Leverage Your CliftonStrengths at USask

Theme Description

People exceptionally talented in the Achiever® theme work hard and possess a great deal of stamina. They take immense satisfaction in being busy and productive

Achiever® in Academics

• Take a moment to appreciate your successes. You can look ahead tomorrow. Today, celebrate!
• Partner with someone who has strong Discipline® or Focus® This person can help you use your energy as efficiently as possible
• Join groups or clubs with members who have a strong work ethic. Working with others that share your drive will intensify your Achiever® Check out the over 130 student clubs and societies on campus
• You likely have a to-do list. Try to pace yourself and not take on too many things at once. Take breaks…
• Even though you may feel like you don’t need as much sleep as others, adequate sleep is essential to your health. The Student Wellness Centre has some tips on how to get a good night’s sleep

Achiever® in Careers

• Take the time to establish clear and meaningful career-related goals that will guide your intense efforts
• Make a list of the steps to take in walking your career path, starting with Career Coaching at Career Services. Being able to cross items off your list as you go will give you a sense of direction and a feeling of accomplishment
• Roles that challenge you and reward your hard work will allow your Achiever® talents to flourish
• Work environments that provide incentives for quality or productivity are likely to bring out your best efforts. Attend CareerMeetUps to ask employers about their work environments
• Find a place where your productivity, stamina, intensity, and drive for completion will make you a valued team member

Reflect on your Achiever® Talent

• When do you feel an intense desire to achieve? How do you re-create that?
• What goals are you working toward? How do you stay accountable?
• How do you get feedback from your accomplishments?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Acheiver® Talent:

Leadership  | Career Management

Theme Description

People exceptionally talented in the Activator® theme can make things happen by turning thoughts into action. They want to do things now, rather than simply talk about them

Activator® in Academics

• Your success hinges on being fully engaged. Choose courses that involve hands-on activities, lively verbal exchanges, or interesting experiments. Your academic advisor will be able to help you find dynamic courses
• Timing is important – strategically use your desire to act in the proper moments
• You may come off as intimidating or impatient to others – ensure you tell them the purpose for your action
• Identify formal and informal leadership opportunities to get involved with, such as the USSU Governance – you have a lot of drive and initiative to create impact
• Make appointments with professors and teaching assistants to confirm expectations, clarify course requirements, and establish deadlines. Knowing what to expect will save you a lot of trouble later

Activator® in Careers

• People with exceptional Activator® talents like to jump right in and start, so your best approach to career planning is to try out various roles. Consider volunteer opportunities, co-ops and internships that allow you to “try on” a career that looks interesting to you
• Entrepreneurial endeavors, sales, recruiting, marketing, or production may have alluring elements to them
• Partnering with Strategic®, Analytical®, and/or Futuristic® talents will give direction and design to your actions
• Powerful Activator® talents make you good at the starting line. Look for working environments that will reward you for getting people started quickly
• Your Activator® talents will flourish best in an environment where quick decision-making is valued and there is not a lot of hierarchical structure. Attend CareerMeetUps to ask employers about their work environments

Reflect on your Activator® Talent

• How do you typically start taking action? Do you have a “system” for getting things started?
• What environment enables you to turn your ideas into action?
• What are group dynamics like when you’re involved? How do you lead?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Activator® Talent:

Leadership | Professionalism/Work Ethic

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Adaptability® theme prefer to go with the flow. They tend to be “now” people who take things as they come and discover the future one day at a time

Adaptability® in Academics

• Calm yourself before a stressful exam with positive self-talk. Embrace your ability to expect the unexpected
• You are comfortable with change, and you can provide stability for those who don’t cope as well
• You will need to keep your vision on long-term goals at times. Partner with friends or professors who have strong Futuristic®, Maximizer®, or Discipline® talents
• Consider Studying Abroad: this may connect with your desires for change and the unexpected
• Cultivate your reputation as a calm and reassuring person when others become upset by daily events

Adaptability® in Careers

• You may thrive in chaos. Consider avoiding environments that are highly structured with too many rules/regulations
• Shadow people in careers that are attractive to you, and watch how they continually respond to the varied requests of their customers or clients. Attend a Career Fair to explore a variety of careers
• Conduct Career Informational Interviews with individuals whose jobs demand flexibility and rapid change – ask what their typical day is like
• Consider career areas such as journalism, media production, emergency healthcare, and customer service. In roles of this nature, the best react quickly and stay level headed
• Look to others for planning, like a mentor or Career Educator. People who are strong in themes such as Focus®, Strategic®, or Belief® can help you shape your longer-term goals, leaving you to excel at dealing with the day-to-day variations

Reflect on your Adaptability® Talent

• What needs to be done today? What are you responding to?
• Do your expectations of others change when things get busy?
• What have you enjoyed most about today?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Adaptability® Talent:

Teamwork/Collaboration | Digital Technology

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Analytical® theme search for reasons and causes. They have the ability to think about all of the factors that might affect a situation

Analytical® in Academics

• Evaluate your study habits, note taking, reading comprehension, etc. Note the differences when you’re successful and when you’re not
• Data and evidence are a source of security for you. Carefully examine your options in all areas of your life, this will ensure confidence in your future decisions
• Identify your biases before taking sides on an issue. Evaluate your own thinking before challenging others
• Consider joining the Debate Society or taking classes that include pro and con discussions. Discuss options with an academic advisor
• Collaborate with people who have strong Activator® You can help them make wise, considered decisions. They can help you turn your analysis into action

Analytical® in Careers

• One hallmark of Analytical® talents is the quality of your questions. Interview people who are in careers that interest you - Career Informational Interviewing
• Choose work in which you are able to analyze data, find patterns, or organize ideas
• Meet with employers who work in fields such as accounting, finance, sciences, forensics, technology or other fields that involve problem solving at CareerMeetUps
• Environments that allow you the freedom to explore and think will allow your Analytical® talents to flourish
• Working with data, engaging in research, and critiquing ideas tends to bring out the best in you

Reflect on your Analytical® Talent

• What topics do you most like to analyze?
• Who might benefit from the information and facts you know?
• How could your Analytical® talents contribute to teams?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Analytical® Talent:

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving | Digital Technology

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Arranger® theme can organize, but they also have a flexibility that compliments this ability. They like to determine how all of the pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum productivity

Arranger® in Academics

• Prioritize your studies. You will likely be able to concentrate better and study more effectively when you have arranged your classwork in the most productive way
• Your mental juggling is instinctive, but make sure to give your friends, classmates, and professors time to understand your way of doing things when you present it to them
• Consider blocking off time to make phone calls, meet with your friends, go for a walk, or head to the Fit Centre
• Get involved with the campus community, and stay busy. Explore community service opportunities where you could help arrange routine activities, special events, or projects
• Make the most of your natural flexibility and talent to cope with unpredictable circumstances. Consider being a Peer Health Mentor or PAL Peer Mentor

Arranger® in Careers

• Seek complex, dynamic work environments where you can develop strategies for getting things done
• Environments where you are in contact with people and you have the flexibility to work with others and plan events will allow your Arranger® talents to flourish. Explore a variety of careers by attending a Career Fair
• Your Arranger® talents may be most obvious during stressful or chaotic times. Environments that encourage multitasking and are relatively unpredictable may bring out your best
• You often arrange and rearrange information until a pattern emerges. Map out a success plan for your career path and rearrange it to accommodate all possible scenarios as you think about careers that interest you
• Talk to event planners, travel agents, human resource directors, city managers, or case work supervisors. Ask them what they enjoy most about their daily work. LinkedIn is a great tool to connect with professionals and explore careers

Reflect on your Arranger® Talent

• What kinds of events do you like planning?
• What kinds of people can you call upon to help you?
• What do you like best about pulling all the pieces together?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Arranger® Talent:

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving | Teamwork/Collaboration

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Belief® theme have certain core values that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a defined purpose for their lives

Belief® in Academics

• Choose courses taught by professors who are known for their strong beliefs, even if they clash with your own. Learning about the beliefs of others will help you refine your own
• Try to research, write, and speak about topics directly related to your beliefs
• Consider connecting with a Faith Leader on campus
• Make sure that you are balancing your educational demands and your personal life. Ensure you are making time for family and friends
• Collaborate with friends or classmates who have strong Futuristic® They can help you create a vivid picture of where your values will lead

Belief® in Careers

• Think about your “calling.” Seek more information on how your work can fulfill your calling through Career Coaching
• Actively seek roles that fit your values. In particular, think about joining organizations that define their purpose by the contribution they make to society
• A mentoring relationship can provide a valuable way for you to gain insight into the fit between who you are and what you want to do. Seek out a mentor through LinkedIn
• Environments that are people-oriented, that provide service to others, or that reward personal growth are likely to allow your Belief® talents to flourish
• Workplaces that respect your commitment to your family and allow for a balance between work and family demands will enable you to thrive. Explore different workplaces environments by connecting with employers at CareerMeetUps

Reflect on your Belief® Talent

• Who has influenced your beliefs?
• Who are the people that depend on you? Are there shared beliefs in these relationships?
• When do you feel you have accomplished something important to others?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Belief® Talent:

Professionalism/Work Ethic | Teamwork/Collaboration

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Command® theme have presence. They can take control of a situation and make decisions

Command® in Academics

• Take charge of your education. Play the lead role in shaping your degree. Strategize with advisors, professors, and Career Educators
• When choosing your major, think about how you can use your Command® talents to make a difference in the lives of others
• Find a mentor with strong Woo®, Strategic®, or Empathy® This person can help you identify and bypass unnecessary hurdles that can slow you down
• Consider running for a leadership position on campus through the USSU Governance or other student groups
• Participate in activities and classes that require you to persuade people to embrace your ideas, plans, solutions, or philosophies

Command® in Careers

• Research fields and organizations that would benefit most from your candid words and strong values. Consider your impact on the future
• Explore your career options by trying out various volunteer roles. Your Command® talents are likely to flourish in jobs that regularly deal with crises or rapid decision-making
• Leverage your persuasiveness when choosing a career. Talk to people in fields such as law, sales, politics, or theatre about how they use persuasive talents to succeed. CareerMeetUps are an excellent opportunity to meet with employers
• Investigate careers that offer upward mobility. You probably are unlikely to be intimidated by others – including people in positions considered superior to yours
• Assume a role that permits you to create and control your own and others’ work. Environments that encourage your leadership will bring out your best

Reflect on your Command® Talent

• What do you like about being in charge?
• What are you thinking of leading in the future?
• Whom have you persuaded recently? About what?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Command® Talent:

Oral/Written Communication | Leadership

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Communication® theme generally find it easy to put their thoughts into words. They are good conversationalists and presenters

Communication® in Academics

• When presenting in class, make note of when your professor and classmates are especially engaged. Draft your next presentation around these highlights
• Look for friends, professors, or classmates to be the audience you need to talk things through
• You have the talent to find words for people’s emotions. Pinpoint the key issues your friends/classmates are trying to communicate, and give voice to those feelings
• If you enjoy writing, consider volunteering for the Sheaf or attending a Writing Workshop through Student Learning Services
• Find leaders or professors on campus whom you admire for their ability to draw people in with their words

Communication® in Careers

• Arrange Career Informational Interviews with people who are in careers that interest you. By hearing their stories, you will be able to determine suitable roles and work environments
• Attend Events and Career Fairs where you can interact with lots of people about a variety of roles
• Explore opportunities to serve as the spokesperson for an organization, product, political candidate, company, school district, hospital, or government official
• Cooperative, interactive, educational, and political environments are likely to bring out your best
• You might be a natural storyteller. Interview storytellers such as actors, speakers, teachers, politicians, corporate trainers, etc. to see how they use their Communication® talents in their daily work

Reflect on your Communication® Talent

• What kinds of stories do you like to tell?
• Whom do you find the most engaging to talk with?
• What kind of audience do you like to have when presenting/storytelling?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Communication® Talent:  

Oral/Written Communication | Leadership

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Competition® theme measure their progress against the performance of others. They strive to win first place and revel in contests

Competition® in Academics

• What are your most meaningful academic goals? Design a system to keep track of your progress on reaching them. Measuring your achievement will motivate you to reach the highest levels of productivity, mastery, and quality
• Continuously monitor your grades and class standing. You will be more engaged in your classes when you know the score
• Engage fellow competitors in Campus Rec or at the Fit Centre. You will enjoy a friendly rivalry and getting fit as well
• Consider running for a leadership position on campus through the USSU Governance or other student groups. Competing to win in something will energize you
• Remember that not everyone assigns the same emotional intensity to every activity like you do. Make sure to demonstrate that you accept and respect other people’s reasons for being involved

Competition® in Careers

• Explore leadership opportunities, particularly in organizations where you can stimulate others to excel and win
• Take a Career Assessment at Career Services. Relating yourself to others who are successful will give you clarity in your career decision-making
• Choose work environments that challenge you and in which your success can be quantified with scores, ratings, and rankings. Environments that reward achievement and offer status or prestige are likely to bring out your best
• Conduct Career Informational Interviews with people in sales, politicians, lawyers, athletes, and business leaders about what they enjoy most in their work. Connect with people in industry at Career Fairs

Reflect on your Competition® Talent

• What do you want to win next?
• Whom do you like to compete against?
• What measurements do you use to track your performance?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Competition® Talent:  

Professionalism/Work Ethic | Leadership

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Connectedness® theme have faith in the links among all things. They believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has meaning

Connectedness® in Academics

• Look for links between your coursework and the bigger picture. Ask yourself what life lessons you are supposed to learn through your studies and the challenge they present
• Talk with a mentor about the connections you see between your classes, your major, your values, and your mission. Consider meeting with a Career Coach and an Academic Advisor to explore these connections
• Look for friends with strong Communication® They can help you find the words you need to describe your vivid examples of connection in the real world
• Use your Connectedness® talents to break down walls that prevent knowledge sharing across clubs, groups, and organizations on campus
• Volunteer for organizations that will allow you to incorporate your need to serve people

Connectedness® in Careers

• Incorporate your need to serve all of humankind into whatever career you choose
• Working in fields and for organizations whose values mirror your own will enable you to feel the deep sense of meaning that is so important to you. Attend Events and Career Fairs to connect with employers
• Environments that allow you to interact with others and help them find meaning and purpose will bring out your best
• Talk to people who have made a lifetime commitment to a specific faith ministry. Hearing others articulate their sense of Connectedness® and spirituality may help give you clarity on your career path
• Consider roles that ask you to listen and to counsel. You are adept at helping others see connection and purpose

Reflect on your Connectedness® Talent

• With whom do you share your beliefs?
• When do you ask for help? What kinds of people do you ask?
• Where does your sense of purpose show up in your life?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Connectedness® Talent:

Global/Intercultural Fluency | Teamwork/Collaboration

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Consistency® theme are keenly aware of the need to treat people the same. They try to treat everyone with equality by setting up clear rules and adhering to them

Consistency® in Academics

• Set up and adhere to a study routine. You excel when your life has a rhythm to it
• Make friends with someone who has powerful Individualization® They can remind you when it’s appropriate and important to accommodate individual differences
• You are naturally aware when things are out of balance, and you can quickly restore stability
• Consider working as a Game Official for Campus Rec or helping to create policies and procedures for a group/organization. Applying the same rules to everyone brings out your best
• Join campus or community groups that provide accommodations and supports for others, helping them show their true potential. Consider being a Note-taker through Access and Equity Services

Consistency® in Careers

• Structured, predictable, and detail-oriented environments are likely to appeal to you
• Conduct Career Informational Interviews with people who are in careers that interest you. Shadow them to see what they really do day in and day out. Connect with employers at Events and Career Fairs
• Environments that have regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines firmly established are likely to feel more comfortable to you and enable you to be more efficient and effective
• Search for environments where loyalty is valued and equally applied policies are the norm, as this emphasis on Consistency® will enable you to get more done
• Conduct Occupational Research for roles in quality assurance, risk management, safety compliance, law enforcement, and human resources. Discuss your findings with a Career Coach

Reflect on your Consistency® Talent

• What kind of structure do you like to follow each day?
• What do you do to make sure people are treated the same?
• When do you acknowledge others accomplishments?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Consistency® Talent:  

Professionalism/Work Ethic | Career Management

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Context® theme enjoy thinking about the past. They understand the present by researching its history

Context® in Academics

• Before starting a new project, ask your professors for examples of excellent work so you can see how others successfully approached the assignment. Check out resources for writing, studying and math through Student Learning Services
• You will want to understand the root causes of today’s conflicts, alliances, financial policies, treaties, and trade agreements. Consider courses in history, indigenous studies, religion, philosophy, economics, and politics.
• Prepare for exams by replicating successful study techniques that worked for you in the past
• If you have a hard time with change, find a mentor with powerful Maximizer® talents who can help you to improve on your existing methods and habits
• The demands of University are high. Think about how you have coped with anxiety or stress in the past. If you are still struggling to feel better, consider meeting with a counsellor at the Student Wellness Centre. They also have Self Help Materials and Wellness Events/Workshops

Context® in Careers

• Conduct Career Informational Interviews with people whose careers interest you. Ask them to tell you about their job searches and what led them to choose their particular career. Connect with these people at CareerMeetUps
• Read as much as you can about Career Planning. The understanding of the total experience will give you the security to consider a variety of options. Recommended Reading: Katherine Brooks – You Majored in What? Mapping Your Path From Chaos to Career
• Your Context® talents are likely to flourish in environments that allow you to explore how things originated
• Environments with strong traditions and a sense of organizational history will often bring out your best efforts
• Interview humanities professors, archeologists, historians, or museum curators about their talents and what they love about their work

Reflect on your Context® Talent

• What type of history interests you? Whom do you talk to about it?
• How do you learn from the past?
• Do you collect stories or anecdotes about things you observe?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Context® Talent:

Oral/Written Communication | Critical Thinking/Problem Solving

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Deliberative® theme are best described by the serious care they take in making decisions or choices. They anticipate obstacles

Deliberative® in Academics

• You are most comfortable in structured settings. Look for professors and classes that offer clear expectations, consistent weekly discussions and the freedom for you to think about how to contribute ahead of time
• Keep track of all your academic deadlines. For you, unknown deadlines may lead to unhealthy stress. When you receive a class syllabus, highlight the due dates of readings, assignments, papers and exams
• Before meeting with a professor, prepare thoroughly by making a list of all the things you want to discuss. You will feel more confident if you are prepared
• You inspire trust because you are cautious and considerate about sensitive topics. Look for leadership roles in organizations or student groups that deal with delicate issues or topics. Consider volunteering with Peer Health
• Find friends or classmates with strong Command®, Self-Assurance®, or Activator® While you carefully weigh the risks and rewards of each step you take, these partners can help you face tough choices more quickly and with confidence

Deliberative® in Careers

• Collect as much information as you can about the careers that interest you through Occupational Research. Take time to think things through, possibly listing the pros and cons of careers that interest you
• You see things that others do not. Whatever your role, take responsibility for helping others think through their decisions. You will be sought after as a valuable sounding board
• Careers in which you can independently conduct thorough analysis are likely to help you be most effective
• You may tend to be more of a private person, so environments where people are known for being discreet and trustworthy will likely bring out your best. Environments that demand persuasion/selling may not be as comfortable
• Explore the roles of risk analysts, financial officers, judges, actuaries, and others whose work benefits from careful thinking and deliberation. Attend a Career Fair to give you more ideas about potential careers

Reflect on your Deliberative® Talent

• Do others see you as a serious person? How would you describe yourself?
• Do you feel you know what is expected of you each day?
• How do you help others think through decisions?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Deliberative® Talent:  

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving | Digital Technology

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Developer® theme recognize and cultivate the potential in others. They spot the signs of each small improvement and derive satisfaction from evidence of progress

Developer® in Academics

• Choose classes with field-studies or work-integrated components that involve working with people. This will give you an opportunity to see others’ tangible growth experiences. Consider Co-ops and Internships
• One of the best ways to reinforce your learning is to teach others. Offer to tutor and mentor other students as a Peer Mentor through Student Learning Services
• Remember to develop yourself. You cannot give what you do not have – it’s OK to put your needs first. Find a mentor, professor, or career coach who will help you focus on your development
• You have a talent for noting people’s progress and for helping them become even better at what they do. Look for volunteer opportunities that connect with developing others
• Consider getting involved in campus rec or attending fitness classes. You’ll enjoy being part of a team and working with others toward a common goal

Developer® in Careers

• Conduct Career Informational Interviews with people whose careers interest you. Shadow them to see what they do day in day out. You will enjoy having this personal connection to what interests you
• Research roles in which your primary responsibilities will be in facilitating growth. Teaching, coaching, or managing roles might prove especially satisfying for you. Attend CareerMeetUps to speak with professionals in these roles
• You will be most satisfied in a career that provides some type of service to people or in which organizational success is based on interpersonal relationships and your ability to help people be successful
• Environments that are collaborative and people-oriented, where you can be part of a team but also have time to work one-on-one with others, is likely to allow your Developer® talents to flourish
• Talk to counselors, teachers, professors, therapists, athletic coaches, life coaches, and those who work in supportive roles on campus to find out what they enjoy most about their work

Reflect on your Developer® Talent

• What do you like best about helping others?
• Who has helped you grow?
• Have you recognized anyone for their growth or accomplishments lately?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Developer® Talent:

Teamwork/Collaboration | Leadership

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Discipline® theme enjoy routine and structure. Their world is best described by the order they create

Discipline® in Academics

• When academic or social demands make you feel stressed or overwhelmed, consider breaking your daily to-do list into manageable sections, and leave yourself time to deal with the unexpected. Learn how to use a time-management system
• When choosing your courses, as much as possible, pick a routine class schedule. Think of what times of day you are most productive for studying
• If you are in a self-paced class or a class with minimal structure, develop your own structure to make sure that you meet class requirements
• You are a perfectionist at heart. Join a campus club where you can use your Discipline® talents to help plan major events
• Help others add order to their lives. If you do it in a gentle and respectful way, they will appreciate it

Discipline® in Careers

• Collect all the information you might need about making a career choice through Occupational Research and Career Informational Interviewing. Use your natural Discipline® to organize the info as your prepare to make a decision
• Lay out all the steps of the career planning process and follow them one-by-one. Putting the steps on a timeline will help you stay motivated
• Environments in which you can maintain order for yourself and others will enable you to be most effective
• Careers that are structured and detail-oriented, with clearly established routines and procedures, will likely bring out your best. Explore your career options at a Career Fair
• Research work on air traffic controllers, surgeons, tax specialists, and executive assistants. These jobs involve concrete expectations and high levels of organization

Reflect on your Discipline® Talent

• How do order and structure help you?
• How do you like to have your day structured?
• How do you prioritize tasks when you are in a rush?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage with your Talent:

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving | Professionalism/Work Ethic

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Empathy® theme can sense other people’s feelings by imagining themselves in others’ lives or situations

Empathy® in Academics

• Your Empathy® talents are a valuable asset in student organizations or study groups. To keep everyone moving toward the group’s goals, give voice to what others are feeling
• When thinking about your major, consider fields that give you a chance to change lives. Your Empathy® talents will likely make you successful in any area where you can have an impact on others
• Practice refining the words you use to name the feelings you experience and observe in others
• Develop routines at the end of each day that allow you to decompress. If you do not, you may find that at times your Empathy® talents will drain you
• Be sure to take care of yourself and find healthy ways to release your emotions. If you are feeling intense and persistent anxiety or depression, consider meeting with someone from the Student Wellness Centre. Check-out their Self Help Materials for additional information on how to stay mentally and physically healthy

Empathy® in Careers

• Talk to a Career Educator about the career planning process. These conversations will help to clarify your options
• Conduct Career Informational Interviews with people who are currently in jobs that interest you. Talk to them about how they feel in those roles. Consider talking to teachers, counsellors, social/community workers
• Environments that provide regular social interaction and an opportunity to collaborate with others will allow your Empathy® talents to flourish
• The “emotional tone” of your work is important. You might find that surrounding yourself with others who are positive and upbeat is highly rewarding
• Consider work environments that value emotions and do no repress them. A job with a rich emotional atmosphere will be a perfect setting for your Empathy® Explore work environments by connecting with employers at CareerMeetUps

Reflect on your Empathy® Talent

• Who comes to you for your counsel?
• How have you used your Empathy® talents to help a team/group?
• How do you respond when you notice someone is having a bad experience?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Empathy® Talent:

Teamwork/Collaboration | Professionalism/Work Ethic

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Focus® theme can take a direction, follow through, and make the corrections necessary to stay on track. They prioritize, then act

Focus® in Academics

• Take time to write down your goals and refer to them often. Discipline yourself to attach timelines and measurements to your goals to show your progress. This will help to build your confidence
• Although you can concentrate for long periods of time, regulate yourself to avoid working to exhaustion
• If you find yourself becoming too focused on your academic goals, stretch yourself to set personal goals. You are driven to achieve all your goals, and validating personal priorities will bring a healthy balance to your life
• When working with others in a small group, help them see how the pieces of a project fit together to accomplish the overall objective
• Schedule your work in a way that allows you to focus your full attention on one project at a time. Be sure to leverage Student Learning Services to support your learning, and think about volunteering to help others with their academic goals

Focus® in Careers

• Set specific and detailed goals for your career planning. Focusing on your destination and how you will get there will be engaging for you
• Spend time conducting some Occupational Research on careers that interest you. Your ability to concentrate on a task will help you to uncover valuable information about potential careers
• You are capable of prolonged concentration and persistence, which will flourish in environments with few interruptions and little need to multi-task. Learn about various work environments by connecting with employers at a Career Fair
• Structured environments that are predictable, detail-oriented, and reward your dependability and follow-through are likely to bring out your best. Seek out roles in which you are asked to function independently
• Identify your role models. Write down in detail why you want to focus your career goals toward similar categories of achievement. Consider conducting Career Informational Interviews with people you admire

Reflect on your Focus® Talent

• How do you keep track of your progress toward your goals?
• How do you assess and adjust your priorities?
• Where do you see yourself in the future? How are your goals helping you achieve that?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Focus® Talent:

Leadership | Career Management

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Futuristic® theme are inspired by the future and what could be. They energize others with their visions of the future

Futuristic® in Academics

• Write a description of your desired future, and post it where you will notice it frequently. Look at it often, and connect what you are learning to where you want to go
• Consider joining a student group that believes it can have a positive effect on the future. See if the group’s mission statement aligns with your values and purpose
• You inspire friends and classmates with your images of the future. When you articulate your vision, describe it in detail with vivid words and metaphors so that others can better comprehend your expansive thinking
• Partner with someone with a strong Activator® This person can remind you that you do not discover the future; you create it with the actions you take today
• Know what is expected in each of your classes so you will be able to plan your University years. Visit an Academic Advisor to help you plan your classes

Futuristic® in Careers

• Your ability to imagine a preferred future can be applied to the career planning process. Imagine yourself 5 to 10 years down the road in your future career. What are you doing? How did you create the opportunity?
• Choose a career in which you can help others envision the future and inspire them to create it. Explore a variety of careers by attending a Career Fair
• Environments that reward vision and creativity, allowing your freedom to dream and invent, are likely to enable your Futuristic® talents to flourish
• Consider talking to architects, designers, commercial artists, city planners, event planners, and others whose careers provide the opportunity to envision the future. Ask them what they most enjoy about their work
• Meet with a Career Educator to help you plan out your future career goals

Reflect on your Futuristic® Talent

• How can you make your vison of the future happen?
• What difference would you like to make in the world?
• How have you motivated others with your visions of the future?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Futuristic® Talent:  

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving | Career Management

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Harmony® theme look for consensus. They don’t enjoy conflict; rather, they seek areas of agreement

Harmony® in Academics

• Consider getting involved with events at ISSAC and connecting with others from different countries and cultures. You might enjoy helping others get to know and appreciate one another
• You may enjoy classes in which you learn practical skills and obtain practical knowledge. Consider courses that involve Experiential Learning
• Use your Harmony® talents to build a network of mentors with differing perspectives. Rely on these people when you need expertise. Your openness to their diverse views will help you learn
• Academic challenges can weigh heavily on your mind. When you are struggling, talk things through with friends you trust. Ask them what they do when they’re worried about their academics or feeling personal stress. Consider leveraging supports like Student Learning Services or Student Wellness Centre
• When studying in a group or working with others, stress the value of reaching consensus. Help others to see the practical side of things – this is the starting point of agreement

Harmony® in Careers

• Conduct Career Informational Interviews with people who are currently in jobs that interest you. Ask them what they find most rewarding about their work
• You work well in team project environments. You motivate others to work together even more productively. Your Harmony® talents promote emotional stability and calmness in the group
• Collaborative environments in which you can surround yourself with others dedicated to win-win solutions will allow your Harmony® talents to flourish. Consider a variety of work environments by attending a Career Fair
• Environments that lack structure, are unpredictable, or demand high levels of creativity may be uncomfortable for you
• Talk to your mentors or a Career Educator about the career planning process. You will value their wisdom and expertise as you make decisions

Reflect on your Harmony® Talent

• How do you help people in conflict find agreement?
• What do you do when you sense a potentially tense interaction?
• How do you contribute to groups or teams? Are you often the mediator?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Harmony® Talent:

Teamwork/Collaboration | Critical Thinking/Problem Solving

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Ideation® theme are fascinated by ideas. They are able to find connections between seemingly disparate phenomena

Ideation® in Academics

• Understand the fuel for your Ideation® When do you get your best ideas? Re-create these settings as often as you can
• If you get bored quickly, make small changes in your academic, work, or home life. Experiment. Play mental games with yourself. All of these will help keep you stimulated
• Look for complimentary partnerships on campus. A mentor with strong Analytical® talents will have the objectivity to challenge your big ideas and will support you to explore them further
• Choose classes and majors that involve creative projects rather than just exams or term papers. Discuss this with Academic Advisor
• You are a natural fit with research and development; you appreciate the mindset of visionaries and dreamers. Feed your Ideation® talents by spending time with your imaginative peers

Ideation® in Careers

• Brainstorm the types of careers that could fit your talents with a Career Educator. Then conduct Occupational Research on each career and picture yourself in it
• Seek work in which you will be paid for your ideas, such as marketing, advertising, journalism, design, or new product development. Find work in which you will be given credit for your ideas. Explore these options at a Career Fair
• Environments that reward your creativity and give you the time, space, and freedom to experiment and dream will bring out your best. Something fast-paced allowing you to run your ideas past others daily may be a good fit
• Select an organization where the leaders encourage and solicit your divergent thinking
• Consider avoiding environments that box you in with routines that expect precision or attention to detail. Careers where creativity is valued by leveraging strategic planning, consulting, or marketing may be a good fit

Reflect on your Ideation® Talent

• What new idea are you excited about?
• With whom do you share your ideas?
• How do you get your best ideas?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Ideation® Talent:

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving | Digital Technology

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Includer® theme accept others. They show awareness of those who feel left out and make an effort to include them

Includer® in Academics

• Consider taking classes in which you will study particular groups of people, like Sociology or History. You will enjoy learning about diverse cultures and backgrounds. Discuss your options with an Academic Advisor
• Consider volunteering during Orientation, U-Start, Graduation Powwow, or another event where you are welcoming people to campus
• Your friendliness and approachability can unite groups and teams. Consider signing up for a rec league sport or fitness class where you can achieve as a group
• Look for roles in which you are continuously working and interacting with people. You will enjoy the challenge of making everyone feel important
• Look for opportunities to bring together people of diverse culture and backgrounds. Consider volunteering or taking part in events put on through ISSAC

Includer® in Careers

• Conduct Career Informational Interviews with people who are in jobs that interest you. Shadow them to see what they really do day in and day out
• Environments where you play a welcoming role, such as orientating new employees or recruiting minority staff can allow you Includer® talents to flourish
• Working with a group that is not always included by others, such as people with disabilities, will allow you to use your talents to help others feel better about themselves
• Environments that encourage teamwork and foster social interaction and integration will bring out your best
• Talk to youth workers, occupational therapists, social workers, and special education teachers to learn what they find most rewarding about their work. Connect with people in these occupations and other similar roles through CareerMeetUps

Reflect on your Includer® Talent

• What is it that interests you in other people’s thoughts, ideas, and opinions?
• Whom have you helped become part of a group lately?
• How can you help people feel like part of your team?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Includer® Talent:

Teamwork/Collaboration | Global/Intercultural Fluency

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Individualization® theme are intrigued with the unique qualities of each person. They have a gift for figuring out how different people can work together productively

Individualization® in Academics

• Consider taking part in Study Sessions at Student Learning Services. You will be able to learn with students who have a wide variety of talents and perspectives. Learning about different personalities and viewpoints will expand your own horizons
• Pay attention to how your style of learning, studying, writing papers and taking tests compares with others’. Collaborate on the best ways to tackle assignments and projects using everyone’s input
• Tell your friends and roommates about the great talents you see in them, and encourage them. Help them understand and maximize the power of their unique strengths
• You move comfortably among a broad range of styles and cultures, and you intuitively personalize your interactions. Make full use of these talents by leading or contributing to campus groups or volunteering with community organizations
• Study and research people that you consider to be successful. Make note of the uniqueness that made them successful

Individualization® in Careers

• You want to have the best fit between who you are and what you do with your life. Explore different professions that interest you with a Career Educator and consider taking a Career Assessment
• Consider conducting Career Informational Interviews with teachers, counsellors, HR reps, coaches, doctors, and others who are paid to see uniqueness in others. Meet people in these professions through campus Events and Career Fairs
• Leverage your talents on search committees and recruiting processes. You are able to see ways in which people’s talents can fit particular roles
• Careers in which you work one-on-one with people would allow your Individualization® talents to flourish, as you see each one as a distinct person and empower them to grow
• Environments in which you can mentor others or provide feedback to individuals about their performance may bring out your best

Reflect on your Individualization® Talent

• How have you helped others make the best of their unique talents? When? What happened?
• How do you identify people’s strengths?
• How do you effectively build relationships?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Individualization® Talent:

Leadership | Teamwork/Collaboration

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Input® theme have a craving to know more. Often they like to collect and archive all kinds of information

Input® in Academics

• Identify areas of specialization within your major, and actively pursue more information about them. Connect with faculty who work in those areas
• What is your learning style? You may like collecting information through reading, through people, through listening, through doing. Consider this questions when selecting classes with an Academic Advisor
• Seek out a mentor with Focus® or Discipline® talents who can help channel your interests productively and organize everything you’ve discovered
• Let people know that you enjoy answering their questions and researching their pressing issues. Use your Input® talents to connect with classmates, and look for a leadership role on campus where you can use what you collect
• You are naturally curious. Make time to read books and articles that stimulate you to sustain your Input® talents

Input® in Careers

• Get as much information as you can about community service opportunities that interest you. Conduct Occupational Research; attend Career Fairs, Employer Sessions, and CareerMeetUps. The more information you gather, the better decisions you’ll be able to make
• Consider taking a Career Assessment and meeting with a Career Educator. Taking an inventory of your interests, personality, strengths, and values will give you clarity on your career decisions
• Environments that give you the freedom to pursue threads of information and focus on informed decision-making are likely to bring out your best
• You probably will enjoy a career in which you are always on the cutting edge of knowledge and can gather and share valuable information
• Conduct Career Informational Interviews with media specialists, librarians, archivists, writers, information technologists, and others who work with large amounts of info on a daily basis. What do they find most rewarding about their work?

Reflect on your Input® Talent

• What do you want to know the most about?
• Whom do you find intellectually stimulating?
• What do you like to collect?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Input® Talent:

Oral/Written Communication | Critical Thinking/Problem Solving

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Intellection® theme are characterized by their intellectual activity. They are introspective and appreciate intellectual discussions

Intellection® in Academics

• When do you do your best thinking? Alone or with others? In a quiet or noisy environment? In motion or sitting still? Find your best atmosphere to think, and make sure that you give yourself all the time you need to reflect
• Follow your intellectual curiosity, and allow yourself to ask the questions that naturally come to you. This will help you refine your approach to learning and studying
• Find other students who like to talk about the same issues you do. The enjoyable exchange of intellectual conversations will stimulate your thinking and that of others
• Keep a journal, and record your thoughts regularly. Writing might be the best way to crystallize and integrate your thoughts
• Explain to others why you need time for introspection. Although it might seem to others that you are slow to act, introspection allows you to refine your ideas; thus, for you it is a productive behavior

Intellection® in Careers

• Research careers that interest you through articles, biographies, and books. Conduct Occupational Research and talk through your thoughts with a Career Educator
• A work environment where you have time and space to think and reflect before responding will bring out your best
• Select work in which you can share ideas and pose questions. Avoid environments where you cannot challenge the status quo or where operating procedures are completely rigid
• Environments in which you can interact with colleagues and have philosophical debates will be most satisfying to you and enable you to be productive
• Choose work that will challenge you intellectually. Research editors, psychologists, business analysts, logistics managers, philosophy teachers on LinkedIn. Conduct Career Informational Interviews with those in careers that interest you. Engage in thoughtful conversations with employers at CareerMeetUps

Reflect on your Intellection® Talent

• When have you felt best about your accomplishments?
• What big ideas would you like to discuss or present?
• When do you call on others to help initiate your ideas?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Intellection® Talent:

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving | Oral/Written Communication

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Learner® theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. The process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them

Learner® in Academics

• Use your talents to learn about yourself. Identify your learning style. Monitor your progress. Pay attention to how you change and grow throughout your University experience
• Find ways to track your learning progress to keep yourself motivated. Celebrate your successes and support your drive to know more through Student Learning Services
• Partner with classmates or friends who have strong Activator®, Focus®, or Achiever® talents who can help you complete unfinished projects and become even more productive and purposeful in your education
• Stay tuned to the PAWS Announcements and the University Calendar for upcoming events on campus. You will enjoy hearing and learning about a variety of different topics
• Honor your desire to learn, and try something new. Take advantage of student services and consider the many different ways you can get involved in the campus community

Learner® in Careers

• Consider taking a Career Assessment and meeting with a Career Educator. Your enjoyment of self-discovery will motivate and guide you through your career planning process
• Talk to your mentors about the career planning process. Ask them how they made the decision to pursue their career. Learning about their strategies will provide you with possible tools for your own learning process
• Conduct Occupational Research to get a good understanding of all of the career possibilities that interest you. Meet with employers at Events and Career Fairs to learn about other’s careers
• Choose a work environment that promotes learning with opportunities for professional development. Environments that value the learning process will bring out your best
• Many university professors have exceptional learning talents. Consider interviewing some of your favorite professors about what they find rewarding in their work

Reflect on your Learner® Talent

• What types of things are you most excited to learn about?
• With whom do you enjoy discussing ideas?
• What would you like to learn about that you haven’t yet? How can you start?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Learner® Talent:

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving | Career Management

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Maximizer® theme focus on strengths as a way to stimulate personal and group excellence. They seek to transform something strong into something superb

Maximizer® in Academics

• Choose your major based on your greatest talents and your personal mission. Find specialized programs in your area of interest where you can use your talents and fulfill your development goals
• If you are struggling with a required course, find friends or classmates who are good at it and partner with them. Consider accessing Student Learning Services for Structured Study Sessions or Find a Tutor
• Look for a club or student group that gives you opportunity to improve your health, meet new friends, and boost your engagement on campus. You will enjoy making the most of the time you spend in extracurricular activities
• Take on a leadership role that aligns with your personal mission. Use your Maximizer® talents to help group members see their own talents, and then position people where they can best develop and apply their strengths
• Study success. Deliberately spend time with people who have discovered their strengths. Do you have any professors who are clearly doing what they do best? Talk with them about the power of their talents

Maximizer® in Careers

• Talk to your mentors about the career planning process. You will value their wisdom and expertise as you make decisions
• Environments that encourage “best practices” and in which you can work collaboratively with others to continually improve the organization will allow your Maximizer® talents to flourish
• Choose a workplace that is known for being among the best in its field. Workplaces with lesser standards probably would frustrate you
• Find work in which you can help others see their talents and how their talents make a difference
• Conduct Career Informational Interviews with people who are the “best of the best” in jobs that interest you. Talk to business leaders and athletic or executive coaches; ask what they find most rewarding about their work. Find out how they bring out the best in others. Meet these people at Events and Career Fairs on campus

Reflect on your Maximizer® Talent

• What would you like to be involved in that you are not right now?
• How can you help your friends or colleagues know their greatest talents?
• Are there some team/group practices that are good but could be great? How might you change this?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Maximizer® Talent:

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Positivity® theme have contagious enthusiasm. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do

Positivity® in Academics

• Consider choosing courses taught by professors with affirming teaching styles. Your classes need to be exciting and meaningful. Consider discussing your class choices with your peers and an Academic Advisor
• Use your naturally optimistic outlook to give your friends and roommates a boost. You will be able to tell when they are feeling overwhelmed or tense about school, work, money, or relationships
• Play sports or consider cheering on the Huskies. Supporting a team with your Positivity® talents will benefit both you and the team
• Get involved in a club or group that needs an optimistic leader who can motivate others through fun, energy, and excitement about the group’s goals
• Make sure that your praise is always genuine – never empty or false. Authentic actions will help you build long-lasting genuine relationships

Positivity® in Careers

• Conduct Career Informational Interviews with people who are currently in jobs that interest you. Shadow them to see what they really do day in and day out
• Consider attending Career Fairs, CareerMeetUps, or Employer Sessions where you can interact with lots of different people and learn about many different roles
• You will thrive in work environments that are fun, fast-paced, and people-oriented. You will be energized when you are in environments that encourage your hopeful view of the future
• Relaxed, social, pleasant environments where your optimism and sense of humour will be appreciated are likely to bring out your best. Avoid environments where negativity and cynicism is seen as “cool”
• Choose a career in which you can help others be more effective. Interview coaches, teaches, realtors, managers, marketing and sales people and ask them what they like most about their work

Reflect on your Positivity® Talent

• When was the last time you planned a party or event?
• What do others notice about your positive outlook?
• When was the last time you made someone smile?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Positivity® Talent:

Teamwork/Collaboration | Career Management

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Relator® theme enjoy close relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal

Relator® in Academics

• Establish various lines of communication with friends in your classes – verbal, text, e-mail, social media – this will increase your engagement in the course material
• Talk to your trusted circle of friends about how they see you. Ask them what they think your greatest talents are. You highly value and trust your best friends’ opinions, and they can give you a new perspective on yourself
• Get to know the professors, advisors, and counsellors who take interest in you. Their involvement in your University experience will help you feel like you belong and stimulate your academic achievement
• Be a mentor, and find a mentor. As a mentor, you will offer sincere and caring guidance. And when you are looking for a mentor, consider someone with strong Belief® Consider being a PAL Peer Mentor, Arts & Science Peer Mentor, or Peer Health Mentor
• You are a giver, not a taker. But sometimes you need to recharge your own battery. Identify close friends you trust and can open up to during troubling times, and lean on them for the support you need

Realtor® in Careers

• You tend to be at your best when you are part of a stable group of friends you can trust. Find a workplace in which friendships are encouraged. You may find it challenging to be in an overly formal organization
• Talk to your mentors and a meet with a Career Educator to discuss the career planning process. You will value their wisdom and expertise as you make decisions
• Careers with in which in-depth, meaningful relationships are valued are likely to be most rewarding to you
• Workplaces where you can continuously learn about your clients and associates will enable your Relator® talents to flourish. Explore these kinds of careers at Events and Career Fairs on campus
• Conduct Career Informational Interviews with counsellors, teachers, mediators, human resource directors, and others who help people as part of their work. Ask them about the relationships they develop and what is rewarding about their jobs

Reflect on your Relator® Talent

• Who are the people you can trust and depend on?
• How do you contribute to other people’s success?
• What can you do to expand or enhance your current relationships?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Relator® Talent:

Teamwork/Collaboration | Global/Intercultural Fluency

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Responsibility® theme take psychological ownership of what they say they will do. They are committed to stable values such as honesty and loyalty

Responsibility® in Academics

• What does it mean to be a responsible student? Make a list of the times your hard work and commitment led to your success. Use your past academic achievements to create a standard for yourself
• Make an appointment with a Career Educator to talk about planning your career. This will engage you in the academic process and energize you to follow through
• Develop partnerships with friends or classmates who have strong Relator® They can point out when your commitments are causing you to neglect those who mean the most to you
• Partner with someone who is especially talented in Discipline® or Focus®. They can help you stay on track and prevent you from becoming overloaded
• Figure out how much time you can realistically devote to clubs/activities, and what your priorities are. Saying yes too quickly might mean you have to say no to something else

Responsibility® in Careers

• Conduct Career Informational Interviews with people who are currently in jobs that interest you. Shadow them to see what they really do day in and day out
• You often take the initiative, and you always follow through, so you do not need a lot of supervision. Select work in which you can be given more and more responsibility as you progressively achieve
• Building trusting relationships with others is important to you. Choose environments in which you can surround yourself with dependable, trustworthy people, and follow through on your commitments to them
• When selecting a team to join, be sure the other members are known for pulling their weight. Managing others could be a frustrating experience for you, as their standards of responsibility may not match your own
• Choose a work environment that focuses on outcomes rather than processes. Talk to law clerks, librarians, and executive assistants to see what they find rewarding about their work. Discover other related careers at Career Fairs

Reflect on your Responsibility® Talent

• For what do you feel responsible for right now?
• Would you like more responsibility? How could you get it?
• What makes a great day for you?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Responsibility® Talent:

Professionalism/Work Ethic | Teamwork/Collaboration

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Restorative™ theme are adept at dealing with problems. They are good at figuring out what is wrong and resolving it

Restorative™ in Academics

• Think about your university experience as a way to improve yourself. Cultivating your skills and knowledge might increase your motivation to find solutions, particularly when you reflect on your progress
• Diagnosing problems and designing solutions can help your Restorative™ talents to flourish. Meet with your academic advisor to find courses or internships that require troubleshooting and analysis
• Be careful not to get stuck focusing on what’s wrong with your relationships. Make sure your friends and roommates don’t think that flaws and shortcomings are all you can see
• You define yourself by your ability to cope, but if you can’t solve a particular problem, don’t feel defeated. Look to your support system to help you through roadblocks, and/or explore counselling services through the Student Wellness Centre
• Let everyone know that you enjoy fixing problems, it comes naturally to you

Restorative™ in Careers

• Seek tasks or roles in which you are paid to solve problems. You might particularly enjoy roles in healthcare, consulting, computer programming, or customer service where your success depends on your ability to restore and resolve
• Conduct Occupational Research online and read all you can about careers that interest you. Take career inventories to see where your talents and interests match. This detailed self-analysis can get you started in a process of elimination that will clarify your career goals
• Conduct Career Informational Interviews with people who have a reputation for salvaging bad situations, turning companies around, or stepping in to solve problems no one else can seem to handle. Connect with these people at CareerMeetUps
• Volunteer with an organization that needs someone to breathe new life into its work. Intervening and restoring vitality is what you do best
• Talk to people who excel as customer service reps or media producers. Ask them what leads to their success and what they find rewarding about their work

Reflect on your Restorative™ Talent

• What was the last thing you fixed or made better?
• What is attracting your attention right now?
• What big picture problem would you like to solve?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Restorative™ Talent:

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving | Digital Technology

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Self-Assurance® theme feel confident in their ability to manage their own lives. They possess an inner compass that gives them confidence that their decisions are right

Self-Assurance® in Academics

• Get to know your professors and teaching assistants and what they expect from students in their classes. By understanding expectations, you can align your learning approaches with their goals
• What ambitious goals would you like to achieve before completing your degree? Go for the bold and exciting goals that may seem impractical to others, but are achievable for you (with some heroics)
• How do you cope with mental stress? While confidence is the norm for you, when something shakes your sense of security you feel it more intensely. When feeling unbalanced, look to campus supports such as the Student Wellness Centre
• Consider Studying Abroad. Your Self-Assurance® talents will help you to maneuver through a culture that is quite different from your own
• Join student clubs/groups that stretch your talents and broaden your horizons. Dare to tackle the unfamiliar. You have confidence to try new things. Invite some friends to take this journey with you

Self-Assurance® in Careers

• While you are likely confident in your own career path, hearing from others who found success can reinforce that you are on the right track. Conduct Career Informational Interviews with people in careers that align with your passions
• Your talents probably can give you confidence in a variety of jobs and volunteer opportunities. Try out several different roles. Which ones seem most natural to you?
• Workplaces and tasks that will challenge you and provide you with freedom are likely to energize you most. Environments that focus on prominent or critical projects that could intimidate others seem to bring out your best
• You may not have a great need for direction or support from others, which makes you particularly effective in situations that call for independence of thought and action
• Talk with people in careers that involve public presentations, sales, or entertainment. Ask what they find most rewarding about their work. Engage with this people at CareerMeetUps and Career Fairs

Reflect on your Self-Assurance® Talent

• What risks have you taken lately?
• How does your intuition guide you?
• What are you sure you can do?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Self-Assurance® Talent:

Leadership | Oral/Written Communication

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Significance® theme want to be very important in others’ eyes. They are independent and want to be recognized

Significance® in Academics

• Meet with an academic advisor to help you choose classes that allow independence, are relevant to your goals and desires, and in which you can be highly successful
• Identify the specific talents you will use to make an extraordinary contribution in your classes, campus clubs, or internships. Create opportunities to stand out
• You are independent and prioritize projects based on the level of influence they will have on the people around you. Look for opportunities on campus where you can have the biggest impact
• Make a list of goals, achievements, and qualifications you crave. Use this list to inspire you. Consider how your academic path can help you reach these goals
• You value appreciation and affirmation. Tell the significant people in your life how important their feedback and support are to you. Their words can be very motivational

Significance® in Careers

• Significant people do important things. Imagine the legacy you want to leave. Picture yourself at retirement, looking back on a life that has made the world a better place. What will you have done to get there?
• Are there alumni you admire for their success? Consider connecting with people through the University of Saskatchewan alumni tool on LinkedIn. Ask them about the choices they made and what they find rewarding about their careers
• Environments in which your significant contribution are visible to others, you are given flexibility to do things your own way, and you receive recognition for a job well done are likely to bring out your best. Ask employers about their work environments while connecting with them at CareerMeetUps
• Seek opportunities to work with people you respect because they are professional, credible, and successful
• Knowing you’ve made a significant contribution is important to you. Volunteer with organizations where you can make a difference and where your efforts will be appreciated

Reflect on your Significance® Talent

• What is the best recognition you have ever received?
• What recognition do you want? From whom do you want to receive it?
• When was the last time you made a lasting impact?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Significance® Talent:

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Strategic® theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues

Strategic® in Academics

• Make full use of your Strategic® talents by scheduling time to carefully think about a goal you want to achieve and the path you will take to reach it. Time to contemplate is essential to strategic thinking
• When you are looking for Co-ops or Internships, play out different scenarios in your mind to help you decide which ones to explore further. List the various possible paths so you can give careful thought to each one
• Your greatest contribution to a group may be to discover the best path to success. Because you can do this quickly, it may look like you’re “winging it,” but explaining yourself along the way will help others understand what you see
• You likely have thought of multiple paths you can take to receive your degree. Meet with an academic advisor to see if there are courses that satisfy more than one area of your degree completion criteria
• Consider joining recreation or campus clubs that require a lot of strategy. Your talents for problem-solving and reaching the best conclusions could be quite useful in a competitive environment

Strategic® in Careers

• Picture yourself in a career that you love. What are you doing? What path did you take to create the opportunity? Working backward from your goal is often an effective strategy for you
• Meet with a Career Educator to help you navigate through all of the various career paths you’ve considered
• Environments that are flexible and encourage creative thought and strategy will bring out your best. Opportunities to see the big picture and plan new approaches will energize you
• Your ability to create new programs and generate multiple alternatives will be an asset to any organization you join
• Conduct Career Informational Interviews with people who work in psychology, law, and consulting. Learn what they find most rewarding about their work on a daily basis. Connect with people in various industries at on campus Events and Career Fairs

Reflect on your Strategic® Talent

• When was your last achieved goal? What route did you take to get there?
• When others see only pieces, how do you help them see the big picture?
• How have you helped someone else make a decision?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Strategic® Talent:

Critical Thinking/Problem Solving | Leadership

Theme Description:

People exceptionally talented in the Woo® theme love the challenge of meeting new people and winning them over. They derive satisfaction from breaking the ice and making a connection with someone

Woo® in Academics

• Whatever you are doing, keep yourself involved with people. Study in places where there are other students around. Balance your academics with extracurricular activities so you have plenty of social time
• Try to pick classes where you can talk and work with other students. Meet with an academic advisor to determine what courses/professors have a style that is a good fit for you
• What are your values? People with Woo® are natural campaigners. Campaign for people and causes on campus and in your community that align with your values
• Consider volunteering for Orientation or U-Start. You will enjoy meeting newcomers and visitors and helping people get connected right away
• Practice ways to charm and engage others. Consider researching people on before you meet them so you can find the common ground

Woo® in Careers

• Introduce yourself to a number of people in a wide variety of jobs. The broad exposure will give you a more informed idea of possible careers, and it could provide you with important career and social connections. Meet these people at Career Fairs, CareerMeetUps, and Employer Sessions
• Environments in which you can meet new people daily and have the opportunity to create a positive impression will bring out your best
• Environments that value your ability to persuade or sell will likely help your Woo® talents to flourish
• Avoid work environments in which there is little opportunity to extend your gregarious social nature
• Conduct Career Informational Interviews with people in media/entertainment, corporate trainers, sales reps, attorneys, and public relations specialists. See what they enjoy most about their work

Reflect on your Woo® Talent

• How many acquaintances do you have? How do you keep track of them?
• Do you like to meet and greet at social functions?
• How many new individuals have you met this month? How did you connect?

Career Readiness Competencies to leverage your Woo® Talent:

Oral/Written Communication | Leadership