Schein’s Career Anchors Test

Edgar Schein’s Career Anchors are the fundamental elements individuals prioritise and identify with in their careers. Schein, a renowned organisational psychologist, identified eight career anchors representing a person’s self-concept and what they value in their work.

The Anchor’s Include:

Technical/Functional Competence: Individuals with this anchor are dedicated to becoming highly skilled and knowledgeable in a specific area, valuing expertise and competence.
Managerial Competence: People with a managerial anchor seek to coordinate and organise group efforts, valuing leadership and management roles.
Autonomy/Independence: This anchor represents a preference for working independently and having the freedom to make decisions without constant supervision.
Security/Stability: Those with a security/stability anchor prioritise job security, seeking stable and predictable work environments.
Entrepreneurial Creativity: This anchor reflects a desire to create something new, whether a product, service or an entire business.
Service/Dedication to a Cause: Individuals with this anchor are motivated by a sense of service, often seeking work that aligns with their values and contributes to a cause.
Pure Challenge: This anchor is characterised by a desire for continuous learning, problem-solving, and facing challenging situations.
Lifestyle: People with a lifestyle anchor prioritise achieving a particular lifestyle and work-life balance over other career aspects.

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Schein’s Career Anchors New

Section 1

This section looks at how much precedence you place on Technical Tasks, and activities that require technical competency.

I derive a deep sense of satisfaction from mastering the technical intricacies of my work.

Staying updated on the latest advancements in my field is a regular part of my professional routine.

I feel most fulfilled when I’m able to apply my technical skills to solve complex problems.

Being considered an expert in my field is an important career goal for me.

I prefer roles that allow me to utilize my specialized skills and knowledge.

Continuous learning and improvement in my technical abilities are essential for my professional growth.

I enjoy sharing my technical knowledge with others, helping them understand and apply complex concepts.

Recognition for my technical competence is a significant motivator in my professional life.

I find joy in the precision and accuracy of my work, ensuring it meets the highest technical standards.

I prioritize hands-on technical work over managerial responsibilities in my career choices.

Technical/Functional Competence

Section 2

In this section we will look at your inclination toward managerial positions.

I enjoy coordinating and organizing tasks.

I find satisfaction in managing people and resources.

I have a natural ability to lead and direct projects.

I feel comfortable making decisions that affect a team.

I am effective in handling administrative responsibilities.

I derive fulfilment from overseeing and guiding a team.

I excel in strategic planning and implementation.

I find joy in resolving conflicts and ensuring team cohesion.

I have a knack for setting and achieving organizational goals.

I am skilled at resource allocation and budgeting.

Managerial Competence

Section 3

Now let’s look at how important autonomy and independence is to you when choosing an industry.

I prefer working alone rather than in a team.

I value having control over my work and decisions.

I enjoy the freedom to set my own schedule.

I am motivated by projects where I can work independently.

I prefer jobs that allow for a high degree of autonomy.

I thrive in situations where I can be my own boss.

I find fulfillment in self-directed work.

I prefer making decisions without much external influence.

I value flexibility in choosing my methods and approaches.

I feel most satisfied when I am solely responsible for my work.

Autonomy/Independence

Section 4

Security and Stability can be drivers for some when choosing their future. Let’s find out how much weight you assign to this anchor.

I prioritize job security and stability.

I am risk-averse and prefer low-risk career choices.

Predictability in my career is essential for me.

I find satisfaction in long-term employment.

I prefer established and stable organizations.

I prioritize benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

I am not comfortable with frequent changes or uncertainties.

I value a steady and consistent income.

I seek roles with a clear career progression.

Stability in my work environment is crucial for my well-being.

Security/Stability

Section 5

Now let’s look at your entrepreneurial side.

I enjoy taking risks and pursuing new opportunities.

I find satisfaction in creating and developing new ideas.

I prefer roles that allow for innovation and creativity.

I am comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity.

I enjoy the challenge of starting something new.

I thrive in entrepreneurial environments.

I value the potential for high returns on my efforts.

I am motivated by the opportunity to make a significant impact.

I enjoy exploring unconventional solutions to problems.

I find joy in building something from the ground up.

Entrepreneurial Creativity

Section 6

Let’s assess how much weight you assign to serving a cause.

I find fulfillment in contributing to a meaningful cause.

I am drawn to work that has a positive impact on society.

I prioritize making a difference over financial rewards.

I am dedicated to serving others and helping the community.

I find satisfaction in work that aligns with my values.

I am motivated by a sense of purpose and mission.

I am willing to make sacrifices for a cause I believe in.

I prioritize the greater good over personal gain.

I find joy in contributing to social or environmental causes.

I seek roles that allow me to positively impact the world.

Service/Dedication to a Cause

Section 7

Now let’s check how much you enjoy a challenge.

I am motivated by tasks that require significant effort.

I find satisfaction in tackling complex and difficult problems.

I seek out challenges that test my abilities.

I enjoy pushing myself beyond my comfort zone.

I am motivated by the prospect of overcoming obstacles.

I prefer roles that require continuous learning and growth.

I find fulfillment in achieving tasks that others may find challenging.

I am energized by situations that demand my best efforts.

I enjoy competing against high standards and expectations.

I thrive in environments where success is hard-won.

Pure Challenge

Section 8

Finally to what extent are you driven by lifestyle?

I prioritize a balance between work and personal life.

I value roles that allow flexibility in work hours.

I find satisfaction in jobs that accommodate my lifestyle preferences.

I prioritize having time for personal interests and hobbies.

I enjoy roles that offer remote or flexible working arrangements.

I seek careers that align with my desired lifestyle.

I prioritize well-being and health in my career choices.

I find joy in roles that allow for a relaxed and manageable pace.

I am willing to make career choices that support my preferred lifestyle.

I value a job that complements my personal and family needs.

Lifestyle

If you are human, leave this field blank.

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