What do you value in a career? (2024)

Katherine Jamieson<jamies13@msu.edu> and Elyse Baden, Michigan State University Extension -

When you understand what you value most, finding a career and an employer that closely fits your values can increase your job satisfaction and overall happiness.

Finding a career you love is priceless! Too often, people do not take the time to reflect on what is important to them and what they value when choosing a career. We bring our values with us wherever we go. They are an important part of who we are, what we believe, what motivates us and often affects how we conduct and present ourselves to others. According to Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, when you understand what you value most, finding a career and an employer that closely fits your values can increase your job satisfaction and overall happiness.

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Many things can contribute to job satisfaction. According to a 2022 Gallup poll, some of the most important factors that employees consider when choosing a job include pay and benefits, work-life balance, an opportunity to use skills and abilities, job security, office safety policies, and diversity within the workplace.

There are both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators that can make a job more fulfilling. Intrinsic motivation occurs when people engage in tasks or activities that are personally enjoyable. The reward is intangible and comes from within the person. Extrinsic motivators are more tangible rewards and come from an outside source such as a person’s pay or grades.

What internally motivates you in a job or career?

  • Independence: doing things on your own, with little supervision
  • Achievement: ability to accomplish and complete tasks successfully
  • Variety: trying new things and doing different activities
  • Service: helping others or the community
  • Creativity: producing innovative ideas and using your imagination
  • Challenge: taking risks, experimenting, and solving problems
  • Recognition: appreciation for work, advancing in career and being noticed by others

What externally motivates you in a job or career?

  • Compensation, including your pay, medical and retirement benefits
  • Work environment such as the location, hours, and physical space hours
  • Relationships with your co-workers and supervisors

Are you ready to identify your own work values? One free tool you can try is the Work Values Matcher provided by CareerOneStop.org, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development helps to prepare young people for successful futures. For more information or resources on career exploration, workforce preparation, financial education, or youth entrepreneurship, email us at 4-HCareerPrep@anr.msu.edu or follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram or Twitter) by searching 4HCareers.

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What do you value in a career? (2024)

FAQs

What is value in a career? ›

Definition & Meaning. Career values, also sometimes called work values, refer to the personal values that define your professional career and work environment. These values will drive your career progression and will help guide your job search.

What do you value most in terms of your career? ›

Job security: Being able to foster a sense of security and stability within your career can increase job satisfaction and productivity overall. Promotions: The potential for receiving promotions can be highly appealing to professionals seeking career advancement in the long term.

What are values in a profession? ›

Professional values and ethics are beliefs and principles that an individual possesses to guide oneself to evaluate what is right and wrong in a professional environment. In short, it is the imaginary moral line that one would have internally to uphold professional actions.

What do you value most about your work answer? ›

Positive Work Culture and Relationships

We all know how draining full time work can be, but a positive work culture and good relationships can make work much more enjoyable. Employees want to work in a work environment where people are positive and their co-workers are friendly.

What do you value at work? ›

Some people value creativity; others place a premium on salary or contributing. Workplaces are becoming more collaborative, and people are increasingly looking not just for jobs, but for organizations whose values and culture align with their own. Something else to think about is your preferred work style.

What are your top three values? ›

The top three values that many people worldwide share include family, honesty, and respect. Family is often cited as one of the most important values in life because it provides a sense of belonging and security. Having a loving family to turn to can help bring stability, joy, and comfort.

What are top 5 values? ›

Five of the most common and widely known values include integrity, accountability, diligence, perseverance, and discipline. These values can be applied virtually anywhere. They are used in the workplace, in relationships, at schools, and within sports teams.

How do you answer what I value most? ›

Defining Your Values
  • Step 1: Identify the times when you were happiest. ...
  • Step 2: Identify the times when you were most proud. ...
  • Step 3: Identify the times when you were most fulfilled and satisfied. ...
  • Step 4: Determine your top values, based on your experiences of happiness, pride, and fulfillment.

What is most important in a career? ›

Perhaps the number one thing you need to do is intentionally develop skills—both essential soft skills and specific technical skills—that will serve you in the future. And seek out ways to continually build skills throughout your career. Skill stagnation will be the enemy.

What are the five professional values? ›

  • Team working.
  • Honesty.
  • Respect.
  • Confidentiality.
  • Communication and presentation.

What are my three core values? ›

Transparency, self-discipline, and trustworthiness may be some core values that make up your personal values system. When faced with difficult conversations or challenging projects, these are the values you lean into. And you may expect the same set of values from your coworkers and friends.

How do you answer what are your professional values? ›

Take some time to reflect on your personal values and what matters most to you in both your personal and professional life. Consider principles such as integrity, honesty, respect, empathy, teamwork, innovation, continuous learning, and making a positive impact on others.

What is the thing you value most in your profession or work? ›

Employee Well-Being

Not only that, but employee well-being and mental health were the single most important employee experience factor, according to respondents.

What do employers value most? ›

Top 5 Skills Employers Look For
  • Critical thinking and problem solving.
  • Teamwork and collaboration.
  • Professionalism and strong work ethic.
  • Oral and written communications skills.
  • Leadership.

What are your career aspirations? ›

Career aspirations are long-term hopes and ambitions. People develop them based on their experiences, including talents, values, lifestyle, and more. Examples of career aspirations might include: Working in an industry that you're passionate about.

What is the meaning of value in job? ›

Job value refers to the importance or worth that individuals attribute to their work. It encompasses factors such as financial benefits, opportunities for development, job satisfaction, and recognition from others.

How do you show value in a job? ›

Promote Yourself: 7 Ways to Show Your Value at Work
  1. 1 Sharing your progress is part of being a good employee. ...
  2. 2 Help your manager help you. ...
  3. 3 Link your accomplishments to a larger purpose. ...
  4. 4 Focus on quantifiable outcomes. ...
  5. 5 Build a network and become an indispensable resource. ...
  6. 6 Get noticed through enthusiasm.

Why is value important in a job? ›

Work values can act as a strong compass for professional and personal development. Identifying what has relevance, purpose, and meaning for you in your career journey is important. Intrinsic Work values are the core principles that motivate and engage you in your job.

How can I add value to my career? ›

8 Ways to Add Value at Work
  1. Know What You Do Best. As an employee, you want to understand what you do best and hone in on it. ...
  2. Meet (and Exceed) Expectations. ...
  3. Identify and Solve Problems. ...
  4. Focus on Results. ...
  5. Work to Improve the Bottom Line. ...
  6. Improve Technical & Interpersonal Skills. ...
  7. Take Initiative. ...
  8. Focus on Your Reputation.
Apr 10, 2023

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