191. An Aptitude Test Steered Her to a Career Guiding Others
Jenny Larsen
Jenny Larsen is a master career specialist, global career development facilitator, and owner of 2:10 Consulting, a career coaching practice she founded in 2011 to help individuals find purposeful, satisfying career paths through certified aptitude testing and career development coaching with a holistic approach. She works with clients throughout the U.S., setting them up for success and equipping them to move forward with confidence, so they can live successful lives of purpose and passion.
How Did You Start Using Your Talents?
While raising a son and set of quadruplets, Jenny volunteered at churches and nonprofits, counseling and helping individuals learn about themselves and find work. She met her husband in graduate school and they consciously decided she would be a full-time mom. But through her own mother’s foresight, she had benefited from aptitude testing as a freshman in college, which shaped her academic and career choices, and her volunteer activities.
The Most Impactful Turning Point?
“When I was a freshman in college, I found myself stuck, like so many of my clients today. My Mom had me go for aptitude testing. It had a huge impact on my life, to really understand what my natural abilities were. I changed my major and developed a vision for my future, tweaking it a little along the way. I decided to major in interpersonal and organizational communication, going to graduate school to get my counseling degree.”
The Most Powerful Lessons Learned?
“Nothing is ever perfect. You don’t have to have everything perfect at any particular chapter, but you need to prioritize what’s most important and just move forward. You’ll figure it out as you go along. Build in times for reflection to make sure you’re on track, really operating out of your sweet spot, because that’s what gives your heart joy and passion.”
Steps to Success from Jenny Larsen
1. Set aside time to reflect and be intentional about your life.
2. Get objective help in recognizing what your true gifts are.
3. Prioritize what’s most important.
4. Commit yourself to moving forward, and just move forward.
On Her Bookshelf
Don’t Waste Your Talent: The 8 Critical Steps To Discovering What You Do Best, by Bob McDonald and Don E. Hutcheson
Barbara and Susan’s Guide to the Empty Nest: Discovering New Purpose, Passion, & Your Next Great Adventure, by Barbara Rainey and Susan Yates
Top Tools on Her Browser
https://www.mynextmove.org – My Next Move: What do you want to do for a living?
http://www.bls.gov/ooh – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook
http://www.jobsmadereal.com – Jobs Made Real, Discover Your Career Path, a site by teens for teens
Connecting With Jenny Larsen
jenny.larsen@210consulting.org
Website: www.210consulting.org
Twitter: @210_consulting
Facebook: www.facebook.com/210Consulting.org
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jennylarsen210
Free Gift
Best-Fit Evaluation Checklist, available at her website
Subscribe to the Podcast Free: