1. Describe one of your strengths What is something you have learned to do well (list a skill)?
As a journalist, I learned very how to conduct interviews with people from all walks of life and ask the right questions to get the information needed for compelling visual storytelling. I learned how to request and disseminate information via email, phone call, social media and on live TV broadcasts.
What is something you know about (list some knowledge/expertise you have)?
20th century history, British and American literature, current international events, the US immigration system, broadcast journalism and live newscasts, cinema...
What is something you have a natural ability to do well (list a talent)?
I am articulate and I write well. Writing is a craft that I feel has always come most naturally to me. I enjoy writing and I take a lot of pride in my prowess as I writer. I see coding as an opportunity to learn a new language with which to test and expand my skill as a writer.
How could you combine these to describe a specific strength?
I think the central theme here is communication. My strength is effective communication. That's certainly been a central theme in how I have marketed myself in previous job hunts. Although it's a 'soft skill' communication is a valuable strength that's applicable in any industry, and I think effective communication is harder than many people realize.
2. Read through your Top 4 results from Pairin
- In your own words, what do these top 4 qualities tell you about yourself?
- Do they resonate with you? Why/why not?
- How do they relate to the strength you wrote about in Prompt #1?
My Pairin results definitely resonated closely with me. I think these qualities describe me as someone who is introspective, philosophical, empathetic and fair. These are all traits that I deeply value and try to embody every day. Here are a few phrases from the results that stood out most to me:
"They like to picture both past and future scenarios"
"Sensitive and introspective... They are unassuming, reserved and eager to avoid conflict. They tend to be harder on themselves that most people."
"They listen attentively and can grasp subtle feelings, motives and perspectives even those of people from diverse backgrounds or cultures."
I don't think these attributes necessarily point to my strength as a communicator, but they do indicate that I'm someone who likes to think about the bigger picture - how different things fit in with the broader context of the world and its history. Perhaps that is a strength in and of itself.
3. Challenges with strengths What can make it challenging to recognize your strengths? How can you work through those challenges?
According to my results from the Pairin Test, I am someone who tends "to be harder on themselves than most people." Like many people, I think I have a tendency to diminish my strengths and achievements while magnifying my failures or flaws. It's important to realize that your perspective on yourself, like your perspective on anything, can be very skewed. You have to look at the world fairly and objectively, and that includes introspection.
Do you ever see yourself overusing certain strengths? In what circumstances would you want to use them less and amplify other strengths? How could you adjust your approach in those instances?
I think one of my strengths is an ability to work independently and persist through challenges. I like to try and find solutions on my own without seeking assistance or guidance from others. Often this helps me learn and grow, and it gives me a stronger sense of personal achievement. But overusing this strength can also lead to inefficient use of time. Getting help from others can help resolve issues much faster and it's just as important to learn from others as it is to learn independently. If I'm spending too long or exerting too much energy on solving a problem, I need to use my strength as a communicator to quickly and clearly describe the issue to teammates so they can help me out.
4. Strengths in action Write 1-2 sentences describing how you like to work (i.e., Do you pre-plan? Do you talk through your ideas first? Do you work better with deadlines? How do you stay organized?)
- How could you describe these working preferences to your project teammates? Your mentor? Your instructors?
- What would you need to be aware of when working with people who have different strengths from you?
- could your Pairin results help you better understand your everyday working preferences?
I prefer working on my own in quiet environments rather than in group settings. I find that I have an easier time sizing up a task or developing a probelm solving strategy when I'm alone and able to think more clearly. I stay organized by writing to-do lists, or even just scribbling some random ideas down on a page and then organizing them into a more concrete action plan or outline. Once I've been able to tackle a task on my own, then I feel adequately prepared to share my experience with teammates or ask my teammates more informed questions. My Pairin results reflect this, as they accurately describe me as a reserved person.
I need to keep aware that other people prefer to work in a team environment, and I need to maintain an appreciation for the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Being able to function as a member of a team is just as important as being able to work independently.
5. Continued growth
- Is there any particular strength you'd like to sharpen while you're at Turing? Any area you consider a weakness that you'd like to strengthen?
- What are some steps you could take here?
- How could you be aware of progress you're making?
I would say networking is a major professional skill that I need to improve upon. I think my mentor will be a valuable resource in helping me build my networking skills, especially in the specific context of the tech industry. I'll know I'm successfully improving my networking skills when I start making more professional contacts on a regular basis. This is definitely something that's outside of my comfort zone, so it will require a lot of intention and effort on my part. But I really want to be as proactive as possible with my job search.