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READING
E
XPERIENCE
7: V
ISIONING
: C
LARIFYING
Y
OUR
F
UTURE
184
L
EARNING
TO
L
EARN
: B
ECOMING
A
S
ELF
-G
ROWER
Here’s a set of questions to help you identify what really interests you. You may find it helpful to ask your
friends to answer these questions about you as well.
1. What topics can you talk about for hours?
2. Who do you hang out with? Do you all share a common interest? If so, what? If not, are there any
characteristics you have in common?
3. Are you most content working on a project by yourself or talking things through with a group?
4. What kind of career do your family and friends see you pursuing? Why?
5. After reviewing and reflecting on the answers above, list two
possible
career paths for yourself.
Your listing of possible career paths should explicitly address questions 1 through 5.
Rene decided to have one of his informal study groups help him with
these questions. Here is a summary of what they came up with.
Rene is both a people person and a “techie.” He really enjoys interacting
with others and seeks out groups. He is often seen in the computer
labs as well as the student center and rarely works on his own in his
room or in the library. He loves conversations about the latest invention.
For example, he recently had a long conversation about a high-tech
pen that he saw advertised—what someone writes on special paper
can be transferred to a computer, along with audio files captured by a
microphone in the pen. He loves thinking of better ways
to explain technical things to his artistic friends
and is often seen helping someone out who
has recently experienced the “dark side” of
technology.
All his friends agree that he would
be great helping bridge the gap
between technology and end us-
ers. Information Technology
or Information Systems is a
good fit for him.
Finding Out More About My Field of Interest
Whatever potential career path you’ve identified, an important part exploring that path is research. We
encourage you to research books, journals, and the Internet to find out more about your field of interest and
what kind of educational background is required to enter that field. People who work in your potential field
are also an excellent resource as you continue your exploratory phase. Your pre-activity for this experience
will help you continue your exploration as you interview individuals who may share your field of interest.