Career Coaching for Kristoff Gomes

- Click on the following link for your: Vocational Style & Personality Assessment (VoSPA) - Click on the following link for your: Values Profile Assessment (VaPro) - Click on the following link for your: Mutli-Dimensional Emotional Intelligence Quotient (MEIQ) - Click on the following link for the: List of Questions for Interview Process - Click on the following link for the: O*Net Online Career Research Tool - Click on the following link for the: Emotional Wound First-Aid Kit by John Schurmann

Career Coaching Session #1: Tuesday January 8, 2013

- Kristoff's E-mail address is zippystrike@hotmail.com - Kristoff is currently 17 years old and wants to determine the best career path to take. - He attended secondary school at St. Anthony's College up to Form 5 and took Physics, Chemistry, Biology, IT, Electronics, Math, English. He got three passes because he could not focus on his studies due to family issues at home. - Kristoff's parents divorced 7 years ago when he was just 10 years old, and that affected him a lot. His father would constantly try to get Kristoff to side with him against his mother, which made him feel very confused and angry. His father has a serious anger problem, especially when his sons do not agree with him. His father blames Kristoff's mother for everything that is wrong in his life, including his current low income level, but Kristoff said that his father has worked at the same company for many years, and has not made the effort to improve his income level. He said that because his father comes over every day after work, and stays quite late, he believes that his mother should get a restraining order. - His father's Dad (Kristoff's grandfather) was an angry alcoholic, and so Kristoff's father has taken after to his own Dad, but to a lesser degree. - Kristoff shared that he had an anger problem in primary and secindary school, but he has made a conscious effort not to be unnecessarily angry, which I commended him for. - Kristoff is not very social at this point in his life but is making an effort to socialize more. He believes that the reason for this is that he is afraid to get hurt in relationships because of the poor relationship that he has had with his father over the past 7 years. - He has considered a Career Counseling in order to help people who are not happy in their current jobs, or don't know what career path to choose. - I discussed the results of the VoSPA assessment with Kristoff, specifically her scores in the various categories of Interests, Intelligence Types, Values, and Work Styles. His scores can be reviewed in the report itself. - Here are the careers that the VoSPA assessment recommended for Kristoff and how he rated them in terms of his passion level (1 is no passion and 10 is the highest passion):

Law Clerks (0/10)
Web Developers (6.5/10)
Geodetic Surveyors (8/10)
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers (5/10)
Police Patrol Officer (2/10)
Mediators (7.5/10)
Assessors (5/10)
Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software (9/10)
Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products (4/10)
Credit Analysts (6/10)

- I suggested that Kristoff complete the Values Profile assessment, which he agreed to do. I also suggested at a later session that he should complete the MEIQ assessment, which he also agreed to. - We also discussed Kristoff's physical health and exercise habits, and he used to exercise at home in the past. He would like to take up jogging or walking in the Westmoorings area where it is safer. - We discussed Kristoff's spirituality and he said that he hasn't gone to Church since he did his Confirmation at St. Finbar's a few years ago. This is because his family does not go to Church but he said that he would like to take the initiative and start going back to weekly Mass with or without his family. - Kristiff shared that he would even like to maybe volunteer to assist with the Confirmation program at St. Finbar's which I commended him for, and I mentioned that this might be a good way for him to become more social with people more his age. Acknowledgements from Session #1: - I acknowledged Kristoff for completing the VoSPA assessment on such short notice, and for seeking career guidance in order to get his career path on track instead of just settling for any career. - I also acknowledged Kristoff for being open and honest about his feelings toward his family situation and especially toward his father. I told him that what he has experienced in the past and what he is currently having to deal with in terms of his father's daily visits to their home is very difficult. - I also acknowledged him for desiring to become a continuously improving person, and for wanting to start going back to weekly Mass. Takeaways from Session #1: - Kristoff liked the process of doing the assessment he feels a little clearer about the process of career discovery. Action Plan from Session #1: - Kristoff will review the VoSPA report in more detail and research on the Internet using the O*Net Online Career Research Tool the recommended careers above which he scored 6 or more out of 10, and document his research in this password-protected blog, which are:

Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software (9/10)
Geodetic Surveyors (8/10)
Mediators (7.5/10)
Web Developers (6.5/10)
Credit Analysts (6/10)

- He also agreed to see if any of the careers in the Related section of the O*Net Online website catch his interest, and to put those in the blog as well. - Kristoff also agreed to do the Values Profile assessment. - Kristoff also agreed to read the eBook entitled Emotional Wound First-Aid Kit by John Schurmann, and to start blogging in a private blog about the hurts he has inside from his parents' divorce, and his poor relationship with his father. His new blog can be setup using Wordpress by going to: https://signup.wordpress.com/signup/ - The next session will be scheduled for January 11, 2013 at 2:00 PM.

Career Coaching Session #2: Friday January 11, 2013

- We discussed the results of Kristoff Values Profile assessment. The results below are a summary of Kristoff's top values - those that are most important to him and on which he bases his life decisions and goals. His Core Value is his top value overall. His Work Value is his top value in his professional life, and takes into account aspects like career path, work tasks, and job environment. His Personal Value is his top value in his personal life and reflects issues related to relationships, hobbies, and world view. Top Core Value: Social Values Those who place importance on social values enjoy being helpful, kind and agreeable. They think it's important to try to find the good in everyone, and have faith that if they dig deep enough, they'll find it. They give of themselves, whether on a small scale (e.g. by spending time with a friend in need), or on a global scale (e.g. by volunteering for a human rights organization). In helping others overcome obstacles, people with social values hope to assist them in becoming the best they can be. They are giving and compassionate individuals. Social people likely become passionately angry at signs of social injustice. They enjoy and benefit from being with others, both in their work and personal sphere, and as a result, seek out jobs and activities where this is possible. In times of crisis and change, people with social values are both a source of comfort for their family and friends, and able to be comforted by them as well. Top Personal Value: Social Values For people whose top personal value is social, their interests, hobbies, home life and general attitude will revolve around people. In their free time they seek to be surrounded by those they care about, as relationships in general are very important to them. On a wider scale, they may start social causes or respect and support those people who fight for them. Those with social values have a knack for networking and connecting with others - they simply cannot imagine their lives without the camaraderie of others. While almost anyone would dislike conflict, people with strong social values are particularly affected by it. It bothers them to see others in pain or to see a relationship break apart, and so they will strive to help, heal, and resolve disagreements. Top Work Value: Social Values People for whom social values are important in work settings are happiest and utilize their talents best when their job does some good for mankind, they have contact with people, and/or they do not feel that they are taking advantage of others. People with social values either work or see themselves working in a "helping" profession (e.g. medicine, nursing, teaching, or counseling). Even if they don't, they probably bring a sense of humanity to their position that makes them considerate to fellow employees, employers and clients. They are often very personable colleagues - people may come to them for help and advice, and they are often well-liked. If social people work in a position where they do not have contact with others, either coworkers or the public, they may feel lonely and frustrated, especially if their job doesn't satisfy any other values they may hold. Potential strengths for people with Social Values Individuals with social values tend to be good communicators. They relate well to others and use these skills best in the helping professions, as doctors, teachers, nurses, social workers, counselors, and other careers that involve extensive contact with the community. Not all individuals with social values hold these types of positions but if not, their values probably surface in other aspects of their lives, whether at home or in the community. - I then asked Kristoff what his short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals were, and here were his responses: Short-term Goals (0-1 year)

Get any job so that he can make and save some money.
Try to limit his Dad's visits to once a week instead of once a day
He would like to socialize more.
Go to Confession, weekly Mass, and volunteer as a Confirmation helper

Medium-term Goals (1-5 years)

He would like to move out on his own
He would like to be studying and working in the field of his ideal career
He would like to have deeper friendships
He would like to see his Dad in counseling

Long-term Goals (5-20 years)

He would like to have a small family of his own (wife and children)
He would like to have a stable job in his ideal career
He would like to own his own home
He would like to be spiritually solid
He would like to have strong friendships

- The following careers from the VoSPA and VaPro assessments still interest Kristoff:

Social Worker/Carer Guidance Counselor (9/10)
Mediators (8/10)
Web Developers (6.5/10)
Credit Analysts (6/10)

Acknowledgements from Session #2: - I acknowledged Stefan for completing the VaPro assessment. - I also acknowledged him for wanting to get his spiritual life more on track. Takeaways from Session #2: - Kristoff feels more focussed about his short, medium, and long term goals. - He is now more motivated to find and job, as well as wanting to further his education. Action Plan from Session #2: - Kristoff will try to find a job as soon as possible. - He will try to socialize more. - He wants to work with his mother to try to limit his Dad's visits to their house to once a week. - He would like to go to Confession, weekly Mass, and become a Confirmation helper. - The next session schedule was scheduled for January 15, 2013 at 3:00 PM.

Career Coaching Session #3: Tuesday January 15, 2013

- Kristoff shared his progress on the acion plan from Session #2. Here were his accomplishments, which I highly commended him for:

He broke off from playing video games.
He went to West Mall on Saturday wih a friend instead of staying at home, which Intold him was a great first step to building a better social life, and improving his emotional health.
He also did some excercise in his room as well as going for a walk in Westmoorings with his mother - another great first step toward better physical health.
His mother spoke to his father about limiting his visits to their house to once a week instead of once a day, and if his father does not comply, she will get a restraining order. Again, this will lead to better emotional health for Kristoff.
Kristoff also went to Church on Sunday and even spent some time in the Blessed Sacrament chapel before Mass. Again, I comemended Kristoff for making this effort to improve his spiritual health!
He also tried to go to Confession but did not know the times, so he will make an effort to go either on Thursday or Saturday at 6:00 PM.
He also had his mother contact one of the Confirmation coordinators at St. Finbar's to offer his time to be a volunteer in this year's program. Again, I strongly commended Kristoff for taking this step.
Kristoff also wants to join the hospitality ministry at St. Finbar's.
Kristoff also started a private blog of his own, and he started blogging his thoughts and feelings about his relationship with his father. Again, I strongly commended Kristoff for taking this bold step, as it will tremendously improve his emotional health, and coould lead him one day to write a letter to his father explaining his feelings. Kristoff also shared thay by blogging his feelings, he was starting to feel more able to forgive his father.

- Next Kristoff adjusted his ratings on the careers on his shortlist from the previous session, and these are the careers on his revised shortlist:

Social Worker/Career Guidance Counselor (9/10)
Mediators (8/10)
Web Developers (6.5/10)
Credit Analysts (6/10)

- Next we discussed what action plan items that Kristoff was willing to complete before our next session in a week's time, and these are listed in the Action Plan section below. Acknowledgements from Session #3: - I acknowledged Kristoff for making such great progress on all of his action plan items! Hetook steps to improve his emotional, spiritual, physicsl and mental health. Takeaways from Session #3: - Kristoff feels a little clearer about his career path discovery. - He also feels better about his progress on his physical health. - He is also starting to see improvements inhis spiritual life. - He said that when he first come to see me in session 1, he felt like his emotional health was about a 2/10, but he feels more loke a 7/10. Action Plan from Session #3: - Kristoff is going to start looking for a job in West Mall or Long Circular Mall. - Kristoff is going to look into universities and colleges in Trinidad which offer programs in Web Development, Mediation, Social Work/Counseling. - He also agreed to do the MEIQ assessment before our next session. - The next session was scheduled for January 22, 2013 at 2:00 PM.

Career Coaching Session #4: Tuesday January 22, 2013

- Kristoff shared with me that he started his Confirmation training at St. Finbar's last Saturday, which I congratulated him on. - He also applied for a volunteer position at a Pet shop close to where he lives and he will be starting this coming Friday. For now, he would be working there on Mondays and Fridays. Again, I commended Kristoff for taking the initiative and getting out in the workforce, even if initially on a volunteer basis. - I also took a little time to let Kristoff know how I taught Confirmation classes to the youth in Canada, and I commented on the fact that most Catholic youth stop attending Mass after their Confirmation, which is very sad. We talked about the fact that most youth and even some adults, do not understand how deep the Mass is, and what a precious gift the Eucharist is! It is actually the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ, and there is not a more awesome gift that any human being can receive than the Eucharist! Kristoff appreciated the explanation of the Mass and the Eucharist, and hopes to share this when he assists with teaching the Confirmation students this year. Again I commended Kristoff for this. - Kristoff shared with me that his father came to their house on Monday, against the express wishes of his mother, as they discussed last week that he was only allowed to come once a week on a Sunday. She told him that if he came on Tuesday, that she would get a restraining order. This should bring more peace to their family if their father comes over only once a week, as it may force him to seek counseling for his own emotional issues, and allow Kristoff and Stefan to move on with their lives with less worry and stress. - We then discussed the results of the MEIQ assessment, and his overall score was 121/155, which put him in the 93rd percentile. One observation was noted in his assessment results, which was that the Impression Management score was 40/100. Usually a score for this metric above 30 means that Kristoff might have been trying a little too hard to put his best foot forward, so to speak, instead of answering some of the questions as he felt. This is not for certain but is something to consider when viewing and understanding his overall results. - The following is a summarized version of Kristoff's results, categorized as Strengths, Potential Strengths, and Limitation. Strengths

His overall emotional IQ level is good
He is doing well in the area of Emotional Identification, Perception, and Expression
He is comfortable with emotions in general
He is doing well in the area of Emotional Facilitation of Thought
His approach to problem solving is conducive to resolution
He typically acts in accordance with his values
He has a positive mindset
He is doing well in the area of Emotional Understanding
He is empathetic
He is socially insightful
He performed well on the emotional integration aspect of the test
He is doing well in the area of Emotional Management
He shows good self-control
He shows resilience/hardiness
He possesses healthy coping skills
He is self-motivated
He is driven toward further self-development
He is able to let go/rise above minor issues
He is able/willing to adapt his social skills to the circumstances around him
He is assertive
He has a healthy level of self-esteem
He seems to be quite content
He is able to act independently
He is flexible

Potential Strengths

He possesses some emotional self-awareness
He is somewhat aware of his strengths and weaknesses
He was sometimes able to recognize the emotions depicted on the test
He does not ruminate excessively, which is good, but he also may not give things sufficient thought
He chose some reasonably good forms of resolution for conflict situations on the test
His impulse control is satisfactory
The manner in which he would resolve conflict situations on the test were reasonably effective/healthy
He shows some social responsibility for the wellbeing of others

Limitations

He is not in the habit of setting goals

Acknowledgements from Session #4: - I acknowledged Kristoff for starting his Confirmation training at St. Finbar's and for wanting to give of himself to help younger people preparing for their Confirmation. - I also acknowledged him for getting a volunteer job at a Pet shop as this will get him out into the working world. - I also acknowledged him for completing the MEIQ assessment, and for his good results. Takeaways from Session #4: - Kristoff said that last week he had a day or two where he felt like an 8/10 emotionally, and that things were beginning to turning around for him. Action Plan from Session #4: - Look into universities and colleges in Trinidad which offer programs in Web Development, Mediation, Social Work/Counseling - Kristoff agreed to review the MEIQ report in more detail, and to study the advice given at the end of the report. - He also agreed to start the interview process with professionals in the careers on his shortlist, using the Microsoft Word template that I will provide him with (there is a link to this template at the top of this blog). The professionals that he needs to interview, along with their contact information, are:

Social Worker/Career Guidance Counselor (Anthony Hadeed, 474-1198
Mediator (Anthony Hadeed, 474-1198
Web Developer (Jason Hewko, Skype name jason.hewko, Office 1-416-548-7525 x 170)
Credit Analyst (To be determined)

- The next session was scheduled for February 22, 2013 at 2:00 PM.

Career Coaching Session #5: Friday February 22, 2013

- I asked Kristoff how things were at home now that his father was coming over less frequently. He said that things are better than before and are less stressful when his father was not at home. He shared that his father comes over three times during the week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) to exercise and stays from 4:00 PM until around 6:00 PM. On Sundays, he comes over and stays the entire day. - Kristoff shared that he was socializing more and feels good about this aspect of his life, which I commended him for. - He is still going to Sunday Mass and is still helping with the Confirmation program at St. Finbar's parish, which I commended him for. - I asked Kristoff about the Pet shop that he was going to volunteer at, and he said that he will either give them a call or simply drop in. - He also shared that he would like to start looking for jobs in the malls, such as West Mall, which I commended him for. - He shared that he wants to go to bed earlier and get up in the weekday mornings around 7:00 AM so that he can hold a steady job, which I again commended him for. - Kristoff said that he was going to try out for a modelling contest at Fatima College on the coming weekend. - He also shared that his mother is considering migrating to the US in a few years, either to Hawaii or to Florida. He said that he visited his uncle (his mother's brother) in Hawaii two years ago and really liked it. The only drawback he said is that the cost of living in Hawaii is high. - We then discussed the careers on Kristoff's current shortlist and he said that the career of Web Developer appeals to him the least. He rated the following remaining two careers:

Social Worker (9/10)
Mediator (9/10)

- Kristiff said that he would look into Universities and even online ones for careers in the above two fields, which I commended him for. For example, there is a Social Work Program at Colorado University: www.ssw.cahs.colostate.edu/ - Kristoff also shared that he will look into taking SAT courses in preparation to writing his SAT exams, again which I commended him for. - He also shared that he is continuing to do some exercise at home, which is really good. Acknowledgements from Session #5: - I acknowledged Kristoff for socializing more and for starting to take his spiritual life more seriously by going to Mass and volunteering in the Confirmation program. - I also acknowledged him for wanting to get up earlier so that he could volunteer at the Pet shop and look for jobs at the malls. - I also acknowledged him for wanting to take the initiative for doing well on the SAT exams. - I also acknowledged him for keeping up his exercise routine. - Finally I acknowledged Kristoff for being so diligent in coming to these five Career Coaching sessions and for doing most of the items on each action plan. He assured him that he has been one of my most coachable clients!! Takeaways from Session #5: - Kristoff feels good about his family life and spirituality being better. - He also feels better about his possible career path in either social work or mediation, as he really feels a calling to help others. Action Plan from Session #5: - Kristoff agreed to try volunteering at the Pet shop and to look for a job in one of the malls. - He also agreed to go to bed earlier and to try to get up at 7:00 AM on weekday mornings. - He said that he will look into Universities and even online ones for programs in social work and mediation. For example, there is a Social Work Program at Colorado University: www.ssw.cahs.colostate.edu/ - He agreed to look into taking SAT courses in preparation for writing his SAT exams. - The next session can be scheduled by Kristoff and his mother in approximately two to three months from now.

Protected: Career Coaching 9UYC9XAz