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Inward – Assess your skills, interests and values

This step is often overlooked, yet it is likely the most fundamental key to successful career development.

Skills 

What are my skills and competences?

In addition to the specialized knowledge and technical expertise within your field, you´ve likely developed a broad range of transferable skills, such as project management, problem-solving, scientific communication, teaching/supervision etcetera. These skills are valuable because they can be applied across many different roles and industries.

Interests 

Do I enjoy everything I am skilled at, or do I prefer some activities over others?

To reach your full potential, it’s important to seek out occupations that align not only with your talents but also with what genuinely excites you. Take a moment to reflect on what truly motivates and inspires you. When was the last time you experienced a state of “flow” at work—where time seemed to fly by, not due to stress, but because you were fully engaged and enthusiastic about what you were doing? What task or activity were you involved in at that moment?

Work values

What matters most to me in a work environment—flexibility, job security, or other factors?

Your values are the beliefs and principles that are deeply important to you and that guide your decisions and actions. These values play a crucial role in career planning because they shape what you need from your work life. If your career path doesn’t align with your core work values, it’s unlikely you’ll find long-term job satisfaction.

Tools for mapping skills, interests and values