self inquiry

Career Center

Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 • Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor • 114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708

Self Inquiry Collection

Index

Uncover What Drives You

Career Development Checklist for First-Year Students

Board of DIrectors

Holland’s Code

Career CenterKnow Yourself

Uncover What Drives YouA process of self-inquiry is not a one-time event. It is the best way to start thinking about careers and a place to return when contemplating transitions and significant decisions.


Through a process of self-inquiry, we all gain insight into our values, interests, skills, personality, and what we have learned from unique experiences. These are the critical data that drive career planning and development. A process of self-inquiry is not a one-time event. It is the best way to start thinking about careers and a place to return when contemplating transitions and significant decisions. As you grow through new experiences and change with exposure to new ideas, you return to this process many times. The more aligned your career decisions are with who you know yourself to be, the more likely it is that you will find meaning in your work.Benefits of Self-Inquiry

• You will make well-informed decisions to set yourself up for the outcomes that matter throughout your career.

• You will better articulate your strengths and interests to others who can offer valuable guidance, connections and opportunities.

Assess Your Values, Interests, Skills and Personality

Values, interests, skills and personality are four lenses through which you can look at your life experience. Each provides a different view into you. Use these unique but overlapping viewpoints to identify patterns that naturally emerge through the choices you make.

Want more?

CareerBeam: Career Exploration section, https://duke.careerbeam.com/Duke Self-Inquiry Guide http://studentaffairs.duke.edu/career/online-tools-resources/career-center-skills-guides/self-inquiryCounseling appointments http://studentaffairs.duke.edu/career/career-services


Career Development Checklist for First-Year Students _____ Work hard in your classes while getting to know Duke.

Your academic record will be an important piece of internship, job and graduate school application screenings, so be sure to give proper energy and focus to your classroom responsibilities. Remember, a high GPA is easier to maintain than a low one is to raise.

_____ Find an organization, team or club to get involved in on campus.

Begin discovering passions, meeting friends and exploring groups and causes you would like to contribute to during your time at Duke.

_____ Explore the Duke Career Center’s website.

Counselors have developed useful content including Career Options Guides, Resume and Cover Letter guides and the Event Calendar. You will be able to have more purposeful and productive conversations with an advisor after exploring this interesting content.

_____ Get to know at least one faculty or staff member each semester.

Attend office hours and campus programs; ask questions and show interest. These individuals can serve as important sources of information, events/workshops, encouragement and future recommendations.

_____ Practice good stress and time management.

The skills you develop through balancing commitments to various organizations, courses, relationships and tasks will serve you throughout your professional life after Duke. The ability to successfully manage your responsibilities, relationships and general health is desired by most employers.

_____ Develop your Board of Directors.

You are the chair of the board so foster good relationships with your Academic Advisor, FAC, RA, Residential Coordinator, professor, etc. These people likely know a lot about getting the most out of your time at Duke and have assumed their respective roles because they WANT to help first-year students. Take advantage!

_____ Acquire experience during your winter, spring and/or summer vacations.

This can include volunteering, shadowing, part-time work, internships or research. Consider all the possibilities as you explore and define your interests and skills.

_____ Reach out to a Duke alum, personal contact or interesting professional.

This could be initiated via email, through the DukeConnect alumni database, over the phone or in person. Conducting informational interviews is a low-pressure, high-curiosity activity to help you learn more about career options as well as meet people to add to your network. Get started by scheduling a short appointment or a meal with someone who has a job you think is cool. Ask them how they got where they are today, what the rewards and challenges are of their day-to-day work are and what advice they have for you moving forward.

_____ Get your resume up to speed.

Whether this is your first time creating a professional resume, or you simply want to update the one you used during high school, the Career Center has resources to help with this process. See samples on our website, come to drop-in hours to get your resume reviewed and remember to update it with each new relevant experience.

_____ Engage with the Duke Career Center.

There are a number of ways for first-year students to take advantage of Career Center resources, whether you are looking for individual advising or bigger programs and workshops. Turn this page over to learn more!


LAUNCH Career Development Series (Fall for Sophomores and Spring for First-Years)

Offered exclusively to first-years and sophomores, this six-week series focuses on exploration of personal and professional strengths, values, and opportunities. Students come out of this experience with a better understanding of who they are, what skills they offer, how to make the most of their time in college, and how to take advantage of resources available at Duke. Each session involves activities, discussions, and real-world applications. Student who complete all six sessions will receive a Career Development Certificate.

Drop-in Advising

No appointment necessary! Bring quick questions or printed application documents (resumes, cover letters) to be reviewed by a career counselor or CAT (Career Ambassador Team member). Though there are some special drop-ins at satellite locations during different times of the year (ex: First-Year Fridays on East in the spring), drop-in advising is available EVERY weekday that classes are in session at the Career Center from 1:30-4:30 p.m. in our Resource Room.

Career Counseling Appointments

Our goal is to support you as you explore career options and locate experiential and employment opportunities. We look forward to meeting you! Appointments are available between 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Call to schedule an appointment several days in advance, (919) 660-1050. Mock Interviews

Think your interview skills could use some brushing up as you head towards applying for internships, jobs, and/or campus leadership roles? Just want some practice and honest feedback when it come to presenting yourself professionally and answering questions out loud? Never had to participate in a formal interview, and find the idea totally overwhelming or awkward? The Career Center is here to help! Schedule early. We also offer a CAT-Hosted Mock Interview Day for First-Years & Sophomores each spring.

Fannie Mitchell Expert-in-Residence Program

Gain information and inspiration from Duke alumni and other experts. The Fannie Mitchell Expert-in-Residence series features accomplished professionals who come to Duke to share specialized knowledge and provide individual career advice to students. The program’s purpose is to stimulate new ideas and provide advising for students who are searching for career directions.

Internship Search Resources Duke CareerConnections

View and apply for thousands of opportunities available around the world. You can filter to see those offered especially for Duke students. Duke University On-Campus Recruiting interviews are managed through CareerConnections as well. You should always keep an eye on CareerConnections for opportunities and use the additional tools listed below to connect to more internships throughout the U.S. and beyond.

Internship Series Online

Use this national internship database compiled by Career Education Institutes with opportunities listed in 14 work sectors and links to internships on many employer sites..

iNet Internship Database

This database gives you access to a full range of internship opportunities in all industries. The iNet Internship Network is an internship posting database shared by Georgetown, MIT, Northwestern, Rice, Stanford, NYU, University of Pennsylvania, Yale and Duke.

UCAN Internship Database

The UCAN Internship Exchange is an internship posting database shared by 21 selective colleges and universities across the United States. This dynamic database provides thousands of summer jobs, internships, fellowships and other short-term opportunities. It is searchable by area of interest, geographic location, semester, educational level, salary or company name.

Opportunities to Connect with the Duke Career Center


Board of DirectorsYou are the Chairman. Build your Board of Directors.

Here are some suggestions for insight you could gain:

Family—know you deeply and over time

Friends—see where you thrive and struggle

Professors—have insight into your academic mind

Coaches—challenge you to overcome obstacles

Advisors—contribute to your decision-making process

Community Leaders—see your passions engaged

Peers—have worked alongside you

Supervisors—have had to give you constructive feedback

Duke Alums—have a common experience

As you learn and build your career path, meeting new people and “enlisting” them to your personal Board of Directors is a key strategy for success. Think about the many people who have had (or could have!) a positive influence in your life.Look into the future and consider whom you might strategically seek out to add to your board, in addition to staying in touch with those you already know. Every person you encounter over time gets to see a different piece of you at your best (and possibly worst) and can be called upon for insights into significant aspects of who you have been and who you are becoming. Build and use your Board of Directors to learn about yourself and to imagine and discover YOUR possibilities. The benefits could include:

• Feedback on habits, patterns, and strengths that you haven’t noticed about yourself• Advice on steps to take, people to meet, and resources or strategies to consider• Insight into how your advisors have made decisions in the past and what other options

they considered• Inside information about what a typical day is like• Suggestions for opportunities that might excite you

Enlist a supervisorYour supervisors are great advisors, even when you no longer work at the organization. Many will suggest you stay in touch, or you could ask if they are open to the possibility. Staying in touch doesn’t mean having to request something every time you talk. If you come across information or do something that might be interesting to the person, share it! The sentiment, “thinking of you”, goes a long way and can be a great reason to send an email or pick up the phone.Here are some great updates to share. I thought of you when:

• I learned something in class.• I saw something in the news.• I used something I learned when working with you.• I followed your advice.• I mentioned you (or your organization) to someone.

Enlist a professorFind something you’re genuinely curious about as a reason to talk. People, even professors (!), tend to be flattered when others express interest in something that is important to them. You can use the words, “I’m trying to understand…” as a way to start these conversations. Some other examples might include:

• You mentioned… in your lecture. I’m trying to better understand how this connects to… • We worked on… in the problem set. I’m trying to understand why this technique is

preferred over…• Being a professor seems interesting to me. I’m trying to better understand what it is

like. • Can you tell me about what you do? How you decided to do this? What else you have

considered? Who you work with?• This topic is very interesting to me. I’m trying to better understand the ways that

it connects to opportunities outside of academic work. Do you know about this or anyone who might?

• I learned a bit about your research and am intrigued by… Can you tell me more about…

Career CenterHolland’s CodeThe Holland Code is the name applied to a vocational theory developed by Dr. John Holland. He conducted research, developed theory, and applied practical career interventions to develop career instruments grounded in psychology.

Realistic people value:

• Making things work• Common sense• Bodily strength• Craftsmanship• Physical challenge• Tradition• Dependability• Practicality

Realistic’s best skills are:

• Making/repairing things

• Problem solving w/tools/machines

• Mechanical ingenuity and dexterity

• Physical coordination

• Handling emergencies

Realistic people would like to learn about:

• Auto mechanics• Architecture• Computer science• Repairing electronic

equipment• Law enforcement• Criminal justice• Physical education• Coaching

Realistic people like to work in:

• Engineering firms• Computer

support services departments

• Military jobs • Police and fire

departments• Greenhouses• Professional sports

Realistic—The “Doers”

Described as: Reliable | Practical | Thrifty | Persistent | Reserved | Adventurous | Physically strong | Down-to-earth | Handy | Self-reliant | Well coordinated | Cautious | Natural | Sensible | Athletic

Basic Interest Scales:

Mechanics and Construction, Computer Hardware and Electronics, Military, Protective Services, Nature and Agriculture, Athletics


The focus of the six categories of the Holland Code helps the user see how personality and environment influence career choice. The highest occupational interests of an individual are most commonly represented in a two- to three-letter code.One of the benefits of measuring interests is achieving greater satisfaction in the work environment. The Holland Code can be applied to understanding your interests in multiple settings, including academic, leisure, and career. If you’d like to take the Strong Interest Inventory, which uses the Holland Code, please schedule an appointment with a career counselor.

Contact the Career Center: [email protected] • 919-660-1050 • Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor • 114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708

Investigative- The “Thinkers”

Described as: Thoughtful | Intellectual | Independent | Curious |Nonconforming | Reserved |Insightful |Rational | Analytical | Complex | Self-motivated | Original | Introspective | Problem focused | Critical

Investigative people value:

• Knowledge• New ideas• Originality• Independence• Innovative thinking• Abstract mental

challenges• Intelligence• Academic

achievement• Intellectual problem

solving

Investigative’s best skills are:

• Scientific investigating

• Researching• Analyzing• Writing technical

documents• Performing

mathematics

Investigative people like to learn about:

• Chemistry• Astronomy• Designing

experiments• Research methods• Biology• Physical therapy• Medical terms• Math• Computer science

Investigative people like to work in:

• Laboratories• Museums• Universities• Hospitals• Veterinary clinic• High-tech

environments


Science, Research, Medical Science, Mathematics

Holland’s Code, cont.

Artistic people value:

• Beauty• Aesthetics• Language• Creative expression• Emotions• Independence• Intuition• Change• Artistic creativity

Artisitic’s best skills are:

• Creativity• Imagination• Verbal-linguistic• Musical• Dramatics

Artistic people like to learn about:

• Architecture• Photography• Drawing and

painting• Theatrical

performance• Literature• Foreign languages• Nutrition• Cooking

Artistic people like to work in:

• Photography studios• Architectural firms• Theatres• Music/dance school• Universities• Television studios• Newspapers• Restaurants• Catering businesses

Artistic - The “Creators”

Described as: Creative | Independent | Unconventional | Impulsive | Expressive | Passionate | Free-spirited | Intuitive | Complicated | Intense | Sensitive | Open | Imaginative | Original | Idealistic


Visual Arts and Design, Performing Arts, Writing and Mass Communication, Culinary Arts



Social - The “Helpers”

Described as: Humanistic | Caring | Helpful | Responsible | Tactful | Cooperative | Kind | Generous | Understanding | Talkative | Insightful | Friendly | Cheerful | Patient | Idealistic | Warm

Social people value:

• Communication• Cooperation• Consensus• Relationships• Community• Personal growth• Spirituality• Trust• Other’s welfare• Feelings

Social’s best skills are:

• Developing relationships

• Verbal communication

• Teaching• Listening• Understanding

others

Social people like to learn about:

• Counseling• Psychology• Child care• Education• Training• Leadership• Sociology• Theology• Health education• Nursing

Social people like to work in:

• Counseling clinics• Child care centers• Schools• Employee training

departments• Churches, mosques,

or synagogues• Doctor’s offices and

hospitals


Counseling and Helping, Teaching and Education, Human Resources and Training, Social Sciences, Religion and Spirituality, Health Care Services



Enterprising - The “Persuaders”

Described as: Ambitious | Competitive | Status conscious | Persuasive | Assertive | Adventuresome | Risk taking | Materialistic | Energetic | Popular | Witty | Sociable | Talkative | Self-confident | Optimistic | Resilient | Extroverted

Enterprising people value:

• Influencing others• Status• Leadership positions• Power/authority• Material possessions• Financial

remuneration• Making a profit• Excitement• Risk taking

Enterpriser’s best skills are:

• Public speaking• Persuading/selling• Social/interpersonal

interaction• Leading• Focusing on

organizational goals

Enterprising people like to learn about:

• Marketing/sales• Communications• Business

management• International

business• Finance and

investing• Political science• Negotiation• Public speaking

Enterprising people like to work in:

• Advertising agencies• Retail stores• Auto dealerships• Real estate firms• Industrial/

manufacturing settings

• Their own business• Political campaigns• Law firms


Marketing and Advertising, Sales, Management, Entrepreneurship, Politics and Public Speaking, Law



Conventional - The “Organizers”

Described as: Practical | Organized | Conscientious | Persevering | Undemonstrative | Orderly | Systematic | Careful | Accurate | Precise | Controlled | Efficient | Thrifty | Respectful

Conventional people value:

• Order• Accuracy• Precision• Predictability• Stability• Practicality• Dependability• Security• Organization

Conventional’s best skills are:

• Organization• Efficiency• Patience• Persistence• Managing systems/

data• Mathematics• Operating computers

Conventional people like to learn about:

• Time management• Accounting• Statistics• Economics• Computer science• Software

development• Stocks • Real estate

Investigative people like to work in:

• Banks• Accounting offices• Business schools• High tech

environments• Engineering firms• Investment firms• Insurance

companies


Office Management, Taxes and Accounting, Programming and Information Systems, Finance and Investing


All material in this handout comes from Where Do I Go Next? Using Your Strong Results to Manage Your Career, by Fred Borgen and Judith Grutter, 2005. Published by CPP, Inc.


Additional DocumentsCover Letter

Curriculum Vitae

Internships

Interviewing

Job Search

Networking

Resume

Additional ResourcesCareer Center Skills Guides

Cover Letter Skills Guide

Curriculum Vitae Skills Guide

Internships Skills Guide

Interviewing Skills Guide

Networking Skills Guide

Resume Skills Guide

Strategic Search Skills Guide


http://www.slideshare.net/DukeCareers/tag/coverletter

http://www.slideshare.net/DukeCareers/tag/cv

http://www.slideshare.net/DukeCareers/tag/internship

http://www.slideshare.net/DukeCareers/tag/interviewing

http://www.slideshare.net/DukeCareers/tag/search

http://www.slideshare.net/DukeCareers/tag/networking

http://www.slideshare.net/DukeCareers/tag/resume

http://studentaffairs.duke.edu/career/online-tools-resources/career-center-skills-guides

http://studentaffairs.duke.edu/career/online-tools-resources/career-center-skills-guides/cover-letter

http://studentaffairs.duke.edu/career/online-tools-resources/career-center-skills-guides/curriculum-vitae

http://studentaffairs.duke.edu/career/online-tools-resources/career-center-skills-guides/internships

http://studentaffairs.duke.edu/career/online-tools-resources/career-center-skills-guides/interviewing

http://studentaffairs.duke.edu/career/online-tools-resources/career-center-skills-guides/networking

http://studentaffairs.duke.edu/career/online-tools-resources/career-center-skills-guides/resume

http://studentaffairs.duke.edu/career/online-tools-resources/strategic-search

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