Interests
Interests are areas we find fascinating or are motivated by. The theory behind interest in career development started with John Holland’s RIASEC model which identifies six areas based on person-environment fit. While we all have some underlying interest in all six areas, some are more prevalent than others, which is shown in your top three highest ratings. A career that is a good fit for you should have work activities and a work environment that align well with your interest areas. Below are the characteristics of each interest area.
Realistic
People with Realistic interests enjoy mechanical activities, athletics, working with their hands, and being outdoors, getting dirt under their fingernails.
Investigative
People characterized by Investigative interests enjoy asking intellectual questions and investigating the answers to those questions, maybe using the methods of science.
Artistic
Those with Artistic interests really appreciate self-expression, certainly through fine arts but also drama, writing, music, and even culinary activities.
Social
People with Social interests like being in roles where they can directly help people – teachers, pastors, and counselors, for example.
Enterprising
Those with Enterprising interests enjoy persuading people. They can do so in business-related tasks like sales and marketing, but also through law, politics, and public speaking.
Conventional
People with Conventional interests enjoy organizing things. They love detail-oriented tasks and get a kick out of things like filing systems and spreadsheets.