Do you know which kinds of careers are of most interest to you? Answering this question with confidence is a great first step towards career planning. If you are unsure of the answer, start the process of self-assessment with a careers interest questionnaire
The Career Interests Inventory developed by Team Focus builds Holland, a distinguished psychologist who developed a theory of career choice that dominates to the theory and research of career counselling to this day
According to Hollands’ theory of career choice is that people can be described a combination of six types (abbreviated RIASEC) which can be described as the person’s individual “interest code”:
- Realistic
- Investigative
- Artistic
- Social
- Enterprising
- Conventional
Take the Careers Interest Inventory and receive a confidential, individualised report.
Hollands’ core theory is that people can be described a combination of six types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional (abbreviated RIASEC) which can be described as the person’s individual “interest code”. A Holland code (typically the first letters of the three RIASEC types the person most resembles) uses the rank ordering of all six types to describe individuals.
Likewise, work environments can be categorized by their resemblance to the RIASEC types, and Holland codes are often used to describe them as well. Two of the most important assertions of Holland’s extensive research are that (Holland, 1997):
- Individuals search for and enter work environments that allow them to take on problems and roles that align with their interest codes.
- The degree of “fit” between an individual’s interest code and the work environment can determine their level of performance and job satisfaction.
The following table outlines Holland’s interest framework, as described by the O*Net Program, the primary source of careers information in the United States, funded by the US Dept. of Labour (O*Net have integrated Holland’s codes into their system of standard classification of occupational roles).
The table outlines the kind of work associated with each interest type. Most people have a combination of preferred interest types which can be grouped together by the associated letters in order of preference, forming a personalised interest code. For example, a person whose first interest is Investigative, second is Social and third is Conventional would have an interest code of “ISC”.
| Holland’s Interest Type |
Likely to enjoy work that involves … |
O*Net Definition of Types |
| R - Realistic |
“Doing and Implementing” |
Realistic careers involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others. |
| I - Investigative |
“Thinking and Analysing” |
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally. |
| A – Artistic |
“Creating and Expressing” |
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules. |
| S – Social |
“Communicating and Helping” |
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others. |
| E – Enterprising |
“Persuading and Influencing” |
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business. |
| C – Conventional |
“Planning and Organising” |
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow. |
