Toolkit P2 - Analogies | Career Compass

Drawing parallels between previous experiences, and work and career opportunities

Εκπαιδευτικό Πρόγραμμα

1-2 hours

Paper, an electronic file, or a whiteboard (or even a wall).
Pens and markers in different colours
Sticky notes

What is this tool and what is its purpose and benefit?

Everyone has a set of skills and strengths that can be applied in different situations. Analogies is a useful tool for identifying the skills, strengths, capacities, competencies, knowledge, attitudes, ways of thinking and behavioural patterns that emerge from everyday life, leisure activities, education, and professional experience, and which can be applied to work and career planning. For example, playing in an orchestra may indicate strong collaborative skills, whereas moving abroad independently could demonstrate greater tolerance of uncertainty, as well as resilience, problem-solving skills and cultural awareness.

Steps for using this tool

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

STEP 5

STEP 6

STEP 7

Decide on the purpose of your analogies and the areas from which you want to draw them for the purposes of your career and skill development. For example, are your analogies drawn from entry-level job roles, hobbies, or positions in another field? Or do they come from skills and competencies in another field? How about drawing analogies from attitudes, personality traits, skills, strengths, capacities, competencies, ways of thinking, behavioural patterns, life events, or personal experiences?

Take a sheet of paper and write two headings on it, depending on your purpose.

On the left, write 'From...' and add the area from which you are drawing the analogy.
On the right, write 'To...' and add the area to which you are drawing the analogy.

Adapt the headings to suit your purpose.

In the left-hand column, list 10–15 essential attributes, such as skills and tasks from previous jobs. You can also use information from other tools at this stage, such as the 'Skills and Competence Board' or the 'Self-Dimension' tool from Phase 1.

In the right-hand column, write how these attributes could be applied in the new context. These attributes could include skills, strengths, capacities, competencies, knowledge, attitudes, ways of thinking and behavioural patterns.

For example:

Take a look at the column on the right. Make any necessary changes or additions and describe in more detail how the attributes can be applied in the new context.

Identify your attributes (skills, strengths, capacities, competencies, knowledge, and attitudes, ways of thinking and behavioural patterns…) to transfer and areas for development from your table.

Discuss your findings with a friend, peer or family member, or revisit them the following day and make any necessary changes.

Tips and hints for using this tool

Take as much time as you need with this tool. You may find it helpful to work on it for a longer period of time, for example one week, because identifying your own skills can take time, as insights may come to you at any moment.
If you feel blocked, ask someone you know about your skills, or go for a walk. A change of perspective can help ideas to surface.
You can also use analogies to identify areas for development.
AI can be used to to explore how your identified skills, strengths, and characteristics might fit different tasks or job roles, or to find out what is required in a specific field.