Career Success Guide

Career Readiness - Personal Values

PERSONAL VALUES IDENTIFICATION & REFLECTION

Values play a crucial role in career satisfaction and the significance of work in your life. They drive what truly matters to you and bring clarity to questions like “Why am I pursuing this major?” and “What is the impact or meaning of my actions on my future career?” Reflect on these questions early during your time at UW-Stout as they will shape your decision-making, personal life, and future career success. To help you identify your values, please select your top 5. If you need assistance or professional support, consider scheduling an appointment with a Career Coach.

List of Values

Achievement

Financial Rewards

Prestige/Authority

Autonomy

Faith/Religion

Predictability

Advancement

Friendship

Risk Taking

Benefits/Vacation

Flexible Work/Hours

Recognition/Praise

Creativity/New Ideas

Fun Work/Environment

Tangible Results

Challenge/Learning

Health/Well-being

Travel

Competition

Helping Other People

Working on a Team

Creating Beauty

Improving Society/Social Issues

Working Outdoors

Creating Knowledge

Job Security

Working with Physical Things

Daily Variety

Location/Commute

Working with Kids (or specific population) Other ____________________

Diversity/Culture

Leading Others/Leadership

Entrepreneurship

Performing/Art-Entertainment Entertainment

Reflect on the Following Questions:

Name a task that when you do it, three hours fly by without you even noticing? What is it about this activity that draws you in?

What is one skill or ability you are particularly proud of OR something someone told you you’re good at? How could this be applied to a future career?

Think of a job, project or experience you completed. Were you able to see your top values being used? Why or why not?

What would be a potential “deal-breaker” in a job? If it were like “___________” I couldn’t be happy there?

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