Work Interests
Work interests are the types of work or occupations that you enjoy. The theory of work interest is based on the idea that people are more satisfied and more productive when they work in jobs or at tasks that they find interesting and when they work with people whose interests are similar to their own. By identifying your general interests, the things you like to do, and the occupations in which you are interested, you may increase your career and life satisfactions.
Dr John Holland's theory of careers is the basis for most of the career inventories used today. Holland's theory states that most people can be loosely categorised with respect to six types, known by the acronym RIASEC (Click on the links to find out more):
- Realistic(R) people like careers such as auto mechanic, aircraft controller, surveyor, electrician, and farmer. They usually have mechanical and athletic abilities, prefer to work outdoors with tools and machines, and interact less with people.
- Investigative(I) people like careers such as biologist, chemist, physicist, geologist, anthropologist, laboratory assistant, and medical technician. They usually have math and science abilities, and prefer to work alone and to solve problems.
- Artistic(A) people like careers such as composer, musician, stage director, dancer, interior decorator, actor, and writer. They usually have artistic skills, enjoy creating original work, and have a good imagination.
- Social(S) people like careers such as teacher, speech therapist, religious worker, counsellor, clinical psychologist, and nurse. They usually like to be around people, are interested in the welfare of people, and like to help them with their problems.
- Enterprising(E) people like careers such as buyer, sports promoter, television producer, business executive, salesperson, travel agent, supervisor, and manager. They usually have leadership and public speaking abilities, are interested in money and politics, and like to influence people.
- Conventional(C) people like conventional careers such as bookkeeper, financial analyst, banker, tax expert, secretary, and radio dispatcher. They usually have clerical and maths abilities, like to work indoors and to organise things.
We use the Strong Interest Inventory to measure the six general categories described above. The Strong generates a 'Holland Code' that can be used to look up careers in myfuture. In addition, the Strong shows your preferences for 25 specific areas of activity and compares your likes and dislikes to those who are satisfactorily employed in 109 occupations.


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