Assessment Tips

Too young for career choice

In theory, the career choice process appears watertight. In practice, it unfolds differently. Research indicates that roughly a third of first-year college students switch fields or drop out entirely. One third of career choices do not pan out. 

There is a lot of discussion about the reasons for this high study dropout rate. One reason is that career choices are made at too young an age. Scientists agree and point out that at a young age, identity is still forming, while the brain is not yet capable of making decisions with such significant long-term consequences. This makes it more difficult for individuals to help make career choices that truly fit who they are and what they want in the long term.

Too old for career choices?

Despite criticism, the occupational choice system remains in place. Calls to raise the age of vocational choice go unanswered. Consequently, entire generations of young people continue to be compelled to make choices they are not prepared for.

As a result, a significant proportion of workers are engaged in jobs that do not bring them happiness. They often remain in these positions because it is all they can do and they rely on the income. Some even begin counting down to retirement several decades in advance. This poses a problem, as dissatisfied employees typically experience lower satisfaction in their personal lives as well. Furthermore, the productivity of unhappy employees is significantly lower than that of their happy counterparts.

A career assessment tool for outplacement helps address this challenge by giving employees clear insight into their interests, motivations and strengths. It supports organizations in guiding people toward roles that fit them better, increasing both job satisfaction and long-term employability.

How a 4-color personality test can help with career choices

Career choice for adults can become clearer with a 4-color personality test. This test helps adults identify their behaviors, strengths, and preferences by categorizing personalities into four colors: red, yellow, green, and blue. Each color shows specific traits and talents. This makes it easier to find careers that match personal strengths and characteristics. The outcome is a well-informed career decision that closely aligns with individual personality types.

Career choice for adults

Although the whole system of career choice in high school seems rather rigid and fixed, you are not stuck with the choices you made at a younger age. After all, you are never too old to learn.

As a P&O professional, you can support employees by having them take a career choice test for adults. This helps the employee find out where his or her heart does lie so that together you can look for a more suitable place. That may be a different position within the organization, or at another company.

Vocational choice tests for adults are available at both vocational level and bachelor/university level. They can be ordered by individuals as well as businesses and organizations.

Because candidates bring more life experience and wisdom, the adult career test can be conducted more efficiently than in high school. The candidate does not have to endure days of assessment or attend endless reflection meetings.

Online career choice for adults

You can take an online career choice test when and where it suits you best. It’s important to choose a test created by experts, rather than one of the many free options available online. TestGroup’s (The Bridge) online career choice test for adults is effective, backed by research, and provides valuable insights. It also includes a 4 colour test, which gives clear insight into personality and behavior. It’s easy and affordable to order and prepare for the test.

The vocational choice test for adults at the vocational education level, developed in collaboration with Utrecht University, assesses interests, competencies, and personal characteristics and aligns these with all vocational education courses and 232 occupations. The vocational choice test for adults at the college level utilizes Schein's career anchors and Holland's RIASEC codes to match the candidate profile with over 200 college and university occupations and all available college courses.

Additionally, a cognitive ability test may be included to assess logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and learning potential. This test offers further insights into a candidate’s abilities and suitability for specific careers, ensuring an even more accurate career match.

Because the vocational choice test uses smart algorithms, AI, and patented normative-ipsative split technology, you will receive a truthful report immediately after submitting the questionnaire that will help you determine your next step.

Ordering The Bridge Career

The Bridge Career can be easily ordered by companies and organizations that want to support employees or candidates in making career decisions. You can order the test per participant or choose your own assessment account on the Bridge Assessment Platform, allowing you to invite candidates yourself and receive reports immediately after completion. After ordering, the test is set up quickly so you can get started right away. This way, you gain fast and professional insight into interests, motivations and career opportunities.