Holland Code
Holland Codes

Matching Personalities with Majors & Careers

Majors and careers can be clustered into 6 broad interest areas that correspond to 6 different personality types. Based on the research of Dr. John Holland, this clustering system provides a preliminary way to identify undergraduate majors and careers that might be a satisfying fit for you. Because personality, majors, and careers are too complex to be described by a single interest theme, you will see that the lists below have an additional code to more accurately describe majors and careers using a combination of related interests (in order of importance).



REALISTIC

Am I Realistic?

Check off your interests, values, abilities, and qualities to find out.

Interests Values Abilities Qualities
Outdoor activities Few, close friends Athletic ability Stable
Sports activities Practical things Mechanical/Electrical skills Persistent
Hands-on tasks Clear goals Managing tasks Efficient
Tools, machines Showing vs. Telling Common sense Action oriented
Animals, plants Things vs. People Problem solving Reliable
Building things Tradition Working with plants/animals Logical

These are characteristics of the realistic type. Realistic people are aggressive, prefer concrete vs. abstract tasks, and are less sociable and less skilled at interpersonal interactions. They have athletic or mechanical ability and often prefer to work outdoors with objects, machines, tools, plants, or animals. If this sounds like you, read on. If not, try one of the other five interest cluster sheets.

What Majors are Realistic?

  • Aerospace Engineering [I]
  • Aviation
  • Cardiorespiratory Therapy [I, S]
  • Civil Engineering [I]
  • Computer Engineering [C]
  • Computer Science [E]
  • Construction Science [E]
  • Dental Hygiene [S]
  • Electrical Engineering [I]
  • Engineering Physics [I]
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Geology
  • Environmental Science
  • Geology [I]
  • Geological Engineering [I]
  • Geophysics
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Laboratory Technology [I]
  • Mechanical Engineering [I]
  • Meteorology [I]
  • Petroleum Engineering [I]
  • Radiologic Technology [I, S]

What Careers are Realistic?

The following is a small sample of careers a realistic person might choose.

Career Code Career Code
Automotive Engineer RIE Commercial Airplane Pilot RIE
Electrician RIE Optical Engineer RIC
Solar-Energy Systems Designer RIC Cook RAS
Wildlife Control Agent RSE Ship Pilot REI
Airplane Inspector RES Locomotive Engineer RES
Audiovisual Technician RCI Marine Services Manager RCE
Surgeon IRA Biochemist IRS
Radiologist IRS Anthropologist IRE
Environmental Analyst IRE Park Superintendent ERA




INVESTIGATIVE

Am I Investigative?

Check off your interests, values, abilities, and qualities to find out.

Interests Values Abilities Qualities
Problem solving Science Math Intellectual
Exploring/Observing Technical expertise Science Analytical
Reading/Investigating Setting own pace Problem solving Inquisitive
Using instruments Working alone Scientific method Introspective
Designing things Thinking vs. Doing Research Unconventional
Science Fiction/Mysteries Creating Analysis Insightful

These are characteristics of the investigative type. Investigative people are intellectual, abstract, analytical, independent, and task-oriented. They like to observe, learn, investigate, analyze, evaluate, or solve problems. If this sounds like you, read on. If not, try one of the other five interest cluster sheets.

What Majors are Investigative?

  • Anthropology [A, R]
  • Astronomy [R]
  • Astrophysics [R]
  • Biochemistry [R]
  • Botany [R]
  • Chemical Engineering [R]
  • Chemistry [R]
  • Criminology [S]
  • Dentistry (Pre-Dent) [R, S]
  • Geography [R, E]
  • Geosciences [R]
  • Liberal Studies [S]
  • Mathematics [R, E]
  • Math - Computer Option [R, E]
  • Math - Education [S, R]
  • Math - Statistics [C, R, E]
  • Medicine (Pre-Med) [S, R]
  • Microbiology [R]
  • Paleontology [R]
  • Pharmacy [E, R]
  • Physics [R]
  • Psychology [S, E]
  • Physician's Associate [S, R]
  • Science Education [S, R]
  • Sociology [S, E]
  • Veterinary Med (Pre-Vet) [R]
  • Women's Studies [S, E]
  • Zoology [R]

What Careers are Investigative?

The following is a small sample of careers an investigative person might choose.

Career Code Career Code
Surgeon IRA Curator IRS
Aeronautical Engineer IRS Neurologist IRS
Meteorologist IRS Anthropologist IRE
Astronomer IRE Environmental Analyst IRE
Civil Engineer IRE Pilot IRE
Computer Programmer IRC Structural Drafter IRC
Biologist IAR Art Appraiser IAS
Dentist ISR Nurse Practitioner ISA
Physician Assistant ISA Actuary ISE
Translator ISC Chief Information Officer IER
Systems Analyst IER Surveyor IEA
Pharmacist IES Cytotechnologist ICR




ARTISTIC

Am I Artistic?

Check off your interests, values, abilities, and qualities to find out.

Interests Values Abilities Qualities
Working with others Honesty Communication skills Creative
Influential roles Beauty Work well under pressure Expressive
Art/Music/Drama Self-expression Artistic ability Original
Language/Literature Objectivity Good at improvising Independent
Other cultures Diversity Innovative Unsystematic
Unstructured events Public recognition Intuitive Quick wit

These are characteristics of the artistic type. Artistic people are imaginative, independent, extroverted, value aesthetics, and prefer self-expression through the arts. They have innovative or intuitive abilities and prefer to work in an unstructured environment, using their imagination or creativity. If this sounds like you, read on. If not, try one of the other five interest cluster sheets.

What Majors are Artistic?

  • African & African American Studies [I, S]
  • Architectural [I, R]
  • Art (all programs) [I, S]
  • Art History [I, S]
  • Asian Studies [I, S]
  • Classics [I]
  • Dance [R, S]
  • Drama [E, S]
  • English [I]
  • Envr Design (Pre-Land Arch) [I, R]
  • Ethics & Religion [I, S]
  • European Studies [I, S]
  • French [I, S]
  • German [I, S]
  • Interior Design [R, S]
  • International & Area Studies [I, S]
  • Journ - Prof. Writing [I, S]
  • Journalism and Mass Communication
  • Journalism - Broadcast & Electronic Media
  • Latin American Studies [I, S]
  • Letters [I]
  • Linguistics [I, S]
  • Music (all programs) [I, S]
  • Music Education [I, S]
  • Native American Studies [I, S]
  • Philosophy [I, S]
  • Religious Studies [S, E]
  • Russian [I, S]
  • Spanish [I, S]

    • What Careers are Artistic?

    The following is a small sample of careers an artistic person might choose.

    Career Code Career Code
    Costumer ARI Still Photographer ARS
    Floral Designer ARE Cake Decorator ARE
    Architect AIR Writer AIE
    Fashion Designer ASR Exhibit Artist ASI
    Composer ASE Dancing Instructor ASE
    Graphic Designer AER Screen Writer AEI
    Audiovisual Production AES Choral Director AES
    Choreographer AES News Editor AES
    Wedding Consultant AES Photojournalist AEC




    SOCIAL

    Am I Social?

    Check off your interests, values, abilities, and qualities to find out.

    Interests Values Abilities Qualities
    Music/Reading/Drama Social interaction Communication Cooperative
    Helping others Impacting individuals Teaching Outgoing
    Religion Impacting society Leading/Advising Understanding
    Education Working in teams Encouraging Insightful
    Community service Expressing feelings Listening Helpful
    Social activities Growth of others Facilitating Trustworthy

    These are characteristics of the social type. Social people are community-service oriented, interested in educational activities, prefer social interaction, and are concerned with social and religious issues. They live to inform, enlighten, train, develop, and cure others. They may also be skilled with words. If this sounds like you, read on. If not, try one of the other five interest cluster sheets.

    What Majors are Social?

    • Clinical Dietetics [E, I]
    • Communication Disorders [I, A]
    • Communication (Speech Ed) [A, E]
    • Early Childhood Education [A, E]
    • Elementary Education [A, E]
    • Foreign Language Education [A, I]
    • Health & Exercise [R, E]
    • History [E, I]
    • Human Relations
    • Individual & Family Devel. [A, E]
    • Journalism Education [A, E]
  • Language Arts Education [A, I]
  • Law Enforcement Admin [R, E]
  • Mathematics Education [I]
  • Nursing [I, E]
  • Occupational Therapy [R, E]
  • Physical Therapy [R, E]
  • Science Education
  • Social Studies Education [I, A, E]
  • Social Work [I, A]
  • Special Education [I, A]

    • What Careers are Social?

    The following is a small sample of careers a social person might choose.

    Career Code Career Code
    Custom Special Agent SRI Athletic Trainer SRE
    Recruiter SRE Professional Athlete SRC
    Nurse/Midwife SIR Psychologist SIA
    Dietitian SIE Physical Therapist SIE
    Dental Hygienist SAI Career Counselor SAE
    Teacher SAE Police Officer SER
    Loan Officer SER School Principal SEI
    Television Director SEA Paralegal SEC
    Appraiser SCE Politician ESA




    ENTERPRISING

    Am I Enterprising?

    Check off your interests, values, abilities, and qualities to find out.

    Interests Values Abilities Qualities
    Politics Seeking pleasure Leadership Assertive/Dominant
    Economics Power/Control Management Outgoing
    Leadership Success Persuasion/Sales Self-confident
    Challenges Status/Recognition Decision making Energetic
    Competition Expressing opinions Public speaking Dynamic
    Negotiation Making money Planning/Organizing Ambitious

    These are characteristics of the enterprising type. Enterprising people are extroverted, aggressive, adventurous, dominant, and have good verbal skills. They like to work with others to influence, persuade, or perform and life to lead others to obtain organizational goals or economic gain. If this sounds like you, read on. If not, try one of the other five interest cluster sheets.

    What Majors are Enterprising?

    • Communication [S, A]
    • Energy Mgmt [C, R]
    • Entrepreneurship & Venture Mgmt [S]
    • Human Resource Mgmt [S]
    • Industrial Engineering [I, R]
    • International Business [S]
    • Journ - Advertising [A, S]
    • Journ - PR [A, S]
    • Public Relations
    • Law (Pre-Law) [A, S]
    • Marketing [S, C]
    • Political Science [I, S]
    • Public Affairs & Admin [S, C]
    • Real Estate [S, C]
    • Supply Chain Mgmt [R]

    What Careers are Enterprising?

    The following is a small sample of careers an enterprising person might choose.

    Career Code Career Code
    Special Agent ERI Park Superintendent ERA
    Construction Superintendent ERS Intelligence Specialist ERS
    Production Manager ERC Business Enterprise Officer EIR
    Industrial Engineer EIR Communications Consultant EIA
    Environmental Project Manager EIS Foreign-Exchange Trader EIC
    Patent Agent EIA Fashion Coordinator EAS
    Museum or Zoo Director ESR Claim Adjuster ESR
    Human Resource Advisor ESR Media Marketing Director ESR
    President (any industry) ESR Real Estate Agent ESR
    Tax Attorney ESI Urban Planner ESI
    Politician ESA e-Commerce Manager ESA
    Financial Planner ESC Social Director ESC




    CONVENTIONAL

    Am I Conventional?

    Check off your interests, values, abilities, and qualities to find out.

    Interests Values Abilities Qualities
    Organizing Business success Follow orders Detail oriented
    Collecting things Accuracy Clerical skills Organized
    Keeping records Order Computer skills Persistent
    Math/Accounting Clear standards Organizational skills Efficient
    Serving as treasurer Routine Numerical ability Practical
    Concrete tasks Practical things Written communication Systematic

    These are characteristics of the conventional type. Conventional people are practical, well controlled, sociable, conservative, and prefer structured tasks and conformity. They like to work with data, have clerical or numerical ability, and are very attentive to detail. If this sounds like you, read on. If not, try one of the other five interest cluster sheets.

    What Majors are Conventional?

    • Accounting
    • Business Stat [R, E, I]
    • Economics [I, S]
    • Finance [E, I]
    • Information Studies [I]
    • Information Technology [I]
    • Logistics & Materials Mgmt [E, R]
    • Management [E, S]
    • Management Information Systems [E, I]

    What Careers are Conventional?

    The following is a small sample of careers an enterprising person might choose.

    Career Code Career Code
    Desktop Publisher CRA Credit Analyst CRS
    Mail Carrier CRS Website Editor CIA
    Underwriter CSE Computer Programmer IRC
    Child Development Specialist SEC Telecommunications Specialist ECS
    Financial Planner ESC Safety Manager SEC
    Golf Club Manager ECS Travel Agent ECS