Understanding Your Holland Code

When you are doing tasks you like, you enjoy your work. Most people are some combination of two or three of the Holland interest areas. These two or three areas become your “Holland Code”.

Realistic

Realistic people prefer practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They like dealing with real-world materials such as wood, tools, and machinery. They also often like plants and animals. They do not like occupations that mainly involve paperwork or working closely with others.

Realistic Careers

Automotive Mechanic/Technician
Central Supply Technician
Computer Help Desk Technician
Computer Systems Analyst
Dentist/Dental Assistant
Diesel & Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Electrical Engineer
EMT/Paramedic

Engineering Technician
Graphic Designer
Heating/Air Mechanic & Installer
Home Health Aide/Nurse Aide
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Massage Therapist
Mechanical Engineer

Medical Assistant (CMA)
Medical Laboratory Technician
Pharmacy Technician
Skincare Specialist
Surgical Technician
Veterinarian
Welder

Artistic

Artistic people like work activities that involve creativity.
They appreciate self-expression in their work and prefer settings where work can be done without following a clear set of rules. People with artistic interests are not necessarily skilled in the arts, they may solve problems or situations in a new or unique way.

Artistic Careers

Activities Coordinator
Advertising Manager
Cosmetologist/Stylist
Editor
Esthetician
Fashion Designer

Graphic Designer
Instructional Technologist
Interior Designer
Journalist/Reporter
Massage Therapist

Museum Curator
News Anchor
Salon or Spa Owner
School Teacher
Technical Writer

Investigative

Investigative people enjoy thinking, analyzing, and exploring more than physical activity.
They prefer to do research and figure out problems mentally rather than persuade or lead people.

Investigative Careers

Automotive Mechanic/Technician
Central Supply Technician
Computer Help Desk
Computer Systems Analyst
Database Manager
Dentist/Dental Assistant
Dietitian/Nutritionist
Doctor/Physician

Electrical Engineer
Engineering Technician
Financial Analyst
Fire Protection
Heating/Air Mechanic & Installer
Investigator
Mechanical Engineer
Medical Coding Specialist

Medical Laboratory Technician
Paralegal/Legal Assistant
Paramedic
Pharmacist
Police Officer
Registered Nurse (RN)
Veterinarian

Social

Social people simply want to help others.
They prefer to work more directly with people than with objects, machines, or data. They like to teach, give advice, help, or otherwise be of service

Social Careers

Advertising Manager
Banker/Financial Planner
Cosmetologist/Stylist
Dentist/Dental Assistant
Dietitian/Nutritionist
Doctor/Physician
Home Health Aide/Nurse Aide

Human Resource Manager
Journalist/Reporter
Librarian
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Massage Therapist
Medical Assistant (CMA)
Pharmacy Technician

Registered Nurse (RN)
School Teacher
Skincare Specialist
Substance Abuse Counselor
Surgical Technician
Veterinarian
Victim Advocate

Enterprising

Enterprising people enjoy starting and carrying out projects, especially business ventures.
They like persuading, making decisions, and leading people. They are comfortable taking risks for profit.

Enterprising Careers

Accounting/Bookkeeping Clerk/Accountant
Advertising Manager
Banker/Financial Planner
Cosmetologist/Stylist
Financial Analyst
General Manager
Graphic Designer
Esthetician

Firefighter
Human Resource Manager
Interior Designer
Journalist/Reporter
Librarian
Paralegal/Legal Assistant
Paramedic
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

Sales Manager
Salon or Spa Owner
Skincare Specialist
Substance Abuse Counselor
Tumor Registrar
Victim Advocate
Warehouse Supervisor

Conventional

Conventional people like work activities that follow set procedures and routines.
They prefer working with data and detail more than with ideas. They like work with precise standards and guidelines to follow.

Conventional Careers

Accounting/Bookkeeping Clerk/Accountant
Banker/Financial Planner
Central Supply Technician
Computer Help Desk Technician
Computer Systems Analyst
Database Manager
Dentist/Dental Assistant
Diesel & Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Emergency Dispatcher
EMT/Paramedic

Financial Analyst
General Manager
Heating/Air Mechanic & Installer
Human Resource Manager
Librarian
Mechanical Engineer
Medical Assistant (CMA)
Medical Laboratory Technician
Nurse Aide
Paralegal/Legal Assistant

Pharmacy Technician
Phlebotomists
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Sales Manager
School Teacher
Surgical Technician
Tumor Registrar
Warehouse Supervisor
Welder