2 - Lake Washington Institute of Technology

General Information
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Selecting a Program of Study
Starting a New Career
Deciding which career is best for you can be a very
difficult decision. LWTC’s professional advisors
and counselors are available to help you match
your interests and abilities with the career that fits
you best. The first step in starting your new career
decision process is to take a self-inventory of what is
most important to you. Below are some of the major
things you need to consider:
Your Interests
Your interests play an important role in career
selection. When you enjoy what you do, you increase
your chances for success because you find your work
satisfying and fulfilling
Your Skills and Abilities
Identify what you are good at and then talk to others
about your strengths. Your skills and abilities are the
key to knowing yourself better and making a positive
career decision. When you enter a program that
features your strengths, class work will be easier
for you
Your Work Style
Think about the kind of work structure and the kind
of environment you want to work in. Consider the
amount of responsibility you want and the amount of
stress you can handle. These personal characteristics
affect your career success. Think about whether you
prefer to work alone or with others, be your own
boss, work outdoors, work in a large company or a
small business, or interact with the public.
Your Values
You make all kinds of personal value decisions–
where to live, what to do for entertainment, what
kind of clothes to wear or food to eat. Think about
these choices and by assessing them, you will help
identify the priorities in your life.
Your Lifestyle
The kind of career you choose can influence the
kind of life you live. For example, some health
care workers often work weekends, but they find
the work rewarding and good for their self-esteem
because it fulfills a personal value.
Advising and Counseling Services
The college’s counselors and advisers are available
to offer academic, career, and personal counseling
to students and prospective students. Appointments
are available by calling Student Development at
(425)739-8300. Advising services are also available
online, and at advising@lwtc.edu.
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