Planning your research career (for trainers)

1. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Interests and Personality
Interests are a valid predictor when used in career choice, but
when personality is used with interests this becomes an even
more powerful predictor of suitable occupations.
De Fruyt and Mervielde (1999)

2. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Personality and Personality Trends
Exercise
This pertains to behavioural tendencies and the type of work that
might suit each person. This Personality exercise is based on the
WISER personality model, which consists of five major traits. Each
of the five major factors is made up of sub-factors

3. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Personality
Exercise
Choose one of the two options and score it 1-10 with 10 being
the closest fit to your personality.

4. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Personality
Exercise

5. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Personality
Exercise
WISER – Major Traits
Assertive Willing
I’m not bothered by arguments or conflicts I value getting on well with others
I will not sacrifice my own interests for others I encourage and support others
I can make unpopular decisions if necessary I’m patient with the faults of others
I enjoy competition – like to win I’m generally co-operative

6. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Personality
Exercise
WISER – Major Traits
Self-Contained Influential
I’m reserved I’m extroverted, enjoy being with others
I enjoy alone time Enthusiastic, optimistic & action-oriented
I’ve no problem working alone I like to work with others

7. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Personality
Exercise
WISER – Major Traits
Emotional Steady
Experience emotions strongly – Highs & Lows I’m always relaxed and calm
I can be excitable Pressure doesn’t bother me
I may not like to work under pressure I rarely feel nervous or stressed
High-pressure may result in stress I’m self-assured & level-headed

8. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Personality
Exercise
WISER – Major Traits
Routine Experiencing
I’m comfortable with routine Open to new ideas & ways of thinking
I like to focus on facts I have a good imagination
I like to work in an organised way I’m always looking to try something new

9. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Personality
Exercise
WISER – Major Traits
Carefree Reliable
I am spontaneous I’m always planned and organised
Happy to do things on impulse – snap decisions I set challenging goals
I may not complete tasks in logical steps I can be relied on to complete tasks

10. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Personality
Exercise
WISER – Major Traits
Review the scores that you have allocated to the various
personality traits and list the top-scoring three. In the dialogue
box you may enter any other thoughts or descriptive words that
come to mind.

11. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Personality
Exercise
WISER – How I Work/Interact with Others (I)
Assertive - Willing
Sceptical (cynical) - Trusting (believing)
Rule-Bending (dislike rules) - By the book (follow rules)
Self-Centred (me first) - Altruistic (generous)
Competitive (I want to win) - Co-operative (enjoy groups)
Proud (wants recognition) - Modest (humble)
Opinionated (likes to speak) - Sympathetic (likes to listen)

12. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Personality
Exercise
WISER – How I Work/Interact with Others (II)
Self-Contained - Influential
Reserved (quiet) - Friendly (forward)
Solitary (work alone) - Gregarious (very outgoing)
Yielding (likes quiet life) - Assertive (wants to win)
Easy-going (agreeable) - Active (wants to lead)
Routine-Loving (order) - Excitement (easily bored)
Serious (work is work) - Cheerful (good mood)
Choose your top two characteristics and include other thoughts in the
dialogue box

13. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Personality
Exercise
WISER – How I Like To Work
Carefree (no worries) - Reliable (responsible)
Not Always Sure (hesitant) - Confident (decisive)
Casual (no rush) - Orderly (on time)
Independent (free thinker) - Dutiful (follow orders)
Unmotivated (no interest) - Ambitious (enterprising)
Unrestrained (act first) - Disciplined (think first)
Spontaneous (act on instinct)- Cautious (careful)
Choose your top two characteristics and include other thoughts in the
dialogue box

14. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Personality
Exercise
WISER – Thought Process
How I like to think, make decisions and solve problems
Routine (order) - Experiencing (excitement)
Logical (follow reason) - Imaginative (ask why?)
Practical Interests (doing) - Enjoys Art (feeling or watching)
Detached (unemotional) - Self-Aware (understands people)
Habitual (same routine) - Adventurous (something new)
I Like To Do - I Like To Think
Choose your top two characteristics and include other thoughts in
the dialogue box

15. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Personality
Exercise
WISER – Pressure and Stress
Exploration of how you handle pressure and stress
Emotional - Steady
Anxious (nervous) - Calm (relaxed)
Temperamental(excitable) - Even-Tempered (steady)
Pessimistic (fears worst) - Optimistic (positive)
Self-Conscious (unsure) - Assured (confident)
Extreme (intense) - Moderate (medium)
Vulnerable (not strong) - Robust (resilient)
Choose your top two characteristics and include other thoughts in
the dialogue box

16. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Personality
Exercise
Key Facilitation Points:
• Your Three Strongest Personality Traits (Highest Scores)
• How You Interact With Others (Five words or phrases)
• How You Like To Work (Five words or phrases)
• Decision-making and dealing with stress
• What are your strengths? (Five words or phrases)
• Areas for development?
• Any Motivators Coming To Mind?

17. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Personality
Shadow Side of Personal Characteristics
• We do not always have a clear idea of what our personal
characteristics are
• Although we say we believe in something, this does not always
match what we do – it remains a good intention
that we do not apply in practice
• Pressure and expediency often result in us
compromising as necessary

18. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme
for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 643330
Personality
Points To Consider:
• Part of the process is also getting ideas on how you can
develop yourself or moderate your behaviour in
certain situations to your advantage.
• People rarely change drastically in their personality but
they can stretch themselves and develop. They
can become aware of areas that need
development and compensate appropriately.