Inventory Your Capabilities

🖊️ Grab a pen and some paper to take notes, or

🔖Save the document to PDF (works for most browsers)

Press Ctrl+P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+P (Mac)
In the print dialog, set the destination/printer to "Save as PDF" or "Microsoft Print to PDF"
Click Save or Print and save the file to your computer.

Instructions: This activity maps your knowledge, skills, and experiences side by side, making it easier to spot the relationships between them and recognize the themes that shape your capabilities. Review and respond to the items below.

Reflection: Think about your previous work, school, volunteer, and even personal experiences. For each role or significant experience, write down what you actually did and/or accomplished in the left-hand column of the inventory template. Don't worry about making it perfect—this is for your eyes only. Try to come up with at least 10 different tasks you completed or activities you accomplished across all your experiences**.**

Examples of activities could include things like:
- Analyzed survey data from 50+ community members
- Planned and executed health fairs for 300+ attendees
- Trained new volunteers on safety protocols at a community organization
- Organized a campus blood drive with 250+ participants
- Planned a family reunion for 50 people across multiple states, managing budget, logistics, and communications
Identify the Skills and Knowledge Behind the Experience: For each activity, ask yourself: What skills did I need to do this well? What knowledge was required?

📌Pro-tip: If you are having trouble describing your skills and knowledge, you can use some of the suggested ideas below.

Example skills:

Technical Skills: Software, research methods, data analysis, grant writing
Communication Skills: Public speaking, writing, multilingual abilities
Interpersonal Skills: Team leadership, conflict resolution, cultural competency
Organizational Skills: Project management, event planning, time management
Analytical Skills: Problem-solving, critical thinking, evaluation

Example knowledge:

Subject Matter Expertise: Epidemiology, health policy, community organizing
Population Knowledge: Working with specific communities
System Knowledge: How healthcare works, government processes
Industry Knowledge: Nonprofit operations, research protocols

Example Inventory
My Experience
What I did or achieved	Skills
What skills are needed to complete it?	Knowledge
What knowledge did I need to complete it?
Analyzed survey data from 50+ community members and provided a report of findings	• Data analysis and interpretation
• Statistical reasoning
• Critical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Report writing
• Data visualization	• Survey methodology
• Statistical analysis techniques
• Data analysis software (Excel, SPSS, etc.)
• Research best practices
• Data privacy and ethics
Planned and executed health fairs for 300+ attendees	• Event planning and coordination
• Project management
• Vendor management
• Budget management
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Team leadership
• Problem-solving under pressure
• Communication with multiple stakeholders	• Health fair regulations and requirements
• Local health resources and providers
• Event permits and insurance<
• Health screening protocols
• Accessibility requirements
• Emergency procedures
• Marketing and promotion strategies

Reflection: Which of these experiences, skills, and/or knowledge stands out? Did you see any recurring themes in the skills or knowledge columns? What were they? Did some skills or knowledge show up more than others? If so, note them below. What capabilities (experience, skills, or knowledge) would you like to gain?
Add your capabilities to your self-study summary

Return to Step 5: Understand Your Capabilities