We all have innate motivations that drive us, though they may operate subconsciously. This semester I had the chance to deeply explore my top motivations through an assessment, and it gave me startling clarity on what energizes me. Finding what energizes us is the key to unlocking personal and professional clarity. Our motivations are the north star that guides us!
Using the Tru Motivate assessment, I found that I am driven to Collaborate. I gain energy from teamwork, fellowship, and realizing shared goals. I enjoy building relationships and community. This explains why I have always been drawn to cooperative projects and group leadership roles. My next motivation ,Establish, reflects my desire to create things with longevity and impact. I want my work to stand the test of time.
My motivations toward Gain Ownership and Excel surprised me at first. I never realized how important recognition, achievement, and “winning” are to me. But it makes sense why I have always been ambitious and driven to go above and beyond expectations. Organize rounds out my top five as the analyzer in me wants to rally people to operate smoothly and effectively.
These innate motivations fuel my professional purpose. I now see that collaborative creating and solution-building are when I feel most vibrant and fulfilled. Whether through civil rights law or developing policy solutions, I want to bring people together around a common cause that establishes positive change.
My career exploration is now less a dart thrown at a random board, but following my inner compass. By matching my motivational DNA with the right work environment, I might be able to unlock my potential to contribute and find fulfillment. Though the journey continues, I feel empowered, focused, and ready to trailblaze. My motivational north star is guiding me on the path that is the most right for me.
The career competency I utilized most as a research intern was critical thinking. This was crucial for making judgments based on housing data analysis to create an effective discrimination survey. For example, I reviewed statistics on eviction rates and legal case outcomes to pinpoint which city districts and demographic groups should be prioritized in my research. These strategic insights based on logical information assessment directed how I tailored different survey sections.
My biggest personal accomplishment this semester relied on critical thinking. I was responsible for developing a mixed-methods housing discrimination survey.
My three key learning objectives were:
Analyze quantitative housing data: I examined trends in housing availability, cost burden, and access across Chicago neighborhoods and racial groups over 5–10 years. I identified areas facing rapid change.
Evaluate qualitative personal accounts: Through academic studies, I understood common discriminatory practices. I also developedspecific survey questions on personal experiences.
Develop effective research methods: Based on my data and literature analysis, I created targeted survey questions covering rental applications, housing purchase, harassment complaints, and more.
I entered this internship extremely nervous as an underclassman without research experience. What surprised me was realizing everyone starts somewhere new — hard skills can be gained. My advice to fellow interns is don’t hesitate to assert yourself and share ideas, no matter your age or background. Ask questions and take initiative on projects. Lastly, don’t get discouraged by roadblocks. With critical thinking, collaboration, and conviction, you can achieve great things. I’m proud of pushing myself further and gaining firsthand exposure to impactful work.