Post-secondary education is increasingly crucial for individuals looking to stay in-demand in a rapidly evolving workforce. The 2023 Labour Market Outlook for BC showed the province is expected to have almost one million job openings between now and 2033. About 75% of these job openings will require some level of post-secondary education or training.
Choosing a career path or a post-secondary program can feel overwhelming, but a good starting point is by looking at your characteristics, interests, or strengths. Pursuing a career that align with these factors can often contribute to a more fulfilling professional and academic experience.
Let’s dive into the six personality traits and see which areas of study would suit you.
Understanding your traits
Artistic (creators)
You may be artistic if you enjoy expression through forms, such as acting, music, art, and design. You like creativity in your work, are free-spirited, and don’t want to follow a set of rules. You’re able to see things from a different perspective and come up with innovative ideas.
You steer clear of mundane tasks and prefer a career that allows for artistic expression, flexibility, and independence.
If you identify as artistic and want to create a better tomorrow, many programs in the School of Business and Media could be a fit for you – ranging from Graphic Design to Broadcast and Media Communications, to Digital Arts, Media and Design, and more.
Methodical (organizers)
You may be methodical if you are organized and accurate. You like to follow set procedures and routines, are detail-oriented, have high standards and excellent time management, and work best with data.
You’ll thrive in a work environment that is structured, stable, and predictable.
If you identify as methodical and want to shape the future of industries, explore programs in Operations Management, Accounting, Finance, and Insurance, or even a transportation-related career through programs in the School of Transportation, such as those in Aerospace, Railway, or Marine.
Self-starter (persuaders)
If you like taking the lead, persuading people, and starting new projects, you are likely a self-starter. You are adventurous, energetic, and confident. You like to take action, make decisions, and socialize with others, and are known for your positive energy.
Choose a career that is sociable and allows you to take risks and use your leadership and persuasion skills for good.
Explore programs in Business Administration to develop the leadership and management skills to manage employees, improve organizational efficiencies, or to implement strategic decisions. You can also explore Applied and Natural Sciences programs from the School of Energy or the School of Construction and the Environment to discover how you can make a difference in finding new approaches to solve complex issues that affect our community, industries, and environment.
Investigative (thinkers)
If you like work that involves ideas and introspective thought, you fit the trait of an investigative type. You are analytical and logical and like searching for facts, problem solving, and doing things that involve theory, science, and math.
Choose a career that allows you to work analytically and independently, while researching and innovating to solve problems.
Engineering as well as Cybersecurity and Computing programs from the School of Computing and Academic Studies are often considered fields for the investigative personality type due to its emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills. Engineers and computing professionals are ground breakers who find creative solutions to complex problems across a range of industries – you’ll make things faster, smarter, and more economical.
Hands-on (executor)
You are hands-on if you like work that is practical and does not involve paperwork or working closely with others. You are curious and good at activities that require motor coordination, skill, and strength.
Look for a career, such as those in trades, that allows you to work independently and also within a team to solve practical, hands-on problems that often involve using tools, machinery, or mechanical equipment.
Social (altruist)
And finally, you may be a social personality type if you like working with others and helping them learn and grow. You are empathetic, friendly, and thoughtful and enjoy connecting and building close relationships with others.
Find a career that allows you to help others and be a team player. Many programs in the School of Health Sciences, as well as those in Forensic Health Science would be a fit for the social personality type. Healthcare professionals are at the heart of our communities – improving the quality of life for all and providing care for our most vulnerable.
Individuals with the social trait often find fulfillment in these roles, contributing to the wellbeing of individuals and communities while working as part of a supportive team.
Programs to support a fulfilling career
No matter what area of study you choose, all BCIT programs are practical, hands-on, and industry-focused to ensure you’re equipped with in-demand skills needed to make a difference across industries. BCIT are also job-ready for the workforce with 98%* of degree graduates and 91%* of diploma and certificate graduates employed.
Remember that your personality traits are unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to education. It’s beneficial to choose a program that resonates with who you are, but it’s also important that you take the time to explore BCIT so you can make an informed decision about which program best supports your personal, academic, and professional goals.
SEE MORE: Tips to consider as you start thinking about post-secondary
*Source: BC Student Outcomes, prepared by BC Stats, 2002