Module 4 - Career Planning

Unit 3: Personal Values

Understanding Personal Values

Personal values affect every aspect of our lives; in our careers, they determine the work situations we prefer and find meaningful. If they are not addressed, it is unlikely that we will be satisfied or motivated to stay in the position long.

Values can be defined as principles or qualities that are important to us. Whilst some of our values (such as love, beauty, colour or religion) are not normally related to work, others (such as security, prestige, power and helping others) are vital in determining the kind of career we follow.

Of course, values change; the values that you held as a new graduate may not be the same as those you have in 20 years' time. As a result, our jobs - or even our careers - change too.