CPP Inc., creator of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Strong Interest Inventory Assessment, recently surveyed 87 high school and community college students on the subject of career planning. The results of CPPs iStartStrong survey, published in its report, The Next Generations View: Career and Personal Fulfillment, show that young people today are focusing more on their personal interests and passions and are allowing these pursuits to dictate their education and career choices.

While personal satisfaction may affect an individuals performance on the job, the study suggests that a fulfilling career is actually critical for ones collective success. The report explains, As we struggle to maintain our edge in an increasingly competitive global economy, productivity, innovation, creativity, and overall performanceall of which are directly connected to career satisfactionserve as indicators of our progress.

The survey results acknowledge that the up-and-coming workforce values personal satisfaction ahead of motivations such as money, status, and perks from a future profession. Even in the face of economic woes, these students retain a positive view about procuring a truly enjoyable career. According to the report, students continue to be idealistic in their vision of their future professional endeavors, with 80 percent of survey participants indicating that they believe a career should be something that brings enjoyment and fulfillment to their lives.

A large majority of those surveyed (81 percent) say that they think about their future career either constantly or frequently, though very few participants report having an idea of what they want to do with their education. Knowing what job opportunities are available can be ones greatest hurdle to overcome when choosing a career path. CPP adds that students who took the Strong Interest Inventory Assessment had an increased awareness of career options available to them because the assessment identifies career paths and job options that are in line with ones personal interests. Half of those surveyed say that, knowing their [assessment] results made them more likely to study.