Are you Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, or Conventional?

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

For more information on the different personality types and possible combinations, please read the book.

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