Preliminary Interviews

This activity gives you a chance to look at what matters most to you. Write down the first thoughts that come to your mind. Be sure to complete Step 1 before you move on to Step 2.

Step 1 – Interview yourself

First, ask yourself the following questions and record your answers. You must interview yourself first!

1. Who am I?
2. What are my gifts?
3. Where do I want to live?
4. How do I want to live?
5. What will I do for a living?
6. Who will I spend my time with?
7. What do I do well and enjoy?
8. What is my genius?
9. What is my mission?

Step 2 – Interview a trusted person

Second, find a close family member or friend who has been working for a while and is willing to talk to you about his or her career. This person should know you very well. Ask this person the following questions and record their answers.

Name of person:

Relationship to you:

Their Career:

1. What influenced your decision to choose your field of work?
2. Why do you work?
3. What is the most satisfying thing about your job?
4. What do you like to do when you are not at work?
5. Which of your needs are being met through family and friendships rather than through career?
6. What are the most important roles that the person is playing in his or her life?
7. What are the challenges or developmental tasks that the person is presently attempting to master?

Also, ask them to answer these questions, concerning what they think about YOU:

1. Who am I?
2. What are my gifts?
3. Where do I want to live?
4. How do I want to live?
5. What will I do for a living?
6. Who will I spend my time with?
7. What do I do well and enjoy?
8. What is my genius?
9. What is my mission?

Step 3 – Review

1. Take a moment and read over your answers in Step 1. What stands out to you?
2. Now review the answers in Step 2. Is there anything interesting that resonated with you?
3. Compare and contrast what you said about yourself and what was said about you. What consistencies do you see? Any discrepancies?
4. What differences or similarities are there between your family member or friend’s attitude about careers from your own attitude?