For Use in Career Coaching, Talent Development, and Workforce Guidance
The Career Path assessment supports individuals in understanding their preferred and avoided work environments, activities, and motivational patterns. It combines data from two core systems: Occupational Activity Groupings (OAGs) and Global Interest Areas (GIAs). These insights help guide career planning, role alignment, and development conversations. The following language guidelines promote ethical, empowering, and psychologically sound use of the Career Path results.
1. Focus on Preference and Avoidance, Not Capability
Guideline:
Career Path results highlight what energizes or drains individuals—not what they are capable of doing. Avoid linking scores to ability or potential performance.
Preferred Language:
“This person prefers working in nature-focused environments and tends to avoid high-pressure, bureaucratic roles.”
Avoid:
“This person isn’t suited for business.”
2. Treat OAGs as Activity Patterns, Not Job Titles
Guideline:
OAGs represent clusters of activities and environments—not specific careers. Avoid using them to prescribe job titles.
Preferred Language:
“The Mechanical OAG indicates comfort with hands-on problem-solving and tool use—common in roles like repair, engineering, or skilled trades.”
Avoid:
“You should be a mechanic.”
3. Reflect Both Preference and Avoidance as Equal Contributors
Guideline:
Avoidance is just as important as preference in determining career fit. Use balanced language that highlights both.
Preferred Language:
“While they are energized by creative work, they strongly avoid ambiguity and unstructured environments, suggesting the need for creative roles with clear expectations.”
Avoid:
“They’re creative, so any art-related job will be great.”
4. Recognize the Role of Context and Experience
Guideline:
Preferences and avoidances are shaped by life experience, exposure, and individual interpretation. Never assume meaning without asking.
Preferred Language:
“This high avoidance score suggests they’ve had negative experiences in this area, or haven’t yet found enjoyable ways to engage with it.”
Avoid:
“They’re not capable of handling that kind of work.”
5. Frame GIAs as Interest Patterns, Not Personality Types
Guideline:
GIAs reflect broad motivational tendencies—not psychological profiles. Avoid equating GIA results with fixed identity.
Preferred Language:
“Their top GIAs—Social and Realistic—suggest they’re energized by helping others in hands-on, practical roles.”
Avoid:
“They’re a Social type.”
6. Use the Three-Letter GIA Code as a Starting Point, Not a Destination
Guideline:
GIA codes (e.g., RIA, ESC) offer a useful framework for exploration—but should never be used prescriptively.
Preferred Language:
“This combination aligns with roles in health education, outdoor leadership, or coaching—depending on what aspects are most appealing.”
Avoid:
“This code means they should go into education.”
7. Acknowledge Response Style When Interpreting Scores
Guideline:
Scores are ipsative and influenced by the individual’s response patterns. Interpret highs and lows within the person, not across norms.
Preferred Language:
“This 58% may be quite significant for them, given the overall moderate response pattern.”
Avoid:
“Only 58% means they’re not that interested.”
8. Encourage Narrative and Exploration, Not Prescription
Guideline:
Use the results to ask questions and prompt reflection. Never treat Career Path scores as definitive answers.
Preferred Language:
“Which parts of this occupational grouping sound appealing—or not?”
Avoid:
“You should avoid these careers.”
9. Respect Life Stage, Context, and Career Transitions
Guideline:
Individuals’ preferences and career goals evolve. Use language that accommodates growth, shifting priorities, and emerging interests.
Preferred Language:
“These preferences may reflect your current stage—but they can evolve as your context or values change.”
Avoid:
“This is who you are, career-wise.”
10.Integrate Results Across OAGs and GIAs for Holistic Fit
Guideline:
The richest insight comes from combining OAG (what someone wants to do) and GIA (how they want to work). Emphasize the dynamic between activity and interest.
Preferred Language:
“Your top GIA preferences for creativity and interpersonal connection match well with your high OAG preferences in Artistic and Social Involvement—suggesting careers like design, education, or expressive arts therapy.”
Avoid:
“Because you scored high in Artistic, you should be a designer.”