You might wonder, “What is the right career for me?” and jump online to find a free career test. Career aptitude tests have been popular for years; however, are career tests for college students still relevant in 2022? The pandemic changed so much. And, can a short career quiz really determine what will bring you lasting fulfillment? Here’s what you need to know.
I will use a career quiz, personality career test, or career aptitude test from time to time with student clients to help with career exposure and validation. The mistake most young people make, however, is relying too heavily on these career quiz results. The bottom line, career tests for college students can be helpful; however, they are only a small part of the career planning process. To feel confident about a career decision, a student needs a lot more information and experience than what a career quiz will provide.
The Best Free Career Tests for College Students
While keeping in mind that personality career tests are career aptitude tests are only a small part of the career planning process, I am happy to share three of my favorite career tests for college students. And, best of all, the resources on this list are FREE!
My Next Move
The My Next Move site has an excellent interest profiler that is free, easy to use, and can be completed in less than 20 minutes. My favorite part about this tool is that the career information comes directly from the U.S. Department of Labor! That means the demand and average wage are up-to-date and from a dependable source.
This site uses Holland’s code to help users identify their strengths and connect those career paths. One can mix up the code combinations to find related career paths. Once you’ve explored careers, you can also see colleges and trade schools that offer career training in those relevant paths. This career quiz is a great resource for people of all ages!
Truity
Truity has several great assessments on its site, but I find the Myers-Briggs style assessment called the TypeFinder one of the most beneficial career tests for college students. I like that this assessment gives you your top three personality scores, and you can choose which one fits you best. Let’s face it, while a computer-generated career quiz can get pretty close to nailing our true traits; they can be slightly off sometimes!
Should you take the TypeFinder career aptitude test, I recommend exploring each of your top three personality matches. You will likely be able to relate with all of them, and the career lists will be helpful!
16 Personalities
If you are looking for a personality career test, 16 Personalities can’t be overlooked! What I like about this career test for college students is the well-rounded report at the end. Not only do you get career information, but you also get information on personal relationships, your skillset, and conflict management! I like to use this career quiz when working with groups of students as it helps facilitate great discussion!
How to Use Results from Career Tests for College Students
Career quiz results are not beneficial if read once and tossed to the side. As you engage in career planning activities, use the information from the career personality test to formulate questions, assess career and job opportunities, and prepare yourself for interviews!
If you are wondering, “What career is right for me?” and want to use the career test results to narrow down your career options, I highly recommend debriefing your results with a professional. While a career test can be helpful, you’ll find much more value if you have a trained professional to help you evaluate the information and assist you with career planning. I offer free consultations and would be happy to discuss your career quiz results! Schedule your free consultation now!
