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2.2: Values

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    Values are the characteristics that are most important to you. They make up your core belief system and serve as motivators that guide you in what you do and decisions you make. It is important to consider your values as you select a career. You will enjoy the work you do more if it aligns with your core values. If the work you choose conflicts with your values, you will most likely struggle with the position and this may create tension and discomfort in your life. It is important to consider your personal values along with your work related values.

    For example, if you value good health and are assigned to market a product that may cause serious health concerns, you will likely find it difficult to market this item. If you are asked to do this on a continual basis, you will internally struggle with the role you play as this job forces you to go against your core values.

    Let's Take a Look at Work Values

    According to the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), the nation’s primary source of occupational information, work values are defined as the “global aspects of work that are important to a person’s satisfaction.” O*NET allows you to do a Work Values Search by entering your top three Work Values to see which occupations match your choices. https://www.onetonline.org/explore/workvalues/Achievement/

    You will have an opportunity to complete a values assessment activity in class with other online resources such as:

    • What are my Values through Eureka: this questionnaire allows you to reflect on the values that are more important to you at this time. Your values are the inner guideposts that motivate you and reflect what is important to you. What Are My Values? (eureka.org)
    • Work Values Search through O*NET: this assessment allows you to match your chosen work values with occupations that match. https://www.onetonline.org/explore/workvalues/Achievement/
    • Work Importance Profiler: this assessment helps you determine what values are important to you and how they line up with different careers. To complete the Work Importance Profiler go to the California Career Zone site at: https://www.cacareerzone.org/wip/. Below is a screenshot.
    A screenshot of California Career Zone's Work Importance Profiler
    Figure 2.3 –California Career Zone (Screenshot from https://www.cacareerzone.org/wip/).

    Your values will play an important role in each phase of the career and life planning process; therefore, it is important to take time to assess what is most important to you. When your values align with the work you do, you will feel more satisfied and invested in your career.

    Activity 2.1 – Identify Your Work Values5

    Complete the following three activities to review the work values that are most important to you.

    1. Read about six core work values developed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET program. Click on the ones that best describe you to see careers that highlight that value. Record your findings:
    1. The Values Clarifier Activity:

    Complete the online questionnaire " What are my Values?" through your student Eureka account. Take your time, and thoughtfully reflect on which core values are most important to you at this time. Record your findings:

    1. Take the California CareerZone Work Importance Profiler and get a list of jobs that reflect your values. Record your findings:

    After you have identified your top values, explore careers that would allow you to express your values. Do you see a common theme amongst these careers? Explain:

    This page titled 2.2: Values is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Graciela Martinez and Elizabeth Shaker.