The Holland Code is the name applied to a vocational theory developed by Dr. John Holland. He conducted research, developed theory, and applied practical career interventions to develop career instruments grounded in psychology.
The focus of the six categories of the Holland Code helps the user see how personality and environment influence career choice. The highest occupational interests of an individual are most commonly represented in a two- to three-letter code.
One of the benefits of measuring interests is achieving greater satisfaction in the work environment. The Holland Code can be applied to understanding your interests in multiple settings, including academic, leisure, and career. If you’d like to take the Strong Interest Inventory, which uses the Holland Code, please schedule an appointment with a career counselor by calling 919.660.1050.
1. Career Center
The Holland Code
The Holland Code is the name applied to a vocational theory developed by Dr. John Holland. He
conducted research, developed theory, and applied practical career interventions to develop
career instruments grounded in psychology.
Realistic people
value:
• Making things work
• Common sense
• Bodily strength
• Craftsmanship
• Physical challenge
• Tradition
• Dependability
• Practicality
Realistic’s
best skills are:
• Making/repairing
things
• Problem solving w/
tools/machines
• Mechanical
ingenuity and
dexterity
• Physical
coordination
• Handling
emergencies
Realistic people would like
to learn about:
• Auto mechanics
• Architecture
• Computer science
• Repairing electronic
equipment
• Law enforcement
• Criminal justice
• Physical education
• Coaching
Realistic people like
to work in:
• Engineering firms
• Computer
support services
departments
• Military jobs
• Police and fire
departments
• Greenhouses
• Professional sports
Realistic—The “Doers”
Described as: Reliable | Practical | Thrifty | Persistent | Reserved | Adventurous |
Physically strong | Down-to-earth | Handy | Self-reliant | Well coordinated | Cautious |
Natural | Sensible | Athletic
Basic Interest Scales:
Mechanics and Construction, Computer Hardware and Electronics, Military, Protective Services,
Nature and Agriculture, Athletics
Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 •
Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor • 114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708
The focus of the six categories of the Holland Code helps the user see how personality and environment
influence career choice. The highest occupational interests of an individual are most commonly
represented in a two- to three-letter code.
One of the benefits of measuring interests is achieving greater satisfaction in the work environment. The
Holland Code can be applied to understanding your interests in multiple settings, including academic,
leisure, and career. If you’d like to take the Strong Interest Inventory, which uses the Holland Code, please
schedule an appointment with a career counselor.
2. Contact the Career Center: career-student@studentaffairs.duke.edu • 919-660-1050 • Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor •
114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708
Investigative- The “Thinkers”
Described as: Thoughtful | Intellectual | Independent | Curious |Nonconforming
| Reserved |Insightful |Rational | Analytical | Complex | Self-motivated | Original |
Introspective | Problem focused | Critical
Investigative people
value:
• Knowledge
• New ideas
• Originality
• Independence
• Innovative thinking
• Abstract mental
challenges
• Intelligence
• Academic
achievement
• Intellectual problem
solving
Investigative’s
best skills are:
• Scientific
investigating
• Researching
• Analyzing
• Writing technical
documents
• Performing
mathematics
Investigative people like
to learn about:
• Chemistry
• Astronomy
• Designing
experiments
• Research methods
• Biology
• Physical therapy
• Medical terms
• Math
• Computer science
Investigative people like
to work in:
• Laboratories
• Museums
• Universities
• Hospitals
• Veterinary clinic
• High-tech
environments
Basic Interest Scales:
Science, Research, Medical Science, Mathematics
3. Artistic people
value:
• Beauty
• Aesthetics
• Language
• Creative expression
• Emotions
• Independence
• Intuition
• Change
• Artistic creativity
Artisitic’s
best skills are:
• Creativity
• Imagination
• Verbal-linguistic
• Musical
• Dramatics
Artistic people like
to learn about:
• Architecture
• Photography
• Drawing and
painting
• Theatrical
performance
• Literature
• Foreign languages
• Nutrition
• Cooking
Artistic people like
to work in:
• Photography studios
• Architectural firms
• Theatres
• Music/dance school
• Universities
• Television studios
• Newspapers
• Restaurants
• Catering businesses
Artistic - The “Creators”
Described as: Creative | Independent | Unconventional | Impulsive | Expressive |
Passionate | Free-spirited | Intuitive | Complicated | Intense | Sensitive | Open |
Imaginative | Original | Idealistic
Basic Interest Scales:
Visual Arts and Design, Performing Arts, Writing and Mass Communication, Culinary Arts
Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 • Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor •
114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708
4. Social - The “Helpers”
Described as: Humanistic | Caring | Helpful | Responsible | Tactful | Cooperative | Kind |
Generous | Understanding | Talkative | Insightful | Friendly | Cheerful | Patient |
Idealistic | Warm
Social people
value:
• Communication
• Cooperation
• Consensus
• Relationships
• Community
• Personal growth
• Spirituality
• Trust
• Other’s welfare
• Feelings
Social’s
best skills are:
• Developing
relationships
• Verbal
communication
• Teaching
• Listening
• Understanding
others
Social people like
to learn about:
• Counseling
• Psychology
• Child care
• Education
• Training
• Leadership
• Sociology
• Theology
• Health education
• Nursing
Social people like
to work in:
• Counseling clinics
• Child care centers
• Schools
• Employee training
departments
• Churches, mosques,
or synagogues
• Doctor’s offices and
hospitals
Basic Interest Scales:
Counseling and Helping, Teaching and Education, Human Resources and Training, Social
Sciences, Religion and Spirituality, Health Care Services
Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 • Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor •
114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708
5. Enterprising - The “Persuaders”
Described as: Ambitious | Competitive | Status conscious | Persuasive | Assertive |
Adventuresome | Risk taking | Materialistic | Energetic | Popular | Witty | Sociable |
Talkative | Self-confident | Optimistic | Resilient | Extroverted
Enterprising people
value:
• Influencing others
• Status
• Leadership positions
• Power/authority
• Material possessions
• Financial
remuneration
• Making a profit
• Excitement
• Risk taking
Enterpriser’s
best skills are:
• Public speaking
• Persuading/selling
• Social/interpersonal
interaction
• Leading
• Focusing on
organizational goals
Enterprising people like
to learn about:
• Marketing/sales
• Communications
• Business
management
• International
business
• Finance and
investing
• Political science
• Negotiation
• Public speaking
Enterprising people like
to work in:
• Advertising agencies
• Retail stores
• Auto dealerships
• Real estate firms
• Industrial/
manufacturing
settings
• Their own business
• Political campaigns
• Law firms
Basic Interest Scales:
Marketing and Advertising, Sales, Management, Entrepreneurship, Politics and Public
Speaking, Law
Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 • Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor •
114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708
6. Conventional - The “Organizers”
Described as: Practical | Organized | Conscientious | Persevering | Undemonstrative | Orderly
| Systematic | Careful | Accurate | Precise | Controlled | Efficient | Thrifty | Respectful
Conventional people
value:
• Order
• Accuracy
• Precision
• Predictability
• Stability
• Practicality
• Dependability
• Security
• Organization
Conventional’s
best skills are:
• Organization
• Efficiency
• Patience
• Persistence
• Managing systems/
data
• Mathematics
• Operating computers
Conventional people like
to learn about:
• Time management
• Accounting
• Statistics
• Economics
• Computer science
• Software
development
• Stocks
• Real estate
Investigative people like
to work in:
• Banks
• Accounting offices
• Business schools
• High tech
environments
• Engineering firms
• Investment firms
• Insurance
companies
Basic Interest Scales:
Office Management, Taxes and Accounting, Programming and Information Systems, Finance
and Investing
Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 • Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor •
114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708
All material in this handout comes from Where Do I Go Next? Using Your Strong Results to
Manage Your Career, by Fred Borgen and Judith Grutter, 2005. Published by CPP, Inc.