As you think about a future career, you might spend a lot of time considering which classes you like most and which you hate—but determining your core values is equally important. In fact, the two go together. Values guide your personal choices, represent what you stand for, and shape how you interact with others. Your values may be influenced by your religious beliefs, but they’re not necessarily equated with them; your values can also impact how you set goals or make decisions, but they are not related to outcomes. Core values may evolve and change over time as you grow as a person, but ideally your values continually align with your actions. Figuring out your main values can help you decide what major to pursue, what clubs to join, and what type of career path to explore.
Take some time to list out what your top three values are. If you aren’t sure, check out your school’s career center or talk to an academic advisor about programs, exercises, or self-assessment resources (like personality tests) that can help you determine what these values are.