Potential Analysis for Students

1. Differences...

between our potential analysis and career orientation tests.

Since 2008, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has funded potential analyses in schools as part of the career orientation programme. These are generally aimed at pupils between the 7th and 8th grade and serve as preparation for a first career orientation internship. The programme aims to encourage pupils to engage with the work world. The programme aims to provide pupils with an initial sense of direction for their future careers.

Minimum Age : potential analysis only available from the age of 15

The potential analysis offered by Toechter und Soehne builds on the initial assessment provided at school. However, as the personalities of young people develop rapidly, diagnostic procedures such as potential analyses only provide results that are valid and relevant for your future from the age of 15. This is why we have an age limit: we only carry out the potential analysis from the age of 15.

Individualized tests tailored to each individual case

Our psychological diagnostics are based on scientifically proven procedures. Our qualified psychologists compile your tests individually for each case. This makes the analysis an important tool for understanding your personality.

2. What exactly...

is the difference between our potential analysis and career orientation tests in schools?

The tests are based on classic skills assessment procedures, in which we check what skills you have, but also include personality tests, which provide a more in-depth analysis of your character. In particular, we look at:

• Your skills: We help you assess your basic intellectual potential and soft skills, defining them in detail. What about your logical thinking, creativity, concentration, and all the other factors that influence your performance? What are you particularly good at? How and where do you differ from others? Your personal intelligence profile provides a foundation on which you can build. How you can best utilise your strengths for personal success depends on other factors.
• Your interests: Most people would say, "I know what I'm interested in." So it's all the more surprising when you realise, after taking a test, how much has been lying dormant. Your interests guide your actions, and you will only be committed to pursuing what really interests you in the long term, whether at work or at university. However, most school leavers are unaware of their true interests or only have a vague idea of them. This is where potential analysis can help provide more clarity and weighting.
• Your personality: Are you empathetic and sensitive, or more pragmatic and fact-oriented? How pronounced is your social orientation? How creative and spontaneous are you? Do you seek out risk or shy away from it? Are you more introverted or extroverted? Does your assertiveness correspond with your will to assert yourself? Are you more of a leader or a follower? Are you practical or analytical? How performance-oriented and resilient are you? What about your openness to new challenges and your competitive spirit? You should consider these and other personality factors when planning your career and studies. Our objective view will help you assess yourself more precisely, enabling you to act accordingly.
• Your work behaviour: Your potential and character traits are gifts that should not go to waste. Imagine this: You know your abilities and recognise your talents. You are motivated, and your interests are clear. Because your potential is pressing into the world, you take action. But are you doing so effectively? Or are you easily distracted? How do you organise and plan the completion of the tasks you set yourself? How good is your time management? How can you stop procrastinating when it comes to learning and performing? Together, we can review your current approach and identify areas for improvement.

3. What can you expect on the day of the test?

On the day of the analysis, you are the most important person. It is important that you come well rested, as the workload is demanding. However, the results will be very exciting. If you open up and are ready to embark on the journey of self-discovery, the day will be a success.
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During the potential analysis, we will create a trusting and pleasant atmosphere in which you can feel comfortable, allowing you to reach your full potential. The mindful discussion also allows for spontaneous questions and the expression of your thoughts and personality.

Parallel to the testing, we start with a continuous evaluation. This allows us to continuously adapt the process to your personal questions during the test day. We not only use standardized and scientifically tested questionnaires, but also supplement them - where appropriate and necessary - with interviews and follow-up questions, closed and open or creative tasks as well as modules from the assessment center area.

4. Support, evaluation and feedback from an experienced psychologist

An experienced psychologist will accompany you during the potential analysis test phase and interpret the results regarding your career and study orientation during the subsequent feedback session. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, we invite you to come to Darmstadt or Bad Soden for a day.

• What kind of pressure will you be under to perform?
• What learning strategies do you use?
• How do your talents and expectations correspond to the realities of your intended course of study or training?

You and your parents will receive feedback from our psychologist on the results of the tests and suitable recommendations in the feedback session, as well as a full written report of the results.

What should I study?

If you would like further advice on your personal study strategy, specific subject choices, or suitable universities, please contact our student counselling service. There, your test results and the recommendations from the potential analysis will be taken into consideration for study guidance.

5. Pupils, students, career starters

Who can benefit from a potential analysis?

Die Potenzialanalyse ist nicht nur für Schüler im Übergang von der Schule zur Ausbildung, zum Studium oder dem Berufseinstieg ein Gewinn. Sie ist auch ideal für alle, die das Gefühl plagt, sich voreilig für einen Berufsweg entschieden zu haben. Mit der Potenzialanalyse lernst Du Dich besser kennen und verschaffst Dir Klarheit darüber, ob der eingeschlagene Berufs- oder Studienweg wirklich zu Dir passt.

The potential analysis is particularly suitable for:

• Pupils about to enter upper school. What will I specialize in? Which advanced courses will I excel in? Should I consider changing schools? Can I already consider a stay abroad, and what benefit could I reap from it?
• A-level students: You will soon have your Abitur, but you still don't know what to do next. Should you pursue vocational training, the dual system, or university? What best matches my strengths, interests, and motivation? How can I make my plans more concrete?
• Students who want to reorient themselves: Many students realize that they made the wrong choice. How does one deal with this? What is the reason for my dissatisfaction? What do I expect from a change? What should I keep in mind when reorienting myself so that it works out this time?
• Career starters who want to make a change: Youths and adults who are already in a job sometimes realize that they need a change or a new challenge. This desire is often associated with uncertainty about one's abilities, goals, and opportunities. Analyzing your potential and defining your goals can help you take a new path with more determination and self-confidence.

6. Let us advise you

We attach great importance to a personal and trusting consultation atmosphere. For each question, we put together an individualized test diagnosis based on scientifically recognized and regularly reviewed procedures. An intensive consultation tailored to your needs will help you to clarify your concerns, regardless of your school grades or your parents’ opinions.

Our experienced psychologist will discuss the course of your individual testing day with you. Parents are cordially invited to the introductory and final talks; during the testing day itself, however, the focus lies exclusively on you and your questions.