RECAP: Workshop 1 – Mastering Self-Awareness for a Sustainable Career
If you missed this exciting workshop, here are some methods shared by Mr. Hoàng Anh to help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and start the journey toward building a sustainable career:
Key Takeaways:
| Point | Summary |
|---|---|
| GIVE Model | Starting by identifying GIVE - Gifts, Interests, Values, and External impacts, one can determine their starting point on the career journey. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Which values do you want to pursue and promote? How do you wish to positively impact the external world (society, environment, etc.)? |
| Assessment Tools | Utilize personality assessment tools, O*NET Career Exploration, and Dr. Dale Prediger's World-Of-Work Map to gain a broader overview of yourself and explore suitable career options based on your dominant traits and preferences. |
| Strength-Based Self-Development | Instead of solely focusing on weaknesses and shortcomings, view yourself from different perspectives and concentrate on developing your strengths for a more fulfilling career journey. |
Guest Speaker
“My career before taking the Master of Science in People, Organisations & Change at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University was a wild ride. After finishing the Bachelor’s Degree in Finance & Accounting in America, I came back to Vietnam and tried many part-time jobs before progressing extensively through different HR roles such as Talent Acquisition Specialist, Learning and Development Manager,... Despite very rosy career advancement with a promising international assignment and attractive promotion in line, I knew deep inside something was off and headed to a completely different trajectory. In the last 1.5 years, I have ventured outside the corporate world and transitioned to become a freelance Trainer & Coach on Self Discovery, Life Purpose and Career Development.
If you asked me: “Did you have the whole career mapped out and always know what was next?” – Honestly, I would say No. It has been a dynamic mix of intentional choices, unexpected opportunities, yet also deliberate risk-taking for self-reinvention. These diverse experiences truly enriched my understanding of self-awareness and its role in crafting a fulfilling career.” – Mr. Aydan Hoang-Anh Do
Feedback and Testimonials:
"The workshop was incredibly helpful, particularly for students like myself who are in search of their true selves and clarifying their life's direction. While the guest speaker didn't offer direct solutions to my individual challenges, his approach of prompting self-reflection through thought-provoking questions was enlightening. I found it empowering to uncover insights about myself during the workshop, and I'm eagerly anticipating the next event hosted by VSR."
"I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop—it was far from theoretical and highly engaging. The content was delivered in a digestible manner, with interactive elements such as group discussions, games, and personal anecdotes from both the guest speaker and fellow participants. It was refreshing to have the opportunity to openly share our values and speak about ourselves in a supportive environment. I haven't experienced such an enriching dialogue in a long time. I'm looking forward to attending the next workshop and further exploring my personal and professional development with VSR."
Next Steps or Action Items
1. Reflect on Insights: Take some time to reflect on the insights gained during the workshop. Consider the GIVE Model and any personal revelations about your gifts, interests, values, and desired external impacts.
2. Complete Personality Assessments: Utilize the recommended personality assessment tools, such as the O*NET Career Exploration and World-Of-Work Map, to gain deeper insights into your strengths and preferences. Complete the assessments thoroughly and analyze the results.
3. Identify Career Paths: Based on the results of the assessments, explore potential career paths aligned with your personality traits and interests. Use the O*NET Career Exploration tool to browse suitable career options and delve into industries that resonate with you.
4. Create a Strength-Based Development Plan: Instead of focusing solely on weaknesses, leverage your strengths to propel your career forward. Develop a personalized development plan that emphasizes honing and leveraging your unique talents and abilities.
5. Set SMART Goals: Establish Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals related to your career aspirations. Break down your goals into actionable steps and timelines to track progress effectively.
6. Seek Mentorship or Coaching: Consider seeking guidance from mentors or career coaches who can provide valuable insights and support as you navigate your career journey. They can offer personalized advice, networking opportunities, and accountability.
7. Networking and Exploration: Engage in networking activities and informational interviews to explore different career paths and gain insights from professionals in various industries. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with individuals who inspire you.
8. Continued Learning: Commit to lifelong learning and professional development to stay abreast of industry trends and expand your skillset. Enroll in relevant courses, workshops, or certifications to enhance your expertise and remain competitive in your field.
9. Shoot Your Shot: Armed with a better understanding of your strengths and talents, take proactive steps to pursue opportunities aligned with your career goals. Whether it's applying for internships, launching a passion project, or pitching your ideas to potential collaborators, don't hesitate to take calculated risks and seize opportunities that come your way.
10. Regular Reflection and Adjustment: Schedule regular check-ins with yourself to reflect on your progress, reassess your goals, and make any necessary adjustments to your career plan. Stay adaptable and open to new opportunities that may arise along the way.
