Liz’s Career Corner
I would like to address a common issue experienced
by many adult learners. Frequently my conversations begin with the statement “I don’t know what I’m interested in.” Many persons believe that as adults
they should know what careers interest them, that it is typical only for teens or young adults to be confused about their interests. I am here to tell you that defining your
interests as they relate to educational and career-related goals can be a challenging and confusing process.
Career theorists state that you will be most satisfied with your career/work if it is compatible with your interests, skills/abilities, values, and personality characteristics. Defining your interests and how they translate to specific degree programs and ultimately the world of work is a great place to start on the road to planning for your future.
If you are interested in exploring your interests, you can do so in a number of ways. There are many good resources in your local or University library. For 
example, a great book to start with is What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard Nelson Bolles (2008). You could also do some
Internet searching using keywords such as defining my interests, Holland’s Hexagon, Dr. John Holland, or the RIASEC Model (which breaks down the world of work
into Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional groupings).
If you think you would benefit from career counseling, I encourage you to schedule an appointment so that we can talk one-on-one about your goals, past and present interests, employment experiences, likes and dislikes, etc. Completing some career-related assessments is also a great way to explore, define, or clarify your areas of interest. You can schedule a career counseling appointment by calling our office at 814-865-3443 or 800-228-1627. I look forward to meeting with you. (P.S., I do have monthly appointments at the Learning Center in Lewistown, if that is more convenient for you.)
Beginning October 7, I will facilitate a free three-week career exploration workshop, “Do What You Love; Love What You Do,” for area adults interested in returning to college or exploring new career options. The workshop will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on three consecutive Tuesdays (October 7, 14, and 21) in the Downsbrough Community Room at Schlow Centre Region Library. Schlow Library is located in downtown State College, on the corner of South Allen Street and Beaver Avenue. Advance registration is required; the workshop will be limited to the first twenty enrollees. A three-week commitment is also required, as each session will build upon the previous one(s). You can register by calling 814-865-5403 or 800-252-3592.
Parting thoughts until next time:
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor,
and catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
—Mark
Twain
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