Differentiate among the various approaches to career development assessment.

Answer 1

Hi Miguel,

I'm unsure if you are interested in the overall approaches to career development assessments or in the specific instruments used to assess one's career development. So I've included some of the most widely-used, long-standing assessment tools here, although it's important to note that several more exist (as allowed by technological expansion) but which differ in their emphasis on attitude or aptitude. Listed below are some specific career development assessment tools:

The Strong Interest Inventory ("SII") is an assessment of an individual's interests so that the career-selection process is eased. In its recently revised form, the inventory includes 291 items that measure one's interest in six areas: Occupations; Subject Areas; Activities; Leisure Activities; People; Your Characteristics. Once scored, an individual can view how his/her personal interests compare with those of professionals in a certain career field. Scoring of interests is based on John Holland's "Codes" or "Occupational Themes," also referred to as the "RIASEC" model (Realistic; Investigative; Artistic; Social; Enterprising; Conventional).

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator ("MBTI") tool is a personality type assessment that is based on Carl Jung's theory of psychological types. It uses the responses to a questionnaire to determine MBTI type, which is based on four dichotomies: where attention is focused (Extraversion vs. Introversion); the way in which information is taken (Sensing vs. Intuition); how decisions are made (Thinking vs. Feeling); and how to deal with the outer world (Judging vs. Perceiving). In addition to indicating these preferences, the MBTI tool also assesses the clarity of those preferences, or how clearly preferences are expressed (in the "Preference Clarity Index"). Thus, the MBTI Instrument focuses on how individual behaviors and preferences may impact success in and enjoyment of a particular career. (Note: the MBTI Instrument can be taken as a self-reported questionnaire or administered by an MBTI-certified professional, who can verify MBTI type and discuss the results/provide individualized feedback).

The MAPP ("Motivational Appraisal of Personal Potential") tool is based on motivation, and it helps individuals to identify where to apply themselves in order to select careers and make life choices that correspond to natural motivations. MAPP was developed and is continuously refined by the International Assessment Network, which offers tools to individuals and organizations that are intended to increase employee job satisfaction, retention, and productivity.

The Career Values Scale is a development instrument that assesses 17 different work-related values, as career satisfaction is strongly tied to whether one's values are met. The scale is divided into three areas: Working with Others (Service Orientation; Teamwork; Influence), Self-Expression (Independence; Creativity; Excitement; Career Development), and Extrinsic Rewards (Security; Financial Rewards; Prestige).

As you can see by these instruments, they differ in their emphasis on interests, personality, motivation, and values.

I hope that this information helps, but please feel free to contact me if you require further (or different) information related to career development assessment. Good luck!

All the best,

Maureen