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Having thought about who and where you are and the skills you have, a useful step is to recognise what you’re satisfied with and what you're dissatisfied with. This doesn’t mean that you can achieve everything that you wish, as restrictions of one kind or another can limit your choices.

Take 10 minutes to complete this activity

Rate the values below for importance. Try to use the full range of scores.

  1. Not important
  2. Less important
  3. Important
  4. Very important
Description Value Rating
Making decisions, independent action AUTONOMY
Change or variety in tasks, people, places VARIETY
Scope to learn, study, think, analyse INTELLECTUAL
Making friendly contacts with others SOCIAL
Large income, expensive possessions ECONOMIC
Expressing ethical code or religious beliefs SPIRITUAL
Using talents, developing skills USING ABILITIES
Being part of an important organisation COMMITMENT
Having lots of stimulus, excitement, thrills EXCITEMENT
Having influence or power over others AUTHORITY
Enjoying or making beautiful designs or things AESTHETIC
Getting promotion, career progression ADVANCEMENT
Helping or caring for others ALTRUISM
Concern for surrounding or location COMFORT
Being original, developing new ideas CREATIVITY
Activity, keeping moving, handling things PHYSICAL
Taking risks; business and trading COMMERCIAL

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Contact a careers adviser if you would like some help making use of this activity.