Personality and Career ChoiceHow personality affects career choice and

success

Personality TypesAccording to a leading career-theory expert, Dr. John Holland, career choices are an expression of a person’s ability, personality, and the environment. By understanding your personality type, you can explore careers, work environments, and majors that are best suited to you.

Personality Types Most people are one of six personality types: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, or conventionalThere are also six basic types of work environments: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventionalPeople who choose to work in an environment similar to their personality type are more likely to be successful and satisfied with their jobs

Holland’s CodeWho am I?

InterestsSkills & AbilitiesValues

Six Career Personality Types

Realistic: “The Doers”Prefer to deal with things rather than ideas or peopleEnjoy risk, excitement, outdoors, using tools, machineryPhysical Coordination, strength, logicDescribed as practical, persistent, adventurous, self-reliant

Investigative: “The Thinkers”

Ideas personEnjoys challenge, variety, abstract problemsSolves problems by thinking Need to understand the physical worldIndependent, curious, intellectual,reserved, rational, non-conforming

Artistic: “The Creators”Creative, sensitive, independent, expressiveEnjoys beauty, unstructured activities, variety, sounds, textures, unusual sightSolves problems by creating Enjoy writing, creating art, appreciating art

Social: “The helpers”People personEnjoys closeness, sharing, groups, being in chargeSolves problems by feelingUses feelings, words, and ideas to work with people Motivated to help and empower

Enterprising: “The Persuaders”

Use mind, words, feelings to deal with peopleEnjoys organizing, persuading, leading, managing, excitement, variety, status, power, money, competitionSolves problems by risking

Conventional: “The Organizers”

Data personActivities requiring attentionto detail, organization and accuracySolves problems by followingthe rules Described as practical,conscientious, and systematic

Can you guess your FRIENDS personality

type?

FRIENDS Personality TypesRoss: InvestigativeJoey: ArtisticChandler: EnterprisingPhoebe: ArtisticMonica: ConventionalRachel: Social

Interests: What you like to do

QUESTION:What doInterestspredict?

Answer: Commitment

Skills: What do you do well?

QUESTION:What do

Skillspredict?

Answer: Performance

Values: What is important to you

QUESTION:What doValues

predict?

Answer: Satisfaction

Some Realistic OccupationsEngineerPilotVeterinarianElectricianLaw Enforcement OfficerForesterChef

Some Investigative Occupations

MathematicianComputer ScientistBiologistPhysicianEngineerPsychologistProfessor

Some Artistic CareersWriterUrban & Regional PlannerGraphic DesignerPublic Relations DirectorAdvertising ArchitectAttorneyJournalism

Some Social OccupationsParks & Recreation ManagerDietitianCounselorSchool AdministratorNurseSocial WorkerTeacher

Some Enterprising Occupations

RealtorStock BrokerHotel ManagerSales PersonPoliticianSports AgentBusiness Executive

Some Conventional Occupations

AccountantParalegalBankerFinancial AnalystActuaryComputer Systems AnalystBusiness Education Teacher

Like-PersonalitiesPersonality codes that are on the same side of the hexagon are more alike than codes that are on opposite sides. For example: social and enterprising personalities are more alike than social and realistic. It is important to keep in mind that many people also possess characteristics from several personality categories and would thrive in multiple types of careers/majors

The Big PictureDetermining your personality type is just one component to consider when choosing possible career choicesIt is also important to consider your values, skills and interestsLook beyond the Holland Code and apply what you have learned to the larger context

Group ActivityWhat kind of car?What’s in the basement?Favorite TV Show?What magazines do you read? Dream Vacation?