 Accidental work experiences? Trial and error? Gut instinct? Is this the way to develop a career?
It used to be true that career development could only come about by experiencing different jobs, working in different companies, and trying out different industries...each taking time that could be better spent building a career path based on targeted opportunities.
In the past decade, (thanks primarily to Fortune 500 corporations who have spent millions of dollars enhancing their own selection & development practices), psychological and behavioral testing in business has become remarkably accurate, comprehensive, and predictive of individual career success and satisfaction.
Unfortunately, many young professionals do not realize that the same tools use by corporations (online) are available to individuals prior to applying for a job. Too many young professionals fail to realize that these psychological & behavioral tools (with feedback delivered in-person or via telephone) can answer key questions including: Question #1 - What am I capable of?
Question #2 - Who will I need around me?
Question #3 - What type of environment will I thrive in?
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Question #1 - What am I capable of?
Management? Sales? Leadership? Roles with significant project management? Jobs that require sophisticated data analysis?
By comparing individual characteristics with thousands of others in the workforce (through sophisticated psychological/behavioral assessments), young professionals can quickly learn where they will excel, and where they are less likely to find success and professional satisfaction.
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Question #2 - Who will I need around me?
Whether one's career path is entrepreneurial or corporate, isn't it better to know exactly what type of professional development is needed before a damaging performance review, a failed business venture, or a termination letter?
Having a fuller understanding of one's own limits helps young professionals determine what type of colleagues, assistants, and partners can supplement one's own unique traits, motivators, and interests. Once you realize you will never be good at everything, you start to look for others to help "fill the gaps."
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 Question #3 - What type of environment will I thrive in?
A hero in one organization can be a outcast in another. Consider a highly independent, creative professional taking a job in an environment that rewards consistency and collaboration and devalues experimentation and innovation...what might initially appear as a promising professional opportunity quickly transforms into a terrible career move once an individual's psychological and behavioral characteristics are considered.
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