Dear Aunt
One of the classes on my Certificate in Preparation for Tertiary Study is a Study & Career Pathway class.
During my time studying in this class I have learnt about personality theories including Myers Briggs, Keirsey and The Holland code we have also covered setting goals using the S.M.A.R.T format.
I did not find the Myers Briggs or Keirsey personality tests helpful for my study and career prospects, each time I attempted them I got a different result. Upon relating either the Myers Briggs or Keirsey test results to my eventual career hopes they both contradicted my decision to train to be a special needs teacher. The result of the Holland Code test was the closest to my perceptions of my own personality matching my career choice. I wouldn’t personally use online tests when choosing a career pathway as I have come to my own decision about my career choice based on personal experience and prior employment. However through studying the different methods I can see how they would be useful for other students who have not made their career choices. Moreover, once I qualify as a teacher a understanding of my students learning personalities will be useful in this role.
We have also covered setting S.M.A.R.T goals (Specific, Manageable, Achievable, Realistic and Time Realistic). Overall, I think learning about goals is one strategy that gets taught at every level of education, but each time it gets more in depth and complex. I did nevertheless find learning about goals very helpful. We covered setting goals for reaching your career and study goals, an aspect of goal setting which I have not previously learnt. I found that learning about goals using real life scenarios more beneficial to my personal learning style, I could relate this to the last time I was asked to set personal goals, when completing the Outward Bound course last year.
As you know Auntie, my long term goal is to become a fully qualified teacher by March 10th 2016, I plan to do my degree at either Victoria University or Massey University after gaining entry by completing a trimester three Certificate in University Preparation (CUP) at Victoria University with a B+ average. I chose this particular career path after working at Kimi Ora School in Thorndon for 18 months. I found it a good experience working and assisting with the running of the class. Before choosing this pathway I explored two other careers, automotive mechanics and being a chef but due to the physical demands and work times these both proved un-manageable.
Once again dear Auntie, I thank you for your continuing interest, support and encouragement in my study and career
Yours sincerely
Jack Adams
