Applies unbiased analysis and evaluation: Last year, we used the Naviance App in Google to research and identify career interests. In Naviance, go to the Self-Discovery section and analyze the results of your Career Cluster Finder in the Self-Discovery section. What is the most important, interesting, or surprising thing you learned about yourself from this activity?
One interesting finding from the Career Cluster Finder assessment was that Manufacturing was one of my highest-scoring categories. This reinforced my awareness of my practical skills and interest in hands-on work, while also showing that Science and Education were lower, aligning with my preference for more direct, tangible problem-solving roles.
Evaluate sources of information for reliability and bias: When doing research, how do you decide if a source is credible (reliable and trustworthy) and objective (factual and unbiased)?
When researching, I determine the credibility of a source by checking its author, publication, and any affiliations it may have. Reliable sources typically come from well-known organizations or academic institutions and are fact-checked. Objectivity is assessed by ensuring the content avoids personal opinions and presents balanced viewpoints.
Willing to adapt to new information and question things: How do you question and adapt to changes in your workplace, school, or in the community?
Adapting to new information means staying open-minded and flexible. In school or work settings, I question processes by analyzing whether they can be improved. For example, if a new tool is introduced in a shop environment, I seek to understand its benefits, test it out, and make suggestions for efficient use based on my hands-on experience.
Innovates: How can you go about making changes to a system that has been in place for a long time?
To make changes to an established system, I start by observing how the current process functions and identifying potential gaps or inefficiencies. I then propose small-scale trials or pilot tests to implement incremental improvements. For instance, in a manufacturing setting, if I notice a repetitive task could be automated, I suggest testing an alternative approach and gather feedback from colleagues.
Makes rational decisions based on applications of evidence and observations: What is more important to you when making an important decision: facts and data, or feelings and opinions? Why?
When making important decisions, I rely more on facts and data rather than feelings and opinions. This approach ensures that decisions are grounded in reality and can be supported by evidence. For instance, in a shop or workplace, using proven metrics to decide on resource allocation helps achieve consistent and positive outcomes.