Discovering Who You Are

Choosing a Major

Holland's Occupational Themes

These explanations are generalizations of each type and none will fit any one person exactly. Most people indicate an interest in two or three of these themes.

Realistic

Realistic people are usually rugged, robust and practical. They may be somewhat uncomfortable in social settings. They have good motor coordination and skills but lack verbal and interpersonal skills. Realistic people usually perceive themselves as mechanically and athletically inclined, practical, stable, natural, and persistent. They prefer concrete to abstract problems. They also may see themselves as aggeressive. Rarely performing creatively in the arts or sciences, they do like to build things with tools. read more...

REALISTIC PEOPLE ARE:	REALISTIC PEOPLE CAN:	REALISTIC PEOPLE LIKE TO:
Practical Athletic Straightforward Mechanically Inclined A Nature Lover Curious about Physical World	Fix Electrical Things Solve Mechanical Problems Pitch a Tent Plant a Garden Operate Tools and Machinery	Tinker with Machines Work Outdoors Be Physically Active Use Your Hands Build Things

Investigative:

Investigative people are usually task oriented, introspective people with strong scientific orientation. They prefer to think through rather than set out problems and have a great need to understand the physical world. Preferring to work independently, they enjoy ambiguous tasks. They often have unconventional values and attitudes. Although they are confident of their scholarly and intellectual abilities, many investigative types perceive themselves as lacking inleadership or persuasive abilities. They describe themselves as analytical, curious, independent and reserved. read more...

INVESTIGATIVE PEOPLE ARE:	INVESTIGATIVE PEOPLE CAN:	INVESTIGATIVE PEOPLE LIKE TO:
Inquisitive Analytical Scientific Observant Precise	Think Abstractly Solve Math Problems Understand Physics Theories Do Complex Calculations Use a Microscope Interpret Formulas	Explore Ideas Use Computers Work Independently Perform Lab Experiments Read Scientifi c or Technical Magazines Analyze Data

Artistic:

Artistic people prefer free, unstructured situations with maximum opportunities for self-expression; they have a great need for individual expression. They are creative, especially in the artistic media, and value aesthetic qualities. They tend to be impulsive. They see themselves as expressive, original, intuitive, creative, disorderly, nonconforming, introspective, and independent. read more...

ARTISTIC PEOPLE ARE:	ARTISTIC PEOPLE CAN:	ARTISTIC PEOPLE LIKE TO:
Creative Intuitive Imaginative Innovative An Individualist	Sketch, Draw, Paint Play a Musical Instrument Write Stories, Poetry, Music Design Fashions or Interiors	Attend Concerts, Theaters, & Art Exhibits Read Fiction, Plays, Poetry Work on Crafts Take Photographs Express Yourself Creatively

Social:

Sociable, responsible, humanistic, and religious are words that describe the social type. They like to work in groups and enjoy being central in the group. They have strong verbal and interpersonal skills, but avoid intellectual problem solving, training, developing, curing, or enlightening others. They perceive themselves as understanding, idealistic, and helpful. read more...

SOCIAL PEOPLE ARE:	SOCIAL PEOPLE CAN:	SOCIAL PEOPLE LIKE TO:
Friendly Helpful Idealistic Outgoing Understanding	Teach/Train Others Express Yourself Clearly Lead a Group Discussion Mediate Disputes Plan and Supervise an Activity Cooperate Well with Others	Work in Groups Help People with Problems Participate in Meetings Do Volunteer Service Work with Young People Plan Team Sports

Enterprising:

People who have verbal skills suited to dominating and leading are the enterprising types. They have a strong drive to attain organizational goals or economic aims and tend to avoid work situations requiring long periods of intellectual effort. They have a great concern for power, status, and leadership. They see themselves as aggressive, popular, self-confident, cheerful and sociable. They have high energy and show an aversion to scientific activities. read more...

ENTERPRISING PEOPLE ARE:	ENTERPRISING PEOPLE CAN:	ENTERPRISING PEOPLE LIKE TO:
Self Confident Assertive Sociable Persuasive Enthusiastic Energetic	Initiate Projects Convince People To Do Things Your Way Sell Things Give Talks or Speeches Organize Activities and Events Lead a Group	Make Decisions Affecting Others Be Elected To An Offi ce Win A Leadership or Sales Award Start Your Own Service or Business Participate In A Political Campaign Meet Important People

Conventional:

These people prefer well-ordered environments and like conforming and prefer subordinate roles. They are effective at well-structured tasks, but avoid ambiguous situations and problems involving interpersonal relationships or physical skills. They describe themselves as conscientious, efficient, obedient, calm, orderly, and practical. They identify with power and value material possessions and status. read more...

CONVENTIONAL PEOPLE ARE:	CONVENTIONAL PEOPLE CAN:	CONVENTIONAL PEOPLE LIKE TO:
Well Organized Accurate Numerically Inclined Methodical Conscientious Efficient	Work Well Within a System Do a Lot of Paperwork in a Short Time Keep Accurate Records Use a Computer Terminal Write Effective Business Letters	Follow Clearly Defi ned Procedures Use Data Processing Equipment Work with Numbers Type or Take Shorthand Be Responsible for Details

Adapted from John Holland's Occupational Themes

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