by George Purdy

There are two main categories of career assessment. The first examines a person’s aptitudes, training, and preferences, as part of career coaching development. This type is mostly reserved for high school and college students seeking a professional career that is well suited to their unique personalities and talents.

Contemplating the wisdom of earlier career path choices later in life is yet another form of career assessment. One can examine such factors as salary, benefits, job satisfaction, relevance to the employer, or even industry stability with an individual or organization specializing in career coaching.

Security can no longer be found in just making the same average salary as your friends, or in working for an average company at 30 to 35 years of age. This does not assure you of employment in a few years, or the opportunity of advancement. For an honest review of your circumstances, objective perspective on your potential, and real-world suggestions for possible changes, a career coach can help.

Students may have decided upon a career path years ago, but an experienced coach can help tell whether their path is bolstered by the proper training and skills. Some students choose to follow a career they’ve desired since childhood, but are unprepared for the demands which that career path may entail. Choosing an alternate career goal, or different employment altogether may be the wisest move.

Many progressive companies offer career assessment and coaching for their staff. It might seem unusual for an employer to tell a staff member that they aren’t happy with their job, but it is actually a pretty good idea. Unhappy employees are less productive, and moving such dissastisfied workers to a position they would be happier in will make them more productive.

Satisfied and happy employees will always benefit. These employees also will sense the positive image of their company which is looking out for their particular interests, as well as monitoring the profitability of the company. If they see a bright future for the business, they will remain loyal. Taking a good career assessment benefits everyone involved.

There are two types of career assessment. One type, career coaching development, involves determining a student’s likes and dislikes, and also, his or her weaknesses and strengths. This will help the student choose a professional career that suits his or her personality and talents. Another kind of assessment comes later in life, and evaluates how good or bad a career choice might have been. A professional, or a company, specializing in coaching examines salary, benefits, importance to a corporation, satisfaction, and even industry job stability. Some forward thinking companies even offer assessment and coaching to their own employees.

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