1 Choose relevant assessments

There are many different types of career assessments available, but not all of them are equally useful for architecture professionals. Some assessments are more general, while others are more specific to certain fields or occupations. You should choose assessments that are relevant to your current or desired career path, such as those that measure your spatial, design, or technical skills, or those that relate to the architecture industry or profession. For example, you could use the Career Interest Profiler (CIP) to explore your interests in six broad areas, including artistic and realistic, which are often associated with architecture. Or you could use the Strong Interest Inventory (SII) to compare your interests with those of successful architects and other professionals.

2 Interpret the results carefully

Career assessments are not meant to tell you what you should or should not do, but rather to provide you with information and guidance that can help you make informed decisions. Therefore, you should interpret the results carefully, and not take them as absolute or definitive. You should consider the results in relation to your own experience, education, goals, and values, and use them as a starting point for further research and exploration. You should also be aware of the limitations and biases of the assessments, such as their validity, reliability, accuracy, and cultural sensitivity. You should not rely on a single assessment, but rather use multiple sources of information and feedback to get a more comprehensive and balanced perspective.

3 Apply the results to your career development

Career assessments can help you with various aspects of your career development, such as identifying your skills and gaps, exploring your options and opportunities, setting your goals and action plans, and evaluating your progress and satisfaction. You can use the results to assess your current situation and determine your areas of improvement, as well as to identify your potential career paths and directions. You can also use the results to set realistic and attainable goals that match your interests, values, and personality, and to create action plans that outline the steps and resources you need to achieve them. Moreover, you can use the results to monitor your performance and satisfaction, and to adjust your goals and plans as needed.

4 Seek professional guidance

Career assessments can be very helpful, but they are not a substitute for professional guidance. You should seek the advice and support of a qualified career counselor, coach, or mentor who can help you with the selection, administration, interpretation, and application of the assessments. A career professional can help you understand the meaning and implications of the results, as well as provide you with additional information and resources that can enhance your career development. A career professional can also help you with other aspects of your career, such as networking, resume writing, interviewing, negotiating, and transitioning.

6 Use the results to enhance your professional identity

Career assessments can help you enhance your professional identity, which is how you see yourself and how others see you as an architecture professional. Your professional identity is influenced by your personal and professional attributes, such as your interests, values, personality, skills, roles, and goals. You can use the results of the assessments to highlight your strengths and unique qualities, as well as to address your weaknesses and challenges. You can also use the results to communicate your value and contribution to your employers, clients, colleagues, and peers, as well as to showcase your portfolio and achievements. By using the results to enhance your professional identity, you can increase your confidence, credibility, and visibility in the architecture field.