Career & Advising Services | Economics Department
Values
Knowledge
Interests
Skills
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.
Dr. John Holland (1919‐
2008) developed a
theory that people’s
interests, values, and
strengths can be
arranged into six basic
categories (personality
traits).
• 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.
REALISTIC
R
I
INVESTIGATIVE
A
Conventional C
E
S
Artistic
Careers:
• Prefer practical, hands‐on
tasks & assignments
• Motivated by an ability to
achieve results
• Like building, repairing,
problem‐solving
• May prefer working
outside conventional
workspaces
Athlete/Trainer
Mechanic
Police Officer
Carpenter
Software Tech
Careers:
• Driven by curiosity
• Like trouble‐shooting
and exploring things
• Drawn towards
abstract problems
• Enjoy intellectual
challenges
• Take a scientific
approach to life
Computer
Programmer
Economist
Psychologist
Biologist/Chemist
Dentist
Careers:
Graphic Designer
Actor/Actress
Musician
Photographer
Architect
Writer
Playwright
• Like being creative
• Motivated by self‐
expression, creativity,
and imagination
• Prefer unstructured
work environments
Careers:
Counselor
Social Worker
Teacher
•
Clergy
Coach
•
Physical
Therapist
Get their energy from
helping people
Enjoy informing, training,
empowering others
Careers:
Sales/PR Rep
Lawyer
• Are drawn toward projects
Journalist
and positions which allow
Financial
them to influence change
Planner
• Like to steer the direction of
Stock Broker
outcomes through assertive,
energetic communication
Manager
Entrepreneur
Careers:
Accountant
Financial
Analyst
Office Manager
Paralegal
Court Reporter
Data Analyst
• Solve problems by
applying rules, laws,
and formulas.
• Are typically well‐
organized, with
attention to detail
• Take an analytical
approach to life
• 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.”)
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?
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?
On the handout provided,
write down your three‐
letter code: ___ ___ ___
R I S
E C R
AE I
etc.
• 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.
• 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