What Do You Like to Do?
Psychologist John Holland developed a well-known classification system that you can use
to organize your thinking about your interests. He believed that most people can categorize
their interests according to six types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social,
Enterprising, and Conventional.
A review of these categories may help you define your strongest areas of vocational interest.
Keep in mind that most jobs and occupations combine aspects of several interest categories
instead of falling under the exclusive domain of any one category.
✔ Realistic: Individuals with realistic interests prefer activities that involve working
with tools, machinery, or animals. They often enjoy working with their hands and
being outdoors. Typical realistic jobs include engineers, machinists, and farmers.
✔ Investigative: Investigative people are usually analytical, methodical, precise,
and curious. They enjoy solving complex mathematical problems, scientific inquiry,
and research. Typical investigative careers include biologists, mathematicians,
research scientists, and physicians.
✔ Artistic: Artistic individuals are often creative, non-conforming, original, and
introspective. They tend to like flexible, unstructured environments that value
innovation and creativity. Typical occupations include artists, writers, designers,
and musicians.
✔ Social: People with social interests enjoy helping and teaching others. They are
often social workers, counselors, teachers, and bartenders.
✔ Enterprising: Enterprising individuals are often drawn to the business world. They
enjoy influencing, persuading, and leading others for the purpose of economic or organizational
gain. Salespeople, attorneys, and managers are often enterprising types.
✔ Conventional: People with conventional interests enjoy working with data and
paper. They are often drawn to jobs or professions with high levels of administrative
activities, such as accountants, secretaries, and administrators.
