Interest and talent should be for choosing college major

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Lecturer of Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Airlangga Dr. Wiwin Hendriani S.Psi., M.Si. (Personal Doc.)

UNAIR NEWS – Interest and talent are two things that are often too late to realize. In fact, both should be considered in planning the future, including when choosing a major.

We must understand beforehand that interests and talents are two different things. Talent is defined as potential or special ability, the innate factor that become the strengths and characteristics of an individual.

Meanwhile, interest is related to passion, things that you like or are enthusiastic about. Interest is often identified with a hobby, even though it is different.

According to a lecturer of the Faculty of Psychology (FPsi) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) Dr. Wiwin Hendriani S.Psi., M.Si., when talking about success projections, the composition of interests and talents should be as balanced as possible. Because, she explained, the potential ability without interest, the results will not be optimal to achieve a success.

Vice versa, great interest without sufficient talent will make it difficult for someone when facing big challenges.

“So, talent without interest, it is not optimal for people to achieve career success. Interest without sufficient talent, it will not be optimal as well, ” she explained by telephone on Monday, February 1, 2021. 

Therefore, the lecturer known well as Wiwin added, the process of identifying interests and talents must be carried out as early as possible. There are at least several ways that can be done to find out your interests and talents.

First, talent can be identified by looking at various activities carried out daily. Out of many activities have been done, which areas of activity have consistently produced good results most times. “When we’re good at doing something consistently most times, that’s an indication for talent there,” she explained.

This self-potential, she continued, can be strengthened by asking for opinions from friends who know us well, whether they also see the same thing.

Meanwhile, interest, she said, was shown by a number of reactions that were easier to notice. For example, when we feel at home doing something for a long time, enjoying every process, or having the initiative to continue to explore or seek information about it.

If the interests and talents are realized, then they need to be nurtured. In this case, Wiwin revealed a simple step by keeping a diary of the abilities we have. According to her, it will be very helpful.

Besides, most importantly, talents need to be trained constantly. “Now, to always be aware of every potential we have, these talents need to be written down. Because our memory, including remembering our own condition, are sometimes limited, ” she explained.

Wiwin emphasized that awareness of interests and talents will play a major role in career preparation. Furthermore, plans for the future became more purposeful.

“As long as you are still in this level of education (college level, ed), it is never too late to know yourself. From now on, reflect on the things that make us comfortable, like, and which areas we perform well every day, ” she said. (*)

Author: Erika Eight Novanty

Editor : Binti Q. Masruroh

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