You Can’t Eat Your Degree Workbook
Combine Your Passion and Philosophies to Create the Story of Your Future
by Tricia Berry & Danielle Forget Shield
Smashwords ebook edition published by Fideli Publishing Inc.
Copyright 2011 © by 825 Basics, LLC
No part of this eBook may be reproduced or shared by any electronic or mechanical means, including but not limited to printing, file sharing, and email, without prior written permission from Fideli Publishing.
Smashwords License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Book artwork by Rick Marron
ISBN: 978-1-60414-510-6
FIRST EDITION
Table of Contents
The Authentic, Genuine, Real You
Acknowledge Strengths and Weaknesses
Focus on a Detailed Perspective
What Are Your Five-Year Goals?
Identifying Your Target Audience
About You Can’t Eat Your Degree
Introduction
College is a time for exploration, learning and personal growth. It’s also a time to consider your career aspirations and investigate possible career paths. In college, you pull from the past and engage in new experiences that help you envision your future. Your vision should include a script of your career story that will help guide your steps along your chosen career path. – You Can’t Eat Your Degree
This workbook is a companion to the book You Can’t Eat Your Degree. It provides a space for you to capture your thoughts, ideas, observations and experiences. The workbook follows the same flow as the book with the same chapter titles and headings.
The Authentic, Genuine, Real You
Who are you? You may know who you are, but how do you put it into words? How do you communicate it simply and easily to the thousands of people who will ask, “Who are you?” or "What do you do?" You have to start with the authentic, genuine, real you to answer these questions.
Pay Attention to Compliments
What are the compliments that really hit home for you? What compliments make you light up and smile? You'll often seek compliments that are connected to your values or what you view as important in the workplace or in your life. What do your compliments say about your interests or your values?
Example Compliment
You are so nice.
What It Might Say about You
You value sincerity, loyalty, being attentive, generosity, kindness, thoughtfulness, people or managers who are easy to get along with, or true friendships.
Example Compliment
That was very generous of you.
What It Might Say about You
You are empathetic, think of others, and are caring. You may enjoy giving, feel rewarded best with good feelings or give your time to help.
Example Compliment
She is the expert in our group.
What It Might Say about You
You work hard, are smart, have a specific skill or understanding of an issue that makes you more valuable than your peers.
Example Compliment
I really appreciate how welcoming you have been.
What It Might Say about You
You like to be a part of a close group, crave group interaction, or want feedback from other people.
Example Compliment
Creativity just comes naturally to you.
What It Might Say about You
You think outside the box, see the big picture, have an aptitude for innovation, or see things that other people do not.
Example Compliment
I enjoy hearing you speak.
What It Might Say about You
You have something to share that impacts other people. You may have excellent communication skills, an inner sense that draws people to you, or that intangible quality that makes someone likeable by everyone.
Example Compliment
Being around you really makes my day.
What It Might Say about You
You are caring, giving, easy to talk with, empowering of others, happy, full of life, confident, funny, and peaceful or bring calm to situations.
Example Compliment
I'm inspired by how much you know about recycling.
What It Might Say about You
You care about the world, the environment, people, or long-term solutions rather than short-term thinking. You take issues head on and learn as much as possible about them, immerse yourself in causes, or find motivation in your passions.
Example Compliment
You are a real self-starter.
What It Might Say about You
You know where you are headed, have goals, understand how to get started, or understand the details involved in projects. You may enjoy planning, executing, or seeing action happen. You probably like to make decisions quickly.
Example Compliment
I've never met anyone who was so passionate about their future.
What It Might Say about You
You understand yourself and what motivates you. You probably are a good goal setter, see potential in people and projects, or can be emotional.
Example Compliment
You are a great friend.
What It Might Say about You
You value loyalty, you want others to value you, or you need to be a part of a community that interacts with each other frequently.
Example Compliment
You are such a great driver.
What It Might Say about You
You may be careful, aware, and observant. You may have an ability to see the big picture, react well, and be patient or relaxed.
Example Compliment
Can you show me how to use this software?
What It Might Say about You
You understand the product, but may also be open and available to helping other people.
Example Compliment
If anyone ever needs help with that, you are the person to call.
What It Might Say about You
You are open to questions, enjoy sharing your knowledge, value gaining expertise, work hard and well with others, like teaching or are detail-oriented with a flair for explaining things so that anyone can understand.
Example Compliment
You are a great networker.
What It Might Say about You
You are friendly, outgoing, and confident. You recognize the need for relationships, recall details about people, are truly interested in hearing their stories or may be genuinely interested in helping others succeed.
Example Compliment
You are really good at getting things moving in our student organization.
What It Might Say about You
You know where you are headed, have goals, understand how to get started or the details involved, are effective at leading, or enjoy planning, executing or seeing action happen.
List the compliments you receive in the exercise below. If you are drawing a blank, use the Words to Spark Thoughts at the end of the book to remind you of compliments those around you have made.
Compliments:
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What They Might Say About You
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Compliments:
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What They Might Say About You
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Compliments:
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What They Might Say About You
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Compliments:
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What They Might Say About You
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Consider Comments
Comments are those words that perhaps sting a bit or make you pause to consider how you could have done something differently. What do you hear from those around you? In your past experiences, what areas of improvement have been noted? These types of comments are often made in a light-hearted joking manner, but there is generally some truth in teasing.
Example Comment
With friends like you, who needs enemies?
What It Might Say about You
You are perceived as abrupt, harsh, not concerned about others' input, a gossiper or someone likely to sabotage others.
Example Comment
Lighten up, everyone is doing their best.
What It Might Say about You
You have overly high expectations, are impatient, find it hard to share information or responsibilities effectively or are missing the details in the work it takes to execute the big picture.
Example Comment
Have you thought about taking a class in that area?
What It Might Say about You
You need improvement in a specific area, might not be effectively communicating your knowledge or skills or may need to consider hiring someone else to finish a particular task that is not one of your strengths.
Example Comment
Do you need some assistance?
What It Might Say about You
You need help in this area or with this amount of work and are being very expressive with your body language or emotions, or you are appreciated and others want to ease your load.
Example Comment
I don’t understand what you mean.
What It Might Say about You
Communicating may be a challenge for you, or conveying your thoughts effectively to people with a different educational level or expertise may be challenging.
Example Comment
No need to insult everyone else on the team.
What It Might Say about You
Your words and assumptions might need to be evaluated. You may be more concerned about the product or outcome than the people involved and the relationships being established.
Example Comment
Wow, nobody wants to be on your team.
What It Might Say about You
You might prefer to work alone, have little patience for people who you perceive to be less intelligent or less hard working, or have alienated yourself with a previous situation or misunderstanding.
Example Comment
You couldn't find a roommate for next year?
What It Might Say about You
You might not be considerate of other people or could have social skills that detract others from spending extensive amounts of time with you. You might also have acquired a negative reputation that is impacting your relationships.
Example Comment
It would be nice if you'd participate in our project.
What It Might Say about You
You might not be perceived as caring about the outcome, being hard working, being interested, or respectful of other people's time and efforts.
Example Comment
How'd you get this far without understanding that?
What It Might Say about You
Your methods may not be respected by other people. You might not be perceived as being able to comprehend certain material, ideas, points, problems, or solutions.
Example Comment
You’re not pulling your weight. It would be nice if you'd participate in our project.
What It Might Say about You
You might not care about the outcome but need to contribute to show you are hardworking, interested in the success of your group or company and respectful of other people's time and efforts.
List the comments you hear from others in the exercise below. If you need some ideas, use the Words to Spark Thoughts at the end of the book.
Comments
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What They Might Say About You
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Comments
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What They Might Say About You
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Comments
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What They Might Say About You
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Know Your Career Image