The document provides information about John Holland's theory of career personalities and the RIASEC model for categorizing interests, values, and skills. It explains that people tend to have preferences across realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, or conventional interests. An activity is described where participants determine their three-letter Holland Code and discuss how it relates to their interests, strengths, and potential careers. Guidance is provided on using the O*Net online tool to further explore career options matching one's Holland Code.

1. Career & Advising Services | Economics Department

2. Skills
Interests
Knowledge Values

3. What are you interested in?
Academic subjects, hobbies, etc.
What do you value?
Family, friendships, working in teams, contributing
to a cause, environmental sustainability, etc.
What are you skilled at doing?
Writing, coming up with good ideas, being detailed
and precise, planning events, making a budget,
running a meeting, encouraging others, etc.

4. Dr. John Holland (1919‐
2008) developed a
theory that people’s
interests, values, and
strengths can be
arranged into six basic
categories (personality
traits).

5. • Each of us has a leaning towards one
trait, with two supporting traits.
• Your combination of these three core
areas is your Holland Code.
• Knowing your Holland
Code can help you find
a career aligns with
your interests, values,
and skills.

6. REALISTIC INVESTIGATIVE
Conventional Artistic
R I
SE
C A

7. • Prefer practical, hands‐on
tasks & assignments
• Motivated by an ability to
achieve results
• Like building, repairing,
problem‐solving
• May prefer working
outside conventional
workspaces
Careers:
Athlete/Trainer
Mechanic
Police Officer
Carpenter
Software Tech

8. • Driven by curiosity
• Like trouble‐shooting
and exploring things
• Drawn towards
abstract problems
• Enjoy intellectual
challenges
• Take a scientific
approach to life
Careers:
Computer
Programmer
Economist
Psychologist
Biologist/Chemist
Dentist

9. • Like being creative
• Motivated by self‐
expression, creativity,
and imagination
• Prefer unstructured
work environments
Careers:
Graphic Designer
Actor/Actress
Musician
Photographer
Architect
Writer
Playwright

10. • Get their energy from
helping people
• Enjoy informing, training,
empowering others
Careers:
Counselor
Social Worker
Teacher
Clergy
Coach
Physical
Therapist

11. • Are drawn toward projects
and positions which allow
them to influence change
• Like to steer the direction of
outcomes through assertive,
energetic communication
Careers:
Sales/PR Rep
Lawyer
Journalist
Financial
Planner
Stock Broker
Manager
Entrepreneur

12. • Solve problems by
applying rules, laws,
and formulas.
• Are typically well‐
organized, with
attention to detail
• Take an analytical
approach to life
Careers:
Accountant
Financial
Analyst
Office Manager
Paralegal
Court Reporter
Data Analyst

14. • You are going to a party to hang out with
people who have similar interests to you.
• Locate each RIASEC letter in the room.
• Gather around the one that best
describes your personality & strengths.
 Discuss: Why did you choose this
as your number one trait?
(e.g. “I chose ARTISTIC because I
like composing music.”)

15. Round 2:
• Everyone leaves for another party.
 Of the groups remaining, pick the next one
you would most enjoy being with, based
on similar interests, values, and strengths.
 Discussion: What kinds of classes
could you take related to the both of
the areas you’ve chosen so far?

16. Round 3:
• Of the groups remaining, which one
would you most enjoy being with?
 Go to that party.
Discussion: What kinds of jobs could
imagine would utilize all three of your
dominant traits?

17. On the handout provided,
write down your three‐
letter code: ___ ___ ___
R I S
E C R
A E I
etc.

18. • Find out about careers that align with your
Holland Code by visiting O*Net:
http://www.onetonline.org/find/descriptor/browse/Interests/
 Select the first of your Holland code traits (i.e. if you are
an “S.I.R.” click “Social”)
 Once you’ve reviewed the career options for the 1st letter
of your Holland Code, select your 2nd trait, then your 3rd.
 This is not an exhaustive list! It is meant to give you
general ideas of how your personality, interests, and
strengths could be applied in the world of work.

24. • List 3 majors or classes that relate to your
Holland Code
• Think of extra‐curricular activities that would
allow you to develop and strengthen the
Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social,
Enterprising, or Conventional side of yourself.
• Think of 3 interesting jobs or career paths
related to your Holland Code