FAMILY

Career Quiz

Choosing a Career Path
That Is Right for You

A little self-reflection can go a long way. By digging into what makes you tick, how you work best with others, and the skills you bring to the table, you can better identify the environments and career paths you are most likely to thrive in.

Instructions:
For each question in the Self-Evaluation Quiz, select the answer option that best reflects your personality and preferences. Circle your answers as you go, and sum up the numbers associated with each answer option (1, 2, or 3) to get your total score.

How do you deal with uncertainty?

1.Can't eat, can't sleep, can't handle.

2.I can handle uncertainty in moderation.

3.I find it thrilling. What's life without a few surprises?

How much flexibility do you have to explore a variety of options right now?

1.Very little. I have clearly articulated goals and people counting on me—I refuse to get sidetracked.

2.As long as the level of uncertainty is within reason, I am willing to pursue an idea I believe in.

3.I'm game for anything—even if I fail, I know I'll learn something from it.

What best describes your preferred work environment?

1.I get my energy from being around other people and working in a collaborative setting.

2.I need a balance between people time and alone time, but prefer to be in an office environment at least a few days a week.

3.I am most productive when I'm alone and have no problem working from home or from a local coffee shop.

How much structure is too much structure?

1.You can never have enough structure. I am happiest when I have clear milestones and a clearly defined career trajectory.

2.It depends. I like having some routines, but I'm pretty good at creating these for myself.

3.Structure makes me feel claustrophobic—I never know what my day will look like and I prefer it that way.

Are you willing to put time and effort into building your personal brand?

1.No. I'm only on Instagram so I can keep up with other people's lives.

2.I would be willing to make more of an effort if I had to.

3.Absolutely. I am constantly managing my various social feeds and I make sure to post something at least once every few days.

How would you describe your working style?

1.I am a master at multitasking and am happiest when working on several things at once.

2.It depends on a lot of things—my mood, the task itself, and the time of day.

3.I am most productive when I can dedicate large, uninterrupted chunks of time to a task.

How motivated are you to learn new things?

1.I will take on a new learning challenge if I think it's necessary or if I have some extra time on my hands, but it isn't a priority.

2.I'll read a nonfiction book and watch a good documentary every once in awhile, but that's about it.

3.I am extremely curious and regularly find myself watching video tutorials online in my spare time.

SCORE YOURSELF

Corporate Gig
7 – 12 points

There is no need to cause unnecessary stress or sleepless nights. You may want to opt for a stable, structured environment where you know precisely where you stand. Your hours, benefits, salary, and career trajectory are clearly defined. All you have to do is show up and put your best foot forward. There are both pros and cons to working in the corporate world, but big companies have the resources to make a difference at scale, and many of them are abandoning cubicles for a more purposeful and open work culture. Don't expect to roll in at 11 a.m. after a late night, however, or jump the line and get a promotion. To climb the corporate ladder, you must pay your junior dues.

#StartupLife
13 – 17 points

If you're looking for an opportunity to be an integral part of building something—even if it means less certainty around compensation and job security—you may consider working at a startup. There can be days of utter chaos; startups move quickly and you are expected to keep up (often with very little direction). But if you're up for the challenge, being part of a startup can be an incredible learning opportunity.

Freelance or Contractor Work
18 – 21 points

There are two main reasons you may want to consider this route. One reason is that you may be incredibly disciplined and drawn to the opportunity of being in control of your own destiny; another is that you may be someone who works best when you don't have to report to a boss or manager. Maybe it's a little of both. As a freelancer or contractor, you may be juggling multiple projects at once. In addition to client work, a successful freelancer also stays focused on business development by investing in a strong personal brand and the ongoing refinement of your skills. While freelancers may have the option to stay in their PJs until noon, it is by no means a "balanced" lifestyle. Be prepared for stressful weeks to meet project deadlines while simultaneously searching for the next contract to pay the bills.