“When I was seven I wanted to be a pharmacist because I liked the colour of the carpet in the local chemist. At thirteen, I changed my mind and decided I wanted to be a chiropractor because my mother told me they earned a lot of money.

After completing Year 12, I enrolled in a combined Commerce/Law degree. During my first year at university, I became increasingly disillusioned and started to question the reasons behind my career choice. Money and prestige appeared to be the main motivators, while my true interests were never taken into account.

Many people have preconceived ideas of the career path they wish to take. Often, they enrol in a TAFE or university course for the wrong reasons and become discontented, changing courses after six or twelve months. In order to make an informed decision, it is important people understand the choices that are available to them and the future opportunities to which these may lead.

A career assessment is designed to assist individuals to identify potential careers and areas of study. Based on their interests, values and personality type, assessment tools aim to uncover occupations they are likely to enjoy.

After completing a career assessment, I came to terms with the fact that I would never become a lawyer. Instead, I discovered that psychology was the field in which I was truly interested. Subsequently, I enrolled in a science degree, during which time, I had the opportunity to study at Indiana University in the United States on a scholarship program.

Upon graduating, I travelled to London and worked as a Consultant for TMP Worldwide (now known as Hudson), one of the world’s largest recruitment agencies. It was during this time that I developed my interest in career assessments and career counselling services.

Thankfully, I discovered a career that I find interesting and rewarding, and at the same time, can provide guidance to individuals who are in the difficult situation of choosing a suitable occupation. Had I completed a career assessment earlier, I may have saved myself $8000 in university fees and many weekends spent writing essays on contract law.”

Katie Roberts
B Sc. (Psych & Mgmt), MBTI®, CDAA
Author, Career Magnifier

* As featured in the Sydney Morning Herald, The Sun Herald, The Age, Cleo, Madison, Marie Claire and Real Living.