Career Decisions

1
Career Decisions

• A presentation to assist prospective students in
  making informed career choices

2
Making career decisions

• Finding out what type of work personality you
  are
• Dr. John Holland is a psychologist who developed
  a system of matching interests with one or more
  of six vocational personality types (RIASEC).
  These are detailed on the next slide. Holland
  then matched these types with occupations.
• John Hollands RIASEC theory (1997) and his
  instruments have been widely and successfully
  used in career counselling practice since 1970.

3
John Hollands Career Theory

• 6 ideal vocational personality types
• Realistic
• Investigative
• Artistic
• Social
• Enterprising
• Conventional

4
Understanding the RIASEC hexagon

• The types closest to each other on the hexagon on
  the previous slide have the most characteristics
  in common.
• Opposites on the hexagon have the least in
  common.
• Read the descriptions which follow and decide
  which type best describes you. It may not be an
  exact fit and you may select two types.

5
Realistic

• Enjoys hands-on activities
• Prefers working with things
• Likes being outdoors
• Enjoys taking decisive action
• Generally prefers to learn by doing
• Does not mind working alone

6
Investigative

• Is analytical and observant
• Prefers an intellectual approach to work
• Places importance on research
• Enjoys using logic
• Likes solving complex problems
• Often works independently
• Likes to be challenged

7
Artistic

• Is intuitive and imaginative
• Enjoys creative activities
• Seeks opportunities for self-expression
• Prefers flexibility and takes risks to try new
  things
• Communicates in an expressive manner
• Enjoys working in less structured setting

8
Social

• Is humanistic, idealistic, responsible
• Is concerned with the welfare of others
• Enjoys participating in group activities and
  working in teams
• Likes to utilise interpersonal skills
• Genuinely enjoys working with people
• Is viewed as understanding, helpful, cheerful,
  skilled in teaching

9
Enterprising

• Is energetic, ambitious, adventurous,
  self-confident, sociable
• Enjoys persuading and motivating others
• Seeks out leadership role
• Avoids routine activities
• Is seen as self-confident, skilled in leadership,
  management, persuading

10
Conventional/Organised

• Is efficient, careful, organised, conscientious
• Appreciates structure and routine in work
  activities
• Enjoys working with numbers and statistics
• Is thorough and reliable in carrying out tasks
• Possesses good clerical, organisational,
  numerical abilities
• Enjoys well-defined tasks

11
Adapted from the following source

• http//hrnt.jhu.edu/cmp/HollandTypes
• Online Career Interest profiling using John
  Hollands theory available on various websites
  (fee usually payable)