Empowering career search and enrichment

Here are some suggestions you might try: 

Brainstorm, brainstorm, brainstorm!  This preference loves to discuss possibilities around almost anything.  Asking them questions like “what would an ideal work day look like?”, or a similar open-ended, future focused question will open most Intuition preferences up to a long, enjoyable discussion about their career.  

Career lists are jumping off points for discussion.  The same concrete list of suggested careers that you gave a Sensing preference will seem limiting to the Intuition student unless you offer it as a jumping off point to discuss all the possible options available for someone with their personality preferences.  The list itself is simply the tip of the iceberg for what could be available. 

Review overall process.  A good place to start with an Intuition preference is to start with an overall description of the process that you will be taking them through, without getting into too many specific details. Then observe what part of the process they grab onto, or want to start discussing before you have even finished your description. This is where you begin the process, rather than at step 1, as you would do with Sensing.  An Intuition preference wants to jump into any process where they have an interest, so start the discussion where they show energy and excitement.

Show how things link together.  When helping an Intuition preference research options, help them find general information about the careers they are considering, and then help them see the pattern between all the options and what that could mean, or where it could lead them to next. 

Can anyone provide a concrete example or description of an appointment they had with a Intuition preference student?  What did the session look like?  What are YOUR best suggestions for working with a student with a Intuition preference?

Managing Your Transition Home – Part 2

Written by Elizabeth and Katherine Hirsh

In high-stakes conflict situations, cooperation and single-minded adherence to command are vital. You need to know that you can count on those around you to follow the script. Going your own way is a last, rather than a first, resort. When pursuing a job or career development, however, there is no one-size-fits-all prescription. You need to find an approach that works for you. Knowing about your Myers-Briggs^® personality type can help. Type theory recognizes that there are many different personal styles and thus many different ways of being effective.

One example of these style differences involves your preferred mode of taking in information—Sensing or Intuition. Understanding this and starting with the information most meaningful to you should help you narrow your search for a new job or career development opportunity.

What does it look like when people with these two different styles are investigating career options or job openings? In reading an online posting, for example, those who prefer Sensing are more likely to focus on the facts, specifics, and details contained in the posting. They want to learn about the daily realities of the job, its essential demands, and how well it fits their particular experience and skill set. Those who prefer Intuition are more likely to be interested in the possibilities, options, and themes suggested by the posting. They want to learn about how the job could offer opportunities to use their imagination, explore cutting-edge ideas, or innovate.

Searching for a new job or career after service can feel overwhelming. Using the Myers-Briggs assessment to help you systematically approach opportunities can bring a sense of order and clarity to the process. Knowing your preference for Sensing or Intuition can help you target your search to better suit your needs, interests, and skills.

You can learn more on the topic of psychological type and reintegration in our booklet Introduction to Type® and Reintegration.

Elizabeth and Katherine Hirsh are coauthors of several publications, including Introduction to Type® and Teams, MBTI® Teambuilding Program: Leader’s Resource Guide, Introduction to Type® and Decision Making, and the MBTI® Decision-Making Style Report.