Determine your RIASEC profile to make the right academic and career choices
John Holland, an American psychologist and career counselor, drew a match between people’s personalities and the occupations that will allow them to succeed and thrive.
His work led him to distinguish 6 personality types that together form the RIASEC model:
Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional.
What is your personality? According to the RIASEC model, your personality encompasses:
- Your interests (what you enjoy doing)
- Your values (what is important to you)
- Your strengths (what you’re good at)
- Your weaknesses (what you need to improve).
Research over the past forty years has confirmed the RIASEC model. It shows that a good fit between personality and career choice increases wellbeing and success. The RIASEC model is now used worldwide for career guidance.
We suggest you learn about the 6 personality types below. What are the descriptions, strengths, and values in which you recognize yourself? Rank the 6 types, from the one that suits you the most to the one that suits you the least. The first 3 types make up your RIASEC profile.
To find out more, we invite you to read the book “What the heck should I do?”.
This book includes a detailed questionnaire that will allow you to confirm your profile. You can then interpret your results to find the industries and occupations that suit you. More than 800 professions are offered. Finally, you will be guided in finding the relevant training and educational path.
REALISTIC
Manual work, sports & nature
Realistic persons are drawn to tangible or physical activities and like to use tools or machines.
Of a reserved nature, they prefer to work alone. They remain calm under pressure.
They appreciate tasks with a concrete outcome and a clear purpose. They are wary of abstract concepts. They need to move and prioritize action over discussion. They learn by doing.
They like animals, plants, and sports. They enjoy spending time outdoors.
Strengths
Calm, common sense, coordination, dependability, dexterity, diligence, endurance, expertise, frankness, patience, practicality, simplicity, technical know-how, tenacity
Values
Authenticity, autonomy, competency, durability, experience, hard work, know-how, independence, nature, physical challenge, physical skill, productivity, self-reliance, simplicity, solitude, sustainability, tangible results, temperance, tradition
Areas for improvement
Ability to teach, adaptability, diplomacy, empathy, interpersonal skills, listening, sociability, writing skills
INVESTIGATIVE
Knowledge, science & research
Investigative persons tend to be analytical and scholarly. They are interested in researching, forecasting, solving abstract problems, or studying behaviors.
They are drawn to science, ideas, and concepts. They enjoy learning to gain a deeper understanding of the world. They seek intellectual challenges.
Of a reserved nature, they prefer to work alone in loosely structured environments. They need time to think.
Strengths
Anticipation, capacity for abstraction, capacity for analysis and synthesis, intellectual curiosity, intellectual rigor, logic, open-mindedness, perseverance, tolerance
Values
Critical thinking, culture, discovery, independence, intellectual growth, knowledge, logic, objectivity, progress, rationality, tolerance
Areas for improvement
Communication, decision making, leadership, negotiation, persuasive skills, teamwork
ARTISTIC
Imagination, innovation & emotion
Artistic persons are interested in creative or innovative activities. They need to express their personalities in what they do.
They are sensitive to art and literature. They have a vast vocabulary and a deep appreciation for the esthetics.
They seek variety and autonomy. They prefer unstructured activities without strict rules or directives. They have the ability to think outside the box.
They are independent minds and need to be appreciated for their new ideas.
Strengths
Adaptability, esthetic sense, autonomy, creativity, design flair, enthusiasm, imagination, intuition, oral and written communication, originality, sensitivity, spontaneity
Values
Art, beauty, change, freedom, idealism, independence, innovation, inspiration, intensity, originality, passion, spontaneity, variety, vision
Areas for improvement
Diplomacy, discipline, organization, perseverance, planning, practicality, time management
SOCIAL
Cooperation, listening & education
Social persons excel at socializing. They are helpful and attentive. They express themselves easily. They are interested in human behaviors.
They are team players and need to be loved.
They enjoy taking care of children or devoting their time to a cause. They willingly share their time and knowledge with anyone who needs it.
Strengths
Communication, cooperation, dedication, empathy, generosity, kindness, listening, liveliness, patience, positive attitude, responsibility, sociability, team spirit
Values
Altruism, compassion, consensus, friendship, harmony, kindness, solidarity, trust
Areas for improvement
Ability to deal with conflict, assertiveness, frankness, practicality, realism, self-care
ENTERPRISING
Action, negotiation & decision
Enterprising persons seek to influence others and aim for high responsibilities. They want to decide and lead. They excel at persuading, making quick decisions, and carrying out projects. They easily sell ideas or products.
Impulsive by nature, they like challenges and are not afraid to take risks. They appreciate competition. They place great value on power, status, and money.
Energetic and confident, they are often found socializing with others. They have no problems with speaking in public. They need to be seen and like to feel their adrenaline pumping.
Strengths
Assertiveness, audacity, authority, business acumen, charisma, combativeness, decisiveness, determination, dynamism, energy, leadership, optimism, self-confidence, sociability
Values
Action, adventure, ambition, audacity, competition, excitement, fame, materialism, money, performance, power, prestige, risk, speed, status, success
Areas for improvement
Authenticity, calm, empathy, listening, long-term vision, patience, perseverance, reflection
CONVENTIONAL
Methods, calculus & control
The Conventional type appreciates clearly defined activities requiring precision and method. She is respectful of authority and oversees the application of instructions. She likes to classify, calculate or process data. She prefers to work in a structured environment and in an office. Not very demonstrative, she hates improvising and needs to be reassured about the quality of her work. She is reserved in the face of new developments and seeks job security.
Strengths
Attention to detail, calm, conscientiousness, diligence, discretion, efficiency, loyalty, manners, order, organization, politeness, prudence, punctuality, reliability, responsibility, rigor, self-control, stability, time management, work ethic
Values
Accuracy, competence, discipline, efficiency, family, honesty, integrity, justice, loyalty, order, precision, predictability, respect, security, stability, tradition
Areas of improvement
Adaptability, creativity, imagination, spontaneity, trust
What the heck should I do? 