Summer Reflections: Grow and Discover

We spend so much time at work, let’s make sure we are fulfilled and connected with our own essence - Massimo Roselli

Summer Is Here

Summer is here and it is time to relax and have fun! Right?!!​

Reality is...NO.

Although school/university is out, you wanted to look for a summer job to make extra money, build new skills, explore new opportunities...Unfortunately, that didn't happen or even if it did, you still feel that something is missing.
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You feel that summer is almost over. You want to engage in a productive activity and do something beyond fun and relaxation.

Summer Secret

I want to tell you a secret. Summer is not over yet. Summer IS the time to rejuvenate and focus on the moment. Yet as much fun as this sounds, summer can be the time to start reflecting on your career choices.

No, no...I am not saying that it is time to figure out what you want to do when you grow up.

It is just time to get to know YOU.

​You have your interests, skills and talents and summertime is the perfect time to figure out your unique and personal values. 

Why Should YOU Bother

Not only will reflecting on who you are help you find a role that you will enjoy - summer job or otherwise - it will also ensure your career success. It is the first step to unraveling what the right job look for YOU. There are other steps that you can learn about in my other blog posts, but you really have to take this first step. Here is how to get started.
Take the time to regularly check in on your daily routine

• How often and when do you take breaks? If you realize that you don't take breaks, then it's time to schedule them.
• How much screen time do you spend per day? Our phones now have the ability to give us that number. Reflect on that number...
• What are you spending your on-screen time doing? Again, phones can be amazingly specific in answering this question. Whatever you are watching or reading, will help you unravel your interests.
• Are you spending time on what is important to you? If not, what is preventing you? Is there a way to change that?

Next, I will share two models I use in my private practice to help you answer the above mentioned questions and initiate your summer reflections. Try one or both and let me know what you think.

1. Discover your BEAVI ©

Once you have done some reflection, it is time to Discover your BEAVI © (beliefs, experiences, abilities/skills, values, interests).
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Reflect on the meaning of each of the BEAVI © terms

• Beliefs
• Experiences
• Abilities
• Values
• Interests

How would you define each term?

Next, think of the different activities within your daily routine. How would you detail these activities? What do they say about you? In which category would they fall?

Your definition of each term is what matters. Regardless of what everyone else thinks, it is YOUR definition that matters. The placement of each activity in the BEAVI © is also dependent on how you see it. 

​Go ahead reflect and report!

2. RIASEC Self-Reporting​

I recently added this model to my practice and have received positive feedback. I completed a certification - taught by Ed Hidalgo and Dr Steve Regur - that utilizes Holland's Occupational Codes to support youth to self-report on RIASEC codes. 
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Here is a simplified version of it. You start with building your understanding of the six RIASEC codes.

• Realistic
• Investigative
• Artistic
• Social
• Enterprising
• Conventional

Spend some time researching and understanding these six codes or feel free to reach out for more details.
Once you feel that you have understood the meaning of each of the codes, it is time to start reflecting on which ones you clearly associate with. What are you top three codes and why?

It is important to note that your choices are not written in stone. You should regularly revisit your choices. 

Similar to the earlier model reflection, think of the different activities within your daily routine. How would you detail these activities? What do they say about you? Under which code would they fall?

Careering Adults

The reflection process in both models needs to be regular and is best complimented with the supervision of a knowledgeable career person. This is because there is a dialogic step that is crucial to moving your reflection forward.
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Having face-to-face opportunities, being probed on your responses and encouraged to explore by a caring careering adult will advance your reflection on what you know about yourself and your career choices in a healthy manner.

What’s Next

Whether you choose to work with BEAVI © or Holland's RIASEC codes, ensure that you have defined and understood the language. 

Next, bring in your daily routine reflection results and see where they match with each term. 

Let’s say, you enjoy spending time cooking your dinner. Cooking will be one activity in your daily routine. Would you put it as an interest or as an ability? It is up to you. What matters is that it is recognized on the Discover your BEAVI © chart as an agreeable part of your daily routine.

Similarly with the RIASEC codes. Utilizing the cooking example, reflect on what you enjoy about the cooking process and how does it fit within the six RIASEC codes.
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Continue your reflection and list the activities you enjoy. Whether it is waking up early or sleeping in, reading or writing, creating or copying...add it all to the list under the appropriate term or code.

Get to Know YOU

​Remember. The purpose of reflecting on your daily routine and discovering your BEAVI © or unraveling your RIASEC codes is to help you to get to know YOU.
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Take the time to get to know YOU this summer!

​Once you know who you are, it will be much easier to distinguish the type of job you are looking for and finding your fulfilling and rewarding right fit employment becomes effortless.

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I am Hoda Kilani, Career and Academic Coach. I work with students, parents, teachers and community partners sharing the latest strategies to innovatively craft your career journey your way.