Phase 1: Discovery
1. Self-Discovery
Map your Work Values, Activity Interests, and Skill Levels. Reflection here is the fuel for the rest of the process.
2. AI Synthesis
Translate your DNA into 10–15 specific career paths using deep-linked AI prompts. Refine these results with your instructor.
3. Career Deep Dive
Validate your ideas by researching "Day-in-the-Life" profiles and macro industry trends for your top choices.
4. Making Connections
Move from theory to reality by finding 5 local professionals in Des Moines for shadows or interviews.
❤️ Work Values
Identify the core motivations that drive your career satisfaction. What matters most to you in a job? (Select up to 3)
🎨 Activity Interests
Think about the types of tasks you genuinely enjoy doing. What activities leave you feeling energized rather than drained? (Select up to 3)
🛠️ Skills Confidence
Assess your current comfort level with essential professional skills. Honesty here helps identify growth opportunities.
Phase 2: Career Thesis
Step A: The AI Consultant
Click below to build your custom DNA prompt for ChatGPT.
Sit down with your instructor to discuss which 2–3 job titles from your AI results actually "click" before starting research.
Coming Up in Phase 3: You will transform those job titles into a "Day-in-the-Life" profile and an Industry Deep Dive.
Phase 3: Deep Dive
Deliverable 1: Day-in-the-Life Profile
Open a New Google Doc. Create a snapshot of actual tasks, tools, and challenges.
Morning
8:30 AM: Coffee and "Stand-up" meeting. Team discusses what we coded yesterday and bugs we found.Mid Day
10:30 AM – 2:00 PM: "Deep Work" session. Writing code for a new login screen.Afternoon
3:00 PM: Pair programming. Working with a senior dev to find why the app is crashing on iPhones.Tools
VS Code, GitHub, Jira, Slack.Challenges
Dealing with legacy code and meeting tight sprint deadlines.Deliverable 2: Industry Deep Dive
Open a New Google Doc. Research a major trend changing this specific field.
The Trend
AI models are now analyzing 10,000+ X-rays per minute to flag potential pneumonia before a doctor even sees them.The Impact
Radiologists spend less time "scanning" and more time consulting with patients on complex cases.The Future Skill
You don't just need to know medicine; you need to know how to "verify" and "audit" the AI's suggestions to ensure they are accurate.Tools
EHR Systems, AI-imaging software, Data visualization dashboards.Share your Google Docs with your instructor. Discuss the "Challenges" you found — is this still a path you want to pursue?
Phase 4: Local Connections
🔍 Local Networking List
Find 5 professionals in the Des Moines area in your target field. These become candidates for job shadows or informational interviews.
| Name | Company | Notes / Role |
|---|---|---|
Review your networking list with your instructor. They may have direct contacts at these companies to help you get a foot in the door.