Purpose: Discuss building a career identity as part of moving towards career goals
Key Concept: Career identity acts as a guiding North Star, reflecting who you are and what you offer professionally
What is Career Identity?
Definition: Unique value brought to the workforce, informed by life and work experiences, strengths, motivations, and values
Importance:
Aligns career path with strengths and values
Enhances job performance, career commitment, well-being, and health
Miriam’s Career Identity Development
Initial role at Google in email customer support
Realized enjoyment in problem-solving and collaboration
Key strengths: Communication and distilling complex ideas
Current role: Digital marketing, leveraging communication and collaboration skills
Core elements of career identity remained consistent over time
Components of Career Identity
Strengths:
Definition: Tasks/activities performed well due to skills, knowledge, and talents
Example: Detail-oriented, good at building relationships, repairing cars, etc.
Motivations:
Definition: Stem from passions and purpose
Importance: Fuels and maintains career drive
Example: Passion for storytelling and helping others express truths
Values:
Definition: Reflect what is most important, guiding decision-making and relationships
Example: Integrity, responsibility, kindness, efficiency, and service
Building Your Career Identity
Reflection Questions:
What skills, knowledge, and talents set me apart?
What fuels and motivates me most?
What values guide me?
Activities:
Take assessments to better understand skills, strengths, and values
Interview peers for external perspective on qualities and impact
Creating a Career Identity Statement
Template:
"I am a [role] with [number] years of experience doing [accomplishment]. My greatest strength is [strength] and I have a talent for [strength]. I am passionate about [motivation] and I value [value]."
Example Statement:
Content strategist and product marketer example provided by Miriam
Application of Career Identity Statement
Incorporate in resume, LinkedIn profile, cover letters, elevator pitch
Helps clearly communicate professional identity and stand out
Conclusion
Journey: Building career identity is ongoing, requiring reflection and refinement
Outcome: Better informed career choices and a stronger professional development path
Action Points:
Reflect on strengths, motivations, and values
Draft and iterate on your career identity statement
Use the statement to guide career decisions and enhance professional tools