people? Do you make friends easily? Are
you outgoing?
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Those who become teachers often have friendly,
supportive personalities.
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