Choosing a career path requires more than just finding a field that has plenty of job opportunities and pays well. You need to find a career that fits well with your interests and personality traits. Find the right match, and you have a better shot at a satisfying and fulfilling career. Choose a field that doesn’t match your personality and you’re setting yourself up for frustration and, most likely, you’ll dread going to work each day.
For those considering a career in human services, which encompasses everything from case management and social work to counseling and community support services, there are particular traits that the most successful workers share. Before you enroll in a human services degree or training program, consider whether you possess the following personality traits and characteristics.
People Person.
By its very nature, working in human services requires interaction with other people on a daily basis. If you prefer socializing to spending time alone, like to talk with people and have the ability to relate to a lot of different people, then you will do well in human services.
Compassion.
Like a Master in Public health, its very nature, working in human services requires interaction with other people on a daily basis. If you prefer socializing to spending time alone, like to talk with people and have the ability to relate to a lot of different people, then you will do well in human services..
Patience.
Human services professionals often encounter difficult situations, and situations in which their clients cannot or will not take necessary steps to improve their situations. You need to have patience, and be willing to explain things multiple times or find alternatives when things don’t work out.
Good judgment and Decision Making Skills.
Working in human services, you may be required to make quick decisions that could significantly affect the lives of your clients. You need to be able to process the information you have available, ask the right questions, and make sound judgments that lead to the best possible outcomes. Discretion is also a key trait of human services professionals. You are privy to a great deal of sensitive information, possibly about people you may know, and it’s important that you have an understanding of confidentiality and the good judgment to share only what is necessary and when appropriate.
Organization.
A human services degree is a growing field, thanks in large part to growing demand for services. However, with increased demand comes increased case loads, and some professionals have to manage dozens of clients or cases. Having the ability to organize and prioritize work keeps things running smoothly, and prevents costly errors.
Strong Communication Skills.
Sometimes in human services you have to deliver information that might be upsetting or difficult to understand. You’ll also be working with a wide range of clients, meaning that your communication skills, both written and verbal, need to be top-notch. At the same time, you also need good listening skills to be successful in human resources.
A Desire to Help Others.
Given that human services work is often challenging, and the earning potential is lower in some areas than some other careers, those who opt to enter the field generally do so because they have a strong desire to help others. The number one job of any human services professional is to help clients with their issue, whether it’s drug abuse or unemployment, and that requires a personal commitment to helping others and finding solutions.
A successful career in human services requires practical skills, skills that vary according to the specialization. For example, rehabilitation counselors need specific training in the psychological aspects of addiction and rehabilitation practice, while case managers have a thorough understanding of laws and regulations in their area. However, those practical skills, as well as skills in planning, negotiation, problem solving and decision making, can be taught in undergraduate and graduate programs. Character traits like patience and gregariousness, though, cannot be taught.
If you feel like your personality is a good fit for human services work, explore some of the career options and programs available. You’ll never regret making a difference in another person’s life.
This guest post article was written and provided by Marissa Krauss. Marissa finished her Bachelor’s degree online this last fall. She is continuing her education by also pursuing her Master’s degree online.
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