The Six Holland Career Types Explained: Find Your RIASEC Code

What Is the RIASEC Model?

RIASEC is the core framework of John Holland's vocational interest theory. The six letters represent six career interest types:

• R — Realistic
• I — Investigative
• A — Artistic
• S — Social
• E — Enterprising
• C — Conventional

These six types form a hexagonal model. Adjacent types are more similar (e.g., R and I, S and E), while opposite types differ the most (e.g., R and S, I and E). Most people are a blend of 2–3 types, forming a unique vocational interest profile.

For the full background on the Holland test and how to use it, read our Holland Career Interest Test Complete Guide.

R — Realistic: The Hands-On Doer

Core Traits

Realistic types prefer working with tangible things — tools, machines, animals, and the outdoors. They are practical, straightforward, and value visible results over abstract discussions.

Keywords: Practical, frank, persistent, physically coordinated, hands-on

Typical Behaviors

• Enjoy taking things apart and understanding how they work
• Prefer outdoor activities and physical tasks
• Solve problems by doing rather than discussing
• Value concrete results over theoretical debates

Career Matches

Field	Specific Roles
Engineering	Mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, civil engineer
Skilled Trades	CNC technician, auto mechanic, electrician
Outdoor Work	Agricultural technician, forestry engineer, geological surveyor
Military/Safety	Military officer, firefighter, police officer
Sports	Athletic coach, fitness trainer

Notable Figures

• Elon Musk (early career): Personally involved in SpaceX rocket engineering
• Bear Grylls: Outdoor adventurer and survival expert
• James Dyson: Engineer and inventor who revolutionized vacuum technology

I — Investigative: The Deep Thinker

Core Traits

Investigative types are passionate about exploring the unknown. They love observing, analyzing, and reasoning through complex problems. Independent thinking is their default mode.

Keywords: Curious, rational, independent, precise, introspective

Typical Behaviors

• Research and gather data before making decisions
• Enjoy diving deep into a single subject
• Highly sensitive to data and logical consistency
• Find satisfaction in understanding "why"

Career Matches

Field	Specific Roles
Science	Physicist, biologist, chemist
Medicine	Physician, pharmacist, medical researcher
Technology	Data scientist, algorithm engineer, AI researcher
Social Science	Economist, psychology researcher, sociologist
Consulting	Strategy analyst, market researcher

Notable Figures

• Albert Einstein: Theoretical physicist with an unending quest to understand the universe
• Marie Curie: Two-time Nobel laureate and pioneer in radioactivity research
• Tu Youyou: Extracted artemisinin from traditional medicine, saving millions of lives

A — Artistic: The Creative Expresser

Core Traits

Artistic types seek freedom of expression and creation. They have a natural sensitivity to beauty, resist conformity, and need to infuse personal style and imagination into their work.

Keywords: Creative, imaginative, sensitive, independent, unconventional

Typical Behaviors

• Natural perception of color, music, and language
• Dislike uniformity; seek uniqueness
• Emotionally rich; express inner worlds through their work
• Prefer flexible schedules over rigid structures

Career Matches

Field	Specific Roles
Design	Graphic designer, UI/UX designer, interior designer
Writing	Author, screenwriter, copywriter
Film & Music	Director, photographer, music producer
Performing Arts	Actor, dancer, host
Fashion	Fashion designer, stylist, illustrator

Notable Figures

• Hayao Miyazaki: Animation master who built countless fantastical worlds
• Lady Gaga: Cross-disciplinary creator blending music and visual art
• Frida Kahlo: Painter who transformed personal pain into iconic art

S — Social: The Helper

Core Traits

Social types are naturally attuned to others' needs and feelings. They excel at communication, are deeply empathetic, and find fulfillment in helping others grow. They are born educators, healers, and supporters.

Keywords: Warm, patient, empathetic, cooperative, responsible

Typical Behaviors

• First to offer help when friends face difficulties
• Skilled listeners who make others feel understood
• Enjoy teamwork and value harmonious relationships
• Naturally drawn to education, healthcare, and social causes

Career Matches

Field	Specific Roles
Education	Teacher, trainer, education consultant
Mental Health	Counselor, social worker, therapist
Healthcare	Nurse, rehabilitation therapist, nutritionist
Human Resources	HR manager, recruiter, employee relations specialist
Nonprofit	NGO project manager, community worker, volunteer coordinator

Notable Figures

• Mother Teresa: Devoted her life to serving the poor and sick
• Oprah Winfrey: Used her media platform to help millions achieve personal growth
• Fred Rogers: Created a safe, nurturing space for children through television

E — Enterprising: The Leader

Core Traits

Enterprising types pursue influence and achievement. They are energetic, persuasive, and love setting goals and leading teams to accomplish them. They thrive in competitive environments.

Keywords: Confident, decisive, ambitious, persuasive, risk-taking

Typical Behaviors

• Naturally assume leadership roles in groups
• Enjoy setting goals and driving execution
• Skilled at negotiation and persuasion
• Have a keen sense for business opportunities

Career Matches

Field	Specific Roles
Management	CEO, general manager, COO
Sales	Sales director, key account manager, business development
Entrepreneurship	Founder, investor, business consultant
Law & Politics	Lawyer, politician, diplomat
Media	Producer, agent, PR director

Notable Figures

• Steve Jobs: Vision-driven innovator who redefined multiple industries
• Indra Nooyi: Former PepsiCo CEO known for strategic leadership
• Jack Welch: Legendary GE CEO, dubbed "Manager of the Century"

C — Conventional: The Precision Executor

Core Traits

Conventional types value order, standards, and accuracy. They excel at handling data and details, performing best in structured environments. They are the backbone of organizational operations.

Keywords: Meticulous, organized, reliable, rule-following, detail-oriented

Typical Behaviors

• Plan and organize everything; dislike sudden changes
• Highly sensitive to numbers and details
• Prefer clear rules and procedures
• Find satisfaction in filing, verifying, and systematizing

Career Matches

Field	Specific Roles
Finance	Accountant, auditor, tax specialist
Administration	Office manager, executive assistant, secretary
Banking	Bank teller, credit analyst, compliance officer
Data Management	Database administrator, archivist, statistician
Legal Support	Paralegal, contract manager, IP specialist

Notable Figures

• Warren Buffett: Known for disciplined, data-driven investing
• Florence Nightingale: Pioneer not only in nursing but also in applied statistics
• Tim Cook: Apple CEO renowned for operational precision and supply chain mastery

How to Use Your RIASEC Code

Understanding the six types is just the beginning. To truly leverage RIASEC:

1. Take the test and get your three-letter code

Everyone is a blend of types. Your three-letter code (e.g., SAE, RIC) reveals your strongest interest directions.

2. Understand the relationships between types

Adjacent types (e.g., R-I, A-S) are compatible. Opposite types (e.g., R-S, I-E) may create internal tension. If your code includes opposite types, you have diverse interests and need a career that satisfies multiple needs.

3. Combine with personality tests

The Holland test tells you "what you like to do," while the 16 Personalities Test tells you "how you do things." Together, they provide more precise career guidance. For example, both ENFJ and ISFJ may be S-types, but their approaches differ greatly — learn more in Parenting Styles by Personality Type.

4. Apply to career transitions

If you're considering a career change, your RIASEC code helps narrow your options. For detailed strategies, read Thinking About a Career Change?.

Discover Your Career Interest Type

Everyone deserves work that matches their interests. The Holland test won't make the decision for you, but it illuminates your interest map so career choices are no longer a shot in the dark.

Take the Holland Career Interest Test and discover your RIASEC code →