Running head: Career Planning Assessment Report

Career Planning Assessment Planning Report

AHS 8100 Guided Practicum in Administration of Human Services
Brittney Kuntzi
November 18th, 2015

Career Planning Assessment Report

Career Planning Assessment Planning Report

As I come to the realization that my college career is coming to an end, I am faced with
the exciting, yet overwhelming task of securing a job that will become my career, for the next
thirty years. Its incredibly, intimidating, yet I find solace in knowing that I will finally be able to
begin my career, in human service. My personal, professional, and college experiences have
assisted me in identifying my strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately, what interests me. I have
strived to fully, comprehend what makes me happy, in regard to a future career choice, yet my
perception of this has changed, over the years. At first, I wanted to desperately, be a high school
counselor, but over time, my interests changed, as I became exposed to the myriad of career
options, within human services. My journey is finally about to begin and I can honestly state that
I have a grasp on what I would like to pursue, as a potential career path. Within this assignment, I
will discuss my personal, professional, and educational experiences that led me to pursue a
career in human services, summarize my Strengths Finder report and reveal what I gained from
it, identify how the MAPP Assessment differed from the Strength Finder report and what I
learned, and provide information about the career choice I have chosen, as well as provide my
rational for this choice.

Experiences that Led to Human Services Career Path

When I was a junior in high school, I was diagnosed with mononucleosis. It was the
middle of the day, and I was venturing to my Algebra class. I was feeling great, until five
minutes into the class, I started falling asleep. I felt an intense feeling of fatigue, which made it
difficult to stay awake. I began to panic, slightly, but quickly headed to the nurse. From there, my
parents picked me up, and we headed straight to the doctors office. Mononucleosis stole six

Career Planning Assessment Report

months of my life, as well as force me to have to drop out of high school because I fell so far
behind. I struggled to stay positive, but my family made valiant efforts to keep me comfortable,
and optimistic.
Throughout all of this, I had the assistance of my high school counselor, Mrs. Simon.
Prior to becoming ill, he always offered his time to me when I was having difficulty in school,
such as struggling in my classes, or having problems with my friends. He never turned me away,
and always offered kind, wise words that resonated, within me. I knew that I could rely on him to
provide honest, genuine advice. When I became ill, he stayed in touch with me, offered his
assistance with finding, and securing an alternative, high school placement, such as James H.
Groves, and made the life-changing transition from my high school to adult education as quick
and painless, as he could. I cant begin to describe how appreciative and grateful I was, and still
am for his efforts in creating a positive impact, within my high school, career. This mans efforts
to make a difference in my life, sparked my motivation to pursue a career in human services.
Everything that this man assisted me with, and how he made me feel, was exactly what I wanted
to do, and be for someone else. His passion to help others had transferred onto me, and I finally
felt like I had found my calling, which was to become a high school counselor.
When I graduated from James H. Groves, I applied to Delaware Tech, as a human
services major. Within my studies, I had the opportunity to participate in two internships, which
were two-hundred hours, each. I decided that my internship, placement area would be at a local,
high school, where I would be supervised by their lead, guidance counselor. This experience
taught me a great deal about myself, in terms of how much joy, and passion I have for helping
others. I found immense gratification when I was able to assist the students with issues they were
experiences, such as having difficulty with peers. I could definitely picture myself as a guidance

Career Planning Assessment Report

counselor, but as I graduated, and ventured to Wilmington University to obtain my bachelors

degree in Psychology, I started reevaluating my career goals. The reason for this was because I
noticed how intense my feelings, and emotions were, for the people I had the opportunity of
helping. I was guilty of my inability to not let my emotions, and feelings get in the way of the
people I served. I struggled with leaving my work, at work. I expressed my concerns to multiple
instructors, and peers, and they all stated that if I pursue a career in counseling, I may experience
burnout, quickly. This realization startled me, and led to my decision to pursue a different career
path, within human services. I knew that my passion to help people was still strong, but I was
learning that there were other ways of helping others, without exposing myself to a high-risk of
burnout. When I discovered the program of Administration of Human Services, I was
completely, elated. I found that I was relatively, more interested in the administrative aspect of
human services, than the counseling aspect. I would, still be able to help others, but in a different
format. It has taken me, until recently, to comprehend what I wanted to do, as a career, in human
services, which is fundraising.
Overall, my professional, personal, and educational experiences have granted me firm,
insights on what career path I want to pursue. It has been a massive, roller coaster ride, and it has
taken time to adjust to my new, career goals. I am finally, settling into the idea of potentially,
working in the human services field, in an administrative context, and I couldnt be happier, or
more excited.

Strength Finder Assessment Report & Analysis

I had the opportunity to complete the Strength Finder Assessment, which identified my
top, five themes. The themes that I scored the highest in were achiever, responsibility, discipline,

Career Planning Assessment Report

positivity, and restorative. As an achiever, I strive to further my understanding of different topics,

especially when I am expanding my personal, knowledge. I tend to spend numerous hours,
striving to understand why I may have failed something, in an attempt to improve. I am always
trying to self-improve, and surpass how people may perceive me, and my abilities. Also, I tend to
stay concentrated on items, and continuously work on them, until I fully, comprehend the
material.
The theme of responsibility indicates that I value honesty and loyalty, and make valiant
efforts to keep my word, when I make a promise. If I promise to complete a task, I strive to
complete the task, even if that results in me having to work extended hours. I tend to feel guilty
when tasks are completed, carelessly because I want to be associated with accuracy, and
precision; the report stated that my high standards demand exactness. In regard to performing
tasks, I tend to volunteer, instead of waiting for the tasks to be delegated, among others.
The theme of discipline indicates that I tend to finish tasks, prior to their due date. I
establish routine, processes, in an attempt to accomplish tasks, in a timely, effective manner.
Also, I establish, weekly performance targets, which help me indicate my progress towards
completing tasks; weekly, performance targets create excitement, and a sense of
accomplishment, for me, when I am able to meet these performance targets. I categorize my
tasks, in relevance to urgency, which assist me in determining what tasks to focus on, first. By
prioritizing my time, in an effort to accomplish tasks, I am less likely to waste time, and excuse
myself from social meetings, in order to complete my tasks.
The theme of positivity showcases my upbeat, contagious personality, which increases
individuals excitement about what they are trying to accomplish. My positive personality allows
me to co-inhabit with different walks of life; I have the ability to accept people for who they are.

Career Planning Assessment Report

I focus on the good aspects, within people, and encourage them to be positive, and believe in
their abilities. I focus on emphasizing on what people are good at and, or what they could
accomplish, in the future. I am viewed as an unselfish person, who tends to welcome individuals
into their circle of friends, who may be viewed as different. I occasionally, identify reasons to
compliment and, or acknowledge someone.
The theme of being restorative indicates my willingness, and ability to solve problems. I
have a tendency to feel stressed, or unaccomplished when I fail to answer basic questions, such
as who, what, where, when, and why. I focus a great deal of attention on identifying the cause of
a problem. Occasionally, I will make an effort to improve, or enhance my skills, style,
appearance and, or expand my knowledge. In my attempt to do so, I surround myself with people
who are blunt, and have the ability to provide genuine, advice on how to better myself. I tend to
focus on my limitations, rather than my abilities, when planning for the future. Sometimes I
attempt to overcome my limitations, without the assistance of anyone; I am an independent
performer.
After reviewing the Strength Finder Assessment report, I was completely, shocked by
how accurate the results were. The insights that were provided, for each theme, were eerily,
relevant. First, as an achiever, I am continuously, striving to expand my knowledge, and
understand new, innovative ways of approaching how I analyze, and accomplish tasks. College
has definitely played a large role in my willingness, and passion to continue my education
because new topics are being explored, every day. Its imperative that I remain focused on my
education, and continue learning at a rate that allows me to be a productive, effective human
service professional. Secondly, being responsible is a trait that has been integrated into my life,
from day one. My parents instilled the importance of being responsible, and to work with

Career Planning Assessment Report

integrity. The report couldnt have been any more accurate, by stating that my high standards
demand exactness. I am a perfectionist, and strive to perform at a high level, in everything that I
accomplish. The report stated that I tend to feel guilty when I dont perform to my ability, or
accomplish a tasks, carelessly. This is so accurate, and it does bother me when I am unable to
give my 100%, all of the time. Thirdly, I wasnt shocked to see that discipline was one of my top,
themes because this is something I have developed, over the course of my lifetime, especially
during my college career. I am proud of my ability to stay focused, and accomplish tasks in a
timely manner. My time management skills have strengthened, drastically, over the past five
years, due to college, and work responsibilities. I utilize a calendar, which keeps my weekly,
duties in perspective. I always feel accomplished, when I complete the tasks that I have set out to
do. There are times when I have had to turn down the opportunity to spend time with friends, or
family, due to having to complete coursework. However, my level of discipline doesnt make me
feel like I am missing out, rather I feel accomplished in my ability to stay focused on what I need
to do. When my work is complete, I am able to enjoy the free time I have with my family and
friends. Fourthly, my positive personality has given me the rare, opportunity to have the ability to
work with all types of people. The report stated that I am accepting of others, for who they are,
which is quite, accurate. It also stated that I tend to accept people, into my circle of friend, who
may be perceived as different. In high school, my peers always came to me for advice because
they knew I would listen, and I strived to focus their attention on their abilities, not their
limitations. My peers would comment on how much better they felt, after talking with me, which
made me feel accomplished. Also, when I worked for a local, retail store, my employees loved to
work with me because I made the work environment fun, and exciting. I made them laugh, and I
strived to compliment them on their work efforts. I believe that people, gravitate towards me

Career Planning Assessment Report

because I make them feel good about themselves, and because I treat everyone, equally. Lastly,
being labeled as being talented, in the restorative theme, was quite accurate. As I thought about
it, if I fail at something, I exhaust myself on trying to figure out what I did wrong, in an attempt
to improve. When I was labeled as an independent performer, I agreed because I tend to prefer to
work alone. Its not that I dont like working with others, I just prefer to work, independently.
Overall, the insights, from each theme, were very accurate, and reinforced what I knew
about myself. I am extremely, proud of the themes, and or strengths that I possess because they
indicate my unique, personality, and abilities. With this information, I plan to consider my
strengths, as I locate, and secure a potential, employment opportunity.

MAPP Assessment & Analysis

The MAPP Assessment differed from the Strength Finder Assessment because the results
were calculated, based on my motivations, preferences, and interests. The Strength Finder
Assessment based my results on my personal, strengths. The MAPP Assessment focused on what
motivates me, my personal, preferences, and interests, in an attempt to identify the best position
that would be suitable, for my needs. In laymans terms, the Strength Finder Assessment report
identified what I am good at, while the MAPP Assessment report indicated why I am good at
certain, things, based on my motivations, preferences, and interests. Honestly, I preferred the
MAPP Assessment because I felt that it offered me an opportunity to comprehend why I tended
to gravitate towards performing in a specific, manner, and what activities would be beneficial,
for me to attempt, within the field. My preference of the MAPP Assessment doesnt discount the
information that the Strength Finder Assessment offered me. This report was very informative,

Career Planning Assessment Report

and confirmed my strengths, which I believe are the most prevalent, within me. Together, both
reports provided me with a solid, understanding of my unique, abilities to perform tasks.
The MAPP Assessment report provided me with insight, as to what motivates me to
perform a certain way, based on my interests, and preferences. Within this section, I will discuss
what I learned, about myself, within this assessment. After analyzing the report, I learned that I
am interested in perceptual, and mental activities, which relate to ideas, concepts, and meaning. I
found this to be interesting, yet accurate because I tend to gravitate towards trying to understand
the meaning of why certain things happen, especially when I fail, or experience a glitch in my
performance. Plus, throughout my college career, when I would do poorly on an assignment, I
was eager to understand my mistakes, in order to improve my performance, on the next
assignment. I have a strong will to figure out what I can do better, in order to perform at my
optimal, level. In regard to temperament, I was labeled as preferring to work under management,
or individuals who possess expertise, within the field; I avoid working on tasks, independently.
Plus, the quality of my work is based on my satisfaction, within the workplace. This section
sounded quite, bogus because I definitely dont avoid working, independently. Working
independently is something that I highly, prefer, depending on what I am trying to accomplish.
Plus, my work environment does not dictate the quality of my work because my personal, high
standards demand exactness. I perform to the best of my ability, in an attempt to further, expand
my knowledge, and to showcase my ability to excel. Another, interesting item that I found to be
informative, was about how I relate to data. The report indicated that I am aware of spatial
measure and layout, possess an artistic ability for factual image reproduction, pay attention to
detail, possess aware of machine function and use, and express tolerance of, or preference for
routine. Plus, the report expressed my preference for participating in activities that focus on all of

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these attributes. I found this information to be quite, accurate because I feel that these attributes
speak volumes, in terms of what I can do. I favor routine processes, and consider myself a
perfectionist, which plays a role in my detail oriented-ness. In regard to how I relate to
reasoning, the report indicated that I prefer simple, routine tasks, within a familiar environment.
This preference is relatively, good for clerical, administrative, and operational activities, which is
something that interest me. However, although I prefer routine processes, in familiar
environments, I dont prefer simple routines. I find that varying levels of routine, tasks provide
me the opportunity to experience challenges, and figure out ways to perform better, each time.
The last, important item that I learned from this assessment was that I possess a rare trait, in
relevance to how I relate to language. The report stated that I have the ability to thoroughly read
a simple, set of instructions, and fully, accurately know what was said. This section grabbed my
attention because when I was younger, I suffered from poor, reading comprehension. When I had
to participate, within the reading comprehension, of the state testing, I would come close to
failing the section. Witnessing the results, which state that I have the ability to comprehend, and
pay attention to every detail, means more to me, than anything. The report commented that this
trait is not widely-shared, among others, and that I should highly, value this unique, asset.

United States Bureau of Labor Career Choice: Fundraiser

After visiting the United States Bureau of Labor website, I was able to identify a
potential, career choice, within the human services field. After much deliberation, I have chosen
to pursue a career in fundraising. As I have stated in prior discussions, and assignments, my
passion for fundraising has drastically, increased, due to my exposure to fundraising activities,
within my practicum, and through course material. My rationale, for choosing this career path, is

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because I find great pleasure in the area of fundraising, especially non-profit, fundraising.
Currently, the organization that I am interning at is struggling with raising funds for their Center.
At a recent, Action Committee meeting, the Center Director expressed their need for a
fundraising expert, who would specialize in developing, and executing events, that would
generate funds for the Center. The employees, at my practicum site, have multiple
responsibilities to tend to, and fundraising is not one of them. Most of the fundraising tasks fall
onto the Center Director, and the Administrative Assistant, which can be quite, burdening. I
witnessed a need, within the Center, and I quickly, realized that there are many other
organizations, who would benefit from having a fundraising expert. This career path allows me
to be creative, network with the community, develop fundraising strategies, and above all, help
others. In essence, I would be assisting the non-profit in gaining, necessary funds, in order for
them to assist the community. I am still satisfying my personal, passion of helping others, which
is incredibly, important to me. As I gain more exposure, and experience in fundraising, the more
I realize how passionate I am, towards this career. During my practicum, I have had the
opportunity to contact potential, donors, secure donations, create documents for the event, and so
forth. The fundraising process is so exciting, and I feel a strong connection to this process.
A fundraiser is responsible for organizing events and, or campaigns, in an attempt to raise
funds, and other types of donations, for an organization. In addition, the fundraiser may produce
promotional material, which assists in increasing community aware of the organizations
mission, vision, and values. According to the United States Bureau of Labor, the fundraisers
duties include, researching prospecting donors, creating a strong fundraising message that
appeals to the potential donors, conducting fundraising strategies for the organization, identifying
and contacting potential donors, organizing events and, or campaigns that will lead to the

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solicitation of donations, maintaining records of donor information for future use, evaluating the
successes of previous fundraising events, training volunteers in fundraising practices and
procedures, and ensuring that all legal reporting requirements are being satisfied (United States
Department of Labor, 2015). What I favor about fundraising is that there are a myriad of
fundraising options, such as planned giving, annual campaign, and event fundraising. I would
prefer to pursue event fundraising because I find that this type of fundraising grants me the
opportunity to be creative, experience different locations, meet new people, and potentially
travel, depending on the location of the event. Plus, I have experience in event fundraising, and
find it to be quite, exhilarating.
The unique, leadership skills that I believe would contribute to my success, as a
fundraiser, include my effective, communication skills, organizational skills, and my ability to be
evaluative, enthusiastic, and resourceful. Firstly, as a potential, fundraiser, I find that effective,
communication skills are the most valuable leadership skills that one can possess. A large part of
fundraising is networking, which involves contacting individuals, within the community, in an
attempt to build relationships, and locate, potential donors. Plus, fundraisers must train
volunteers, and educate them on fundraising processes, and procedures. Communicating,
effectively can establish solid, relationships, as well has spread knowledge, which will later
assist the fundraiser in developing, and executing an event. Secondly, organizational skills must
be present, when thinking about becoming a fundraiser. There are a plethora of event that play a
critical part in developing, and executing an event and, or campaign. The fundraiser must possess
impeccable, organizational skills, in order to effectively, plan, and manage an event. Enthusiasm,
and positive attitudes can create a positive, working environment. Thirdly, my ability to be
evaluative can assist me in monitoring the successes of the fundraising events that I execute. Its

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imperative that fundraisers maintain information about donors, and evaluate the successes of
previous, fundraising events, in an attempt to indicate if changes need to occur. I am perceptive,
and alert to monitoring, operational processes, which grants me the opportunity to comprehend
what is happening, around me. By being evaluative, I can identify potential, threats that could
impact my strategic planning and, or any aspect of the fundraising process. Fourthly, as a
potential, fundraiser, my enthusiastic, outlook on fundraising will spark the interests of others,
making them more, included to help, and get involved. Fundraising is about teamwork, and
securing the time of others, in order to execute a successful, event. In order to gain the attention
of the community members, the fundraiser must excite them, and build a connection between the
fundraising event, and what the fundraising event is trying to accomplish. When people feel
connected to something, they are more included to help out. By building the connection, and
remaining enthusiastic, the fundraiser should be successful in gaining the help they need. Lastly,
being resourceful is a powerful skill to possess, as a fundraiser. Sometimes, fundraiser must
optimize what they have, in order to be successful. The fundraiser can utilize the resources that
the organization he, or she works for, in an attempt to be successful. There are so many resources
available, we just have to be aware of our surroundings, in order to identify their presence.
The personal, strengths that I believe make me a great candidate, for my chosen career,
includes my determination to work hard, and expand my knowledge, values towards honesty and
loyalty, ability to remain disciplined, positive personality, and my ability to identify, and solve
problems. As a fundraiser, I must be willing to work additional hours, in order to meet deadlines.
Plus, fundraisers are responsible for managing, large groups of volunteers, in order to educate
them on fundraising procedures, and processes; while training volunteers, fundraisers may not
receive the incentive of pay (Untied States Department of Labor, 2015). I am dedicated to

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staying focused on the goals of my fundraising, responsibilities, even if I have to work without
pay, or for extended hours. It may seem odd that Im stating this, but my passion for fundraising
is strong, and Im willing to strive to achieve my fundraising, goals, no matter what. I find that
being honest, and loyal, within the fundraising community is a huge benefit. As a potential
fundraiser, my goal is to cultivate relationship, within the community, and create these
relationships, based on trust and loyalty; no one is going to donate, or support my fundraising
events, if I am dishonest, and disloyal. I need to build my reputation, within the community, and
increase my creditability, by initiating honesty, and loyalty, within the relationships. Discipline is
a huge factor, when working as a fundraiser. There are many deadlines to meet, projects to
complete, and funds to be secured. None of this will get accomplished, without the assistance of
strong discipline, a working schedule, and obtainable goals. Being disciplined is something I
pride myself on, and it has assisted me in my college, career successes. Having a positive
outlook on life, and in the work place can propel an individual into success. A fundraiser must
supply a positive attitude, while working to network, within the community, as well as training
volunteers to assist them in the event, planning process My positive personality is contagious,
and I utilize it to compliment others when they dont believe in their abilities. In fundraising, you
need the presence of positivity because the process of securing funds can be frustrating, and
overwhelming. My ability to keep the environment upbeat, while using my positivity attitude to
encourage others to do, and be better, is priceless. Lastly, my ability to identify, and solve
problems can play a pivotal role in fundraising. Fundraisers must have stellar, problem-solving
skills, in order to resolve issues that pertain to their fundraising, strategic planning. If the
fundraisers events are not as successful, as planned the fundraiser must have the ability to
identify the cause of the problem, and create new, intuitive ways of remedying the situation.

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Each, fundraising event is critical to the success of the organization, as well as the fundraiser. So,
any problems that arise, must be dealt with immediately, in an attempt to promote, future
successes.
My personal, challenges that I must improve, in order to become an effective, fundraiser
is my lack of fundraising, experience, and preference to work, independently. Firstly, I have
gained experience through my practicum, and course material, but I crave more, exposure to the
different elements of fundraising. There are a multitude of things that I must learn, before
pursuing a career in fundraising, but I am ready for the challenge. I plan to participate in
seminars, and trainings, which will increase my understanding of how to be an effective,
fundraiser. I also, plan to volunteer at a local, non-profit agency, in an attempt to gain, further
exposure to the tasks of fundraising. Ultimately, my goal is to become a Certified Fund-Raising
Executive (CFRE). Lastly, my preference to work, independently, will present a challenge in
working, as a fundraiser. I tend to gravitate towards working alone, and completing activities,
independently. However, as a fundraiser, I must shift my preference of working alone, to
working, within a team setting. Working as a tam, allows the fundraiser to connect with more
individuals, in an attempt to accomplish more tasks, and make a larger impact on the
organization, and community. As a fundraiser, networking, and building relationships, within the
community are going to assist me in executing a successful event. These relationships can serve
as potential, resources. Ultimately, working as a team is going to create more opportunities for
success, rather than working, independently.

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Conclusion
In conclusion, the Strength Finder Assessment report, and the MAPP Assessment report
were extremely, informative, in regard to assisting me in comprehending my personal,
strengthens, and what motivates me to perform in different ways. The reports indicated strengths,
and interest that I was familiar with, as well as introduced, new interests, motivations, and
preferences that I wasnt aware of. Overall, I felt that the reports were accurate, and I was able to
utilize that information, in an attempt to determine if my career choice would be suitable, based
on these factors. Becoming a fundraiser is a career goal, of mine, and I believe that my personal,
strengths, motivations, interests, and preferences are well-adapted, for this career path. Besides,
lacking, adequate fundraising experience, and preferring to work, independently, I believe that I
will be successful, as I navigate through this career. My goal is to gain the experience, and
eventually become a Certified Fund-Raising Executive.

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References
United States Department of Labor,. (2015). Fundraisers: occupational outlook handbook.
Bls.gov. Retrieved 18 November 2015, from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-andfinancial/fundraisers.htm#tab-2