Motivator Edition

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Career Interest Survey: Motivator Edition

Explore Your Future With Motivators

Your motivators are what give you energy and guide what you enjoy doing, such as helping people, learning new things, or being creative. They help explain why some careers or activities feel exciting to you.

This activity connects what motivates you to find real-world careers through Advance CTE’s National Career Clusters^® Framework, helping you explore paths where you will feel engaged and fulfilled.

As you go through the survey, think about what kinds of things give you energy and purpose. Your answers will help you discover Career Clusters and career pathways that excite you for your future!

Instructions

For each sentence, decide if it sounds like you and choose a number from the list below:

● Not like me = 0

● Sometimes like me = 1

● Very much like me = 2

💡 Theoretical – I like learning and figuring things out

For each statement, enter a number:

0 = Not like me
1 = Sometimes like me
2 = Very much like me

I like asking “why?” and learning new things

Please enter a number less than or equal to 2.

I enjoy science

Please enter a number less than or equal to 2.

I like to figure out how things work

Please enter a number less than or equal to 2.

I enjoy doing research or experiments

Please enter a number less than or equal to 2.

I think it’s fun to explore new ideas

Please enter a number less than or equal to 2.

Total for Theoretical

Please enter a number less than or equal to 10.

⚙️ Utilitarian – I like getting things done and solving real-world problems

For each statement, enter a number:

0 = Not like me
1 = Sometimes like me
2 = Very much like me

I like fixing or building things

Please enter a number less than or equal to 2.

I care about results and getting things done

Please enter a number less than or equal to 2.

I like figuring out faster or better ways to do tasks

Please enter a number less than or equal to 2.

I like receiving a physical reward for my work

Please enter a number less than or equal to 2.

I like finding smart ways to save money and resources

Please enter a number from 0 to 2.

Total for Utilitarian

Please enter a number from 0 to 10.

👥 Social – I like helping and working with people

For each statement, enter a number:

0 = Not like me
1 = Sometimes like me
2 = Very much like me

I get involved when people need support

Please enter a number less than or equal to 2.

I feel good when I can be kind or helpful

Please enter a number less than or equal to 2.

I get energized by working with others

Please enter a number less than or equal to 2.

I like helping friends with problems

Please enter a number less than or equal to 2.

I want to make a difference for others

Please enter a number less than or equal to 2.

Total for Social

Please enter a number less than or equal to 10.

🎨 Aesthetic – I like being creative and making things look their best

For each statement, enter a number:

0 = Not like me
1 = Sometimes like me
2 = Very much like me

I love art, music, fashion, or design

Please enter a number less than or equal to 2.

I think being creative is really important

Please enter a number less than or equal to 2.

I feel good making things beautiful

Please enter a number less than or equal to 2.

I feel impacted by my surroundings

Please enter a number less than or equal to 2.

I enjoy balance and harmony

Please enter a number less than or equal to 2.

Total for Aesthetic

Please enter a number less than or equal to 10.

📍 Individualistic – I like being in charge or doing my own thing

For each statement, enter a number:

0 = Not like me
1 = Sometimes like me
2 = Very much like me

I like to lead a group or a project

I like it when people recognize or praise my work

I enjoy starting new tasks

I like having the freedom to make my own choices

I enjoy competing or standing out

Total for Individualistic

Please enter a number less than or equal to 10.

📋 Traditional – I care about values, beliefs, and doing what feels right

For each statement, enter a number:

0 = Not like me
1 = Sometimes like me
2 = Very much like me

I feel better when I know the rules

I like doing things that match my values or beliefs

I care deeply about family, culture, or faith

I respect rules and traditions

I prefer doing things the “right” way

Total for Traditional

Please enter a number less than or equal to 10.

My Top Motivators

Review your results and list your top motivators below.

💡 Theoretical

⚙️ Utilitarian

👥 Social

🎨 Aesthetic

📍 Individualistic

📋 Traditional

Top Motivator #1

Top Motivator #2

Optional: add a 3rd if tied

💬 Your top two motivators are key to feeling happy in your life and future jobs. Every Career Cluster values all motivators, but some tend to emphasize certain ones more.

🎯 Now that you’ve picked your top motivators… What is next?

Learn more about your top two motivators. Look at the chart below for a short description of each motivator to learn what it means and why it matters in a future career. What words resonate most with you and your career interests?
Scroll to explore the Career Clusters. You’ll find out which Clusters align most with your motivators — these are great starting points for discovering careers that match who you are. List your top three Clusters below. Your instructor has more information about which Sub-Clusters in each Cluster might also connect!
Make your own career exploration plan. Based on your motivators, pick a few Clusters, Sub-Clusters, or careers you’re excited to learn more about. This is your chance to start building a path that fits you.
Want to go further? Talk to your school counselor or career advisor to find out how your top Career Clusters connect to programs, classes, career pathways and other opportunities offered at your school or institution.

Motivator Key

🔑

Motivator Key

Each motivator describes what energizes a person — the “why” behind their interests.

💡

Theoretical

You’re naturally curious. You enjoy learning new things, asking questions, and figuring out how the world works.

⚙️

Utilitarian

You like being practical and getting things done as fast as possible. You enjoy building, selling, or fixing things — especially when it leads to real results.

👥

Social

You care about people and making a difference. You want to help others, bring people together, and improve your school or community.

🎨

Aesthetic

You care about how things look, feel, and fit together. You like when things are in balance or harmony, and you enjoy beauty, meaning, or creativity in your own way.

📍

Individualistic

You like having choices, freedom, and leadership. You enjoy sharing your ideas, doing things your own way, and being noticed for what you do—whether it’s recognition or standing out.

📋

Traditional

You care about honoring your values, beliefs, or traditions. You like structure, order, and knowing what to expect. You feel good when things are done the right way and with respect.

Which three Career Clusters best align with your top motivators?

Cluster Name	Cluster Grouping	Top Motivators
Digital Technology*Modernizing industries and connecting communities	Connecting & Supporting Success	Theoretical, Utilitarian
Management & Entrepreneurship*Driving business success across all industries		Individualistic, Utilitarian, Social
Marketing & Sales*Improving communication & connections		Aesthetic, Individualistic, Utilitarian
Advanced ManufacturingEngineering and producing tomorrow's solutions	Building & Moving	Utilitarian, Theoretical
ConstructionBuilding futures and pioneering sustainable horizons		Utilitarian, Individualistic, Traditional
Supply Chain & TransportationDriving efficiency and streamlining tomorrow's transport		Utilitarian, Traditional, Theoretical
EducationTransforming lives and enriching futures through lifelong learning	Caring for Communities	Social, Theoretical
Healthcare & Human ServicesSupporting the whole health of individuals, families, and communities		Social, Theoretical
Public Service & SafetyShaping, serving, and protecting our communities		Traditional, Social
Arts, Entertainment, & DesignInspiring creativity, innovation, and artistry	Creating & Experiencing	Aesthetic, Individualistic
Hospitality, Events, & TourismUnlocking adventures and elevating experiences	Creating & Experiencing	Social, Aesthetic
AgricultureCultivating sustainability and nourishing the world	Cultivating Resources	Traditional, Theoretical, Aesthetic
Energy & Natural ResourcesPowering progress and preserving our planet	Cultivating Resources	Theoretical, Aesthetic, Utilitarian
Financial ServicesEmpowering financial resilience	Investing in the Future	Utilitarian, Individualistic

Career Cluster #1

Career Cluster #2

Career Cluster #3

Last Step!

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