Self knowledge

According to Donald Super's evolutionary theory, career planning lasts a lifetime. Every person has abilities and characteristics to succeed in a profession. The process of vocatioal development is a process of synthesis and realization of the individual's self-concept. An important role is played by the role models and the reaction of parents and significant others to the preferences expressed by the individual. As the persons grow older, they begin to orient themselves towards more realistic options, while their interests crystallize and do not change so easily.

Vocational interests refer to situations, activities and things that we like and give us pleasure. They have a significant impact on educational and career choices. They become fairly stable after the age of 15, but can change as new experiences can change them.

According to John Holland there are six personality types: Practical, Investigative, Social, Artistic, Conventional / Organizational and Entrepreneurial. People who choose to work in an environment similar to their personality type are more likely to succeed.

Work values ​​are crystallized deeper beliefs, preferences, attitudes, ideas and opinions of the individual, which in a dynamic and often unconscious way direct their behavior and choices. Work/vocational values ​​represent the extent to which the individuals consider their work valuable in terms of power, autonomy, creativity, altruism, knowledge, security, social status, financial rewards, etc. The values ​​that have a high priority in a person's life are determining factors for their career choices, while the choices that are in line with their values ​​contribute substantially to their career satisfaction. Despo Kyrmitsi, BSc, MA Career and Vocational Guidance Consultant