Why Lighthouse Career Exploration?

A lighthouse can symbolize various things, such as overcoming challenges and adversity or guidance.   It is most commonly used to symbolize a way forward and help in navigating through rough waters whether those waters be financial, personal, business or spiritual in nature.

A lighthouse helps ships navigate through the darkness so they will always know what direction they are travelling. 

We want to navigate our clients safely and securely even in the face of adversity and challenge much the same as a lighthouse!

​

What are aptitudes?

Everyone is born with natural abilities– in essence, what you have been hardwired to do quickly, easily, and well, almost effortlessly.  Natural abilities are not influenced by education or experience. By the age of fourteen the natural abilities of each individual have matured enough to be defined and measured.Aptitudes can be considered raw talents – natural abilities waiting to be harnessed and used. It is essential to have your aptitudes objectively assessed as it is only through the process of actually having to perform tasks or skills that you are able to objectively determine which aptitudes you possess. Many times aptitudes are discovered during the assessment process of which the client has been unaware.  People who use their natural abilities often at work, tend to love their work. Whereas if you are not using your natural abilities or using abilities which are not so innate, work is harder and less fulfilling and it is more difficult to be successful in your work and career.

 

Why is it important to know my aptitudes?

Your aptitudes remain relatively stable throughout life, so they are key factors in determining a direction that gives you the greatest satisfaction and success in your work, life, and education choices. Certain careers and classes will come more easily and be a more natural fit for you depending on your pattern of aptitudes. Furthermore, every aptitude creates a need – your aptitudes need to be utilized to avoid a general sense of dissatisfaction. This dissatisfaction often feels like a nagging sense that something is not right or is missing. This often becomes especially apparent in mid-life. It is ideal to determine your aptitudes before making college/university and career decisions

.
Will you tell me the specific career I should have?

Not at all.  But most clients find it helpful however that we are able to narrow the field of potential career choices. This equips them to make the most effective decisions now and in the future about what career paths and university majors are the best fit for them based on their unique pattern of aptitudes, core personality characteristics, interests, and work motivators.

What if I have been diagnosed with a learning disability, can I still benefit from the assessment process?

 As long as an individual is able to read and use a computer with a mouse, they are able to go through the assessment process and get beneficial results. Please let me know your diagnoses in our initial conversation to discuss your specific learning difference, if there are concerns. 
 

Do I need to do anything to prepare to take the assessments?

There is nothing you need to study or do to prepare to take the assessments. Unlike normal tests, these assessments are not a matter of passing or failing. There is no way to do “well” or “poorly” on these assessments; they simply give us objective information. It is important however that you are well rested and that you complete all the aptitude work samples at a time and place where you will not be disturbed. It takes approximately 3 hours to complete (you can break it up into segments) and you complete the battery from the convenience of your own home.  All you need is a computer with sound.

Where will I take the assessments?

We have a short 15 minute discussion with our clients on the phone initially.  Then you will complete the online the assessment on your own computer at the time and place you choose. We will also administer a few smaller assessments during our debrief meeting.

Do you work with clients outside of the Moncton area?

Absolutely.  We work with clients from all across the Canada and beyond. Meetings can be held easily by Skype or phone, if you prefer not to travel to Moncton.
 

How many days does it take to complete the testing? 

It varies, but the majority of my clients complete their testing within two weeks.  (Initial telephone conversation, on-line assessment and debrief either at one of our offices/phone or Skype) The follow up meeting can be held anytime within one year of the feedback meeting either in person, by phone, or by Skype.
 

What days/times do you see clients?

Julie meets with clients in the evenings, Saturday afternoon and most days in July and August.  Betty meets with clients evenings and during the weekdays and Saturdays as well.  Contact Julie at 506-855-4392 or Betty at 506-850-7605.
 

How old do you need to be to go through the assessment process?

The assessment process works best with clients who are at least 15 years old to ensure that their aptitudes can be accurately measured. There is no maximum age.

Is there an ideal age to go through the assessment process?

Since university and college applications occur the first semester of grade 12 we feel the ideal time for an assessment is at the end of grade 10 to the end of grade 11.   In a perfect world, everyone could discover what they are naturally gifted to do before making any college or career decisions. But anytime you are in a period of career decision or transition is the ideal time to go through the assessment process, no matter your age.

Who benefits from going through the assessment process?

Almost everyone can benefit from learning about their uniquely designed pattern of aptitudes, personality type characteristics, interests, and work motivators and how to best utilize their strengths and giftedness. High school and college students seeking direction in making career and college major decisions are a large part of our client base. We also see a large variety of adults at various stages of their careers – they might be dissatisfied with their current job situation, re-entering the workforce after staying home to care for others, curious about other career options, facing a decision about a job offer, transfer, or promotion, or nearing retirement and desire to make the most out of their next season of life.

What do I need to do to get started?

Please visit our current Menu of Services and Prices page to see the options that I offer and schedule your first appointment.

Where can I find the Client Information Form I need to fill out to get started?

You can find all the forms on the Client Information Form page.

Do parents attend the meetings?

We have the initial 15 minute telephone conversation with the student who is being tested.  (Parents can certainly call us to ask questions about our services.  We are more than happy to answer any questions – please don’t ever hesitate to call or email if you’d like to discuss anything.)  The feedback/debrief meet we definitely want at least one parent to attend for clients 25 years of age or younger.

What can I expect during the first 15 minute phone conversation?

We ask a series of questions to gather information to help gain a clearer understanding of the client we are working with.

​

What happens during the feedback meeting?

• A description of how the client learns best.

• An explanation of the client’s natural abilities.

• A description of the type of work and learning environment most conducive to success and satisfaction.

• Types of activities that would be a good fit for the client.

• Types of careers that would match the client’s abilities.

• Types of colleges and universities and alternatives that would be good matches for the student’s abilities.

We essentially go over the results from all your assessments and tie together all the information, including recommendations and a suggested plan of action.   We will also discuss how to research the career paths highlighted from your results and demonstrate how to use several internet sites. 

What happens during the follow up meeting?

The focus of the follow up meeting is to help you process and apply your results to your particular objectives and implement your action plan. Beyond that, the specific focus of the meeting is determined by your objectives. Once you have shared your objectives, I can then structure this meeting in the way that will best meet those goals. 

What if I have any questions after the follow up meeting?

If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call or email. We offer hourly mentoring sessions, if you would like additional assistance.

What is the cost?

See our current Menu of Services and Prices.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Payment options include all major debit/credit cards and checks upon request. Depending on the type of appointment, payment is due upon scheduling or no later than 48 hours prior to the first meeting, unless prior arrangements have been made. Cheques should be made payable to either Julie Campbell or Betty Layden.

 

How can twenty-something adults benefit from Aptitude Testing?

Even though many young adults possess degrees, they are often uncertain of their long-term future. Career coaching can help young adults better understand themselves by taking assessments that look at their abilities, interests and personality. Many twenty some things choose to return to school for another degree or attend a technical college. The question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is typical and appropriate when we are young.  But I’ll contend that it is a very appropriate question as we grow older, as well.

 

Some typical questions parents ask:

 

1.    What are my daughter/son's natural abilities and where can the use them?

2.     Is advanced education, college/university/training the best option?

3.     Does my young adult have a career goal?

4.     With over 40,000 occupational titles to choose from, where do

         you begin?

 

Lighthouse Career Exploration Consultants offer to provide information to help you answer these very difficult questions!

​

​