Guide to

Holland Code

WHAT’S INSIDE
What are your Career Interests? ..........................................................p. 2
Includes Holland Code.
The Six Holland Types ................................................................................p. 3
Includes Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and
Conventional.

MU Career Center’s Guide to Holland Code:

Part of the Career and Major Exploration Guide Series

Career and Major Exploration

Guide Series:
MU Career Center
 Guide to Exploring Majors Guide Series:
and Careers Career and Major Exploration
Job Search Preparation
 Guide to Holland Code
After College Planning
Diversity

University of Missouri • MU Career Center, 2010

Student Success Center • 909 Lowry Mall • Columbia, MO • 65211
(573) 882-6801 • FAX: (573) 882-5440
http://career.missouri.edu/
career@missouri.edu
 What Are Your Career Interests?

I
R A
Holland
Code
C S
E
This is based on Dr. John Holland’s theory you resemble least of all.
that people and work environments can be Most people, and most jobs, are best
loosely classified into six different groups. Each represented by some combination of two or
of the letters above corresponds to one of the three of the Holland interest areas. In addition,
six groups described in the following pages. most people are most satisfied if there is some
Different people’s personalities may find degree of fit between their personality and their
different environments more to their liking. work environment.
While you may have some interests in and The rest of the pages in this booklet further
similarities to several of the six groups, you may explain each type and provide some examples of
be attracted primarily to two or three of the career possibilities, areas of study at MU, and co-
areas. These two or three letters are your curricular activities for each code. To take a
“Holland Code.” For example, with a code of more in-depth look at your Holland Code, take a
“RES” you would most resemble the Realistic self-assessment such as the SDS, Discover, or a
type, somewhat less resemble the Enterprising card sort at the MU Career Center with a Career
type, and resemble the Social type even less. Specialist.
The types that are not in your code are the types
This hexagonal model of RIASEC occupations is the copyrighted work of Dr. John Holland, and is used with his permission. The Holland Game
is adapted from Richard Bolles’ “Quick Job Hunting Map.” Copyright 1995, 1998 by the MU Career Center, University of Missouri-Columbia.

2 - Holland Code
 Realistic (Doers)
People who have athletic ability, prefer to work with objects, machines, tools, plants or
animals, or to be outdoors.
Are you? independent Can you? Like to?
practical ambitious fix electrical things tinker with machines/vehicles
straightforward/frank systematic solve electrical problems work outdoors
mechanically inclined pitch a tent be physically active
stable play a sport use your hands
concrete read a blueprint build things
reserved plant a garden tend/train animals
self-controlled operate tools and machine work on electronic equipment

Air Traffic Controller (SER)
Archaeologist (IRE)
Athletic Trainer (SRE)
Cartographer (IRE)
Commercial Airline Pilot (RIE)
Commercial Drafter (IRE)
Corrections Officer (SER)
Career Possibilities
(Holland Code):
Dental Technician (REI) Laboratory Technician (RIE) Property Manager (ESR)
Farm Manager (ESR) Landscape Architect (AIR) Recreation Manager (SER)
Fish and Game Warden (RES) Mechanical Engineer (RIS) Service Manager (ERS)
Floral Designer (RAE) Optician (REI) Software Technician (RCI)
Forester (RIS) Petroleum Geologist (RIE) Ultrasound Technologist (RSI)
Geodetic Surveyor (IRE) Police Officer (SER) Vocational Rehabilitation
Industrial Arts Teacher (IER) Practical Nurse (SER) Consultant (ESR)

Investigative (Thinkers)
People who like to observe, learn, investigate, analyze, evaluate, or solve problems.

Are you? intellectually self-confident Can you? Like to?

inquisitive Independent think abstractly explore a variety of ideas
analytical logical solve math problems work independently
scientific complex understand scientific theories perform lab experiments
observant/precise Curious do complex calculations deal with abstractions
scholarly use a microscope or computer do research
cautious interpret formulas be challenged

Career Possibilities
(Holland Code):
Actuary (ISE) Chemical Engineer (IRE) Geologist (IRE) Physician, General Practice (ISE)
Agronomist (IRS) Chemist (IRE) Horticulturist (IRS) Psychologist (IES)
Anesthesiologist (IRS) Computer Systems Analyst (IER) Mathematician (IER) Research Analyst (IRC)
Anthropologist (IRE) Dentist (ISR) Medical Technologist (ISA) Statistician (IRE)
Archaeologist (IRE) Ecologist (IRE) Meteorologist (IRS) Surgeon (IRA)
Biochemist (IRS) Economist (IAS) Nurse Practitioner (ISA) Technical Writer (IRS)
Biologist (ISR) Electrical Engineer (IRE) Pharmacist (IES) Veterinarian (IRS)

3 - Holland Code
 Artistic (Creators)
People who have artistic, innovating, or intuitional abilities and like to work in
unstructured situations using their imagination and creativity.

Are you? original Can you? Like to?

creative introspective sketch, draw, paint attend concerts, theatre, art
imaginative impulsive play a musical instrument exhibits
innovative sensitive write stories, poetry, music read fiction, plays, and poetry
unconventional courageous sing, act, dance work on crafts
emotional complicated design fashions or interiors take photography
independent idealistic express yourself creatively
Expressive nonconforming deal with ambiguous ideas

Career Possibilities
(Holland Code):

Actor (AES) Copy Writer (ASI) Interior Designer (AES) Medical Illustrator (AIE)
Advertising Art Director (AES) Dance Instructor (AER) Intelligence Research Specialist Museum Curator (AES)
Advertising Manager (ASE) Drama Coach (ASE) (AEI) Music Teacher (ASI)
Architect (AIR) English Teacher (ASE) Journalist/Reporter (ASE) Photographer (AES)
Art Teacher (ASE) Entertainer/Performer (AES) Landscape Architect (AIR) Writer (ASI)
Artist (ASI) Fashion Illustrator (ASR) Librarian (SAI) Graphic Designer (AES)

Social (Helpers)
People who like to work with people to enlighten, inform, help, train, or cure them, or are
skilled with words.
Are you? cooperative Can you? Like to?
friendly generous teach/train others work in groups
helpful responsible express yourself clearly help people with problems
idealistic forgiving lead a group discussion do volunteer work
insightful patient mediate disputes work with young people
outgoing kind plan and supervise an activity serve others
understanding cooperate well with others

City Manager (SEC)
Clinical Dietitian (SIE)
College/University Faculty (SEI)
Community Org. Director
(SEA)
Consumer Affairs Director
(SER)Counselor/Therapist
(SAE)
Career Possibilities
(Holland Code):
Historian (SEI) Park Naturalist (SEI) Teacher (SAE)
Hospital Administrator (SER) Physical Therapist (SIE) Social Worker (SEA)
Psychologist (SEI) Police Officer (SER) Speech Pathologist (SAI)
Insurance Claims Examiner Probation and Parole Officer Vocational-Rehab. Counselor
(SIE) (SEC) (SEC)
Librarian (SAI) Real Estate Appraiser (SCE) Volunteer Services Director
Medical Assistant (SCR) Recreation Director (SER) (SEC)
Minister/Priest/Rabbi (SAI) Registered Nurse (SIA)
Paralegal (SCE)

4 - Holland Code
 Enterprising (Persuaders)
People who like to work with people, influencing, persuading, leading or managing for
organizational goals or economic gain.

Are you? ambitious Can you? Like to?

self-confident agreeable initiate projects make decisions
assertive talkative convince people to do things be elected to office
persuasive extroverted your way start your own business
energetic spontaneous sell things campaign politically
adventurous optimistic give talks or speeches meet important people
popular organize activities have power or status
lead a group
persuade others

Career Possibilities
(Holland Code):

Advertising Executive (ESA)
Advertising Sales Rep (ESR)
Banker/Financial Planner (ESR)
Branch Manager (ESA)
Business Manager (ESC)
Buyer (ESA)
Chamber of Commerce Exec
(ESA)
Credit Analyst (EAS)
Customer Service Manager
(ESA)
Education & Training Manager
(EIS)
Emergency Medical Technician
(ESI)
Entrepreneur (ESA)
Foreign Service Officer (ESA)
Funeral Director (ESR)
Insurance Manager (ESC)
Interpreter (ESA)
Lawyer/Attorney (ESA)
Lobbyist (ESA)
Office Manager (ESR)
Personnel Recruiter (ESR)
Politician (ESA)
Public Relations Rep (EAS)
Retail Store Manager (ESR)
Sales Manager (ESA)
Sales Representative (ERS)
Social Service Director (ESA)
Stockbroker (ESI)
Tax Accountant (ECS)

Conventional (Organizers)
People who like to work with data, have clerical or numerical ability, carry out tasks in
detail, or follow through on others’ instructions.
Are you? practical Can you? Like to?
well-organized thrifty work well within a system follow clearly defined
accurate systematic do a lot of paper work in a short procedures
numerically inclined structured time use data processing equipment
methodical polite keep accurate records work with numbers
conscientious ambitious use a computer terminal type or take shorthand
efficient obedient write effective business letters be responsible for details
conforming persistent collect or organize things
Career Possibilities
(Holland Code):
Abstractor (CSI) Claims Adjuster (SEC) Elementary School Teacher Medical Records Technician
Accountant (CSE) Computer Operator (CSR) (SEC) (CSE)
Administrative Assistant (ESC) Congressional-District Aide (CES) Financial Analyst (CSI) Museum Registrar (CSE)
Budget Analyst (CER) Cost Accountant (CES) Insurance Manager (ESC) Paralegal (SCE)
Business Manager (ESC) Court Reporter (CSE) Insurance Underwriter (CSE) Safety Inspector (RCS)
Business Programmer (CRI) Credit Manager (ESC) Internal Auditor (ICR) Tax Accountant (ECS)
Business Teacher (CSE) Customs Inspector (CEI) Kindergarten Teacher (ESC) Tax Consultant (CES)
Catalog Librarian (CSE) Editorial Assistant (CSI) Travel Agent (ECS)
5 - Holland Code
 Holland Codes for
University of Missouri Majors
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD & NATURAL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
RESOURCES Business Administration (ESC) Accountancy (CRS)
Agricultural Econ. (EAS) Business Administration: Finance & Banking (ESR)
Agricultural Education (RIE) Business Administration: Intl. Business (ESR)
Agricultural Journalism (ESR) Business Administration: Mgnt (ESR) SCHOOL OF FINE ARTS
Animal Sciences (IRS) Business Administration: Real Estate (ESR) Art (AEI)
Biochemistry (IRE) Public Administration (ESR) Music (ASI)
Entomology (IRS) Theatre (ASE)
Food Science & Nutrition (SEI)
General Agriculture (RIS) COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Horticulture (IRS) Early Childhood Education (SEC) SCHOOL OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
Hotel & Restaurant Mgmt. (ESR) Educational Studies (SEC) Clinical Laboratory Sciences: Cytotechnology (ICR)
Plant Pathology (IRS) Curriculum & Instruction, Interdepartmental, Comm. Science & Disorders (SAI)
Plant Sciences (IRS) Practical Arts & Voc-Tech Educ, Special Educ. Nuclear Medicine (RIS)
Rural Sociology (IES) Elementary Education (SEC) Occupational Therapy (SRE)
Elementary Education: School Art (ASE); School Physical Therapy (SIE)
Music (AES) Radiography (RIS)
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCE Practical Arts & Vocational-Technical Education Respiratory Therapy (SIR)
Anthropology (IRE) (RIE)
Art History & Archaeology (EAS/IRE) Secondary Education (SAE/ASE)
Biological Sci. (IRE) Art Educ, Behavioral Science, Biology, Chemistry, SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM
Chemistry (IRE) Earth Science, French, Gen. Science, German, Journalism (EAS)
Classics: Classical Humanities (AIS) Italian, Language Arts, Latin, Mathematics Educ, Journalism: Advertising (ESA)
Classics: Greek (ASE) Music Educ, Physics, Social Studies, Spanish, Journalism: Broadcast News (AES)
Classics: Latin (ASE) Speech, Technical Educ (Agri Busn, Home Ec, Ind/ Journalism: Magazine (AES)
Communication (EAS) Tech & Mktg Educ). Journalism: News Editorial (ESA)
Computer Science (IEC) Special Education (SEC) Journalism: Photojournalism (AES)
Economics (IAS) Behavior Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Mild/
English (AES) Moderate Mental Retardation, Severe
French (ASE) Developmental Disabilities, Curriculum Dev for SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Geography (IRE) Exceptional Students, Mental Retardation,Early Fisheries & Wildlife (RIE)
Geological Sci. (IRE) Childhood Special Educ.,Admin & Supv of Special Forestry (RIS)
German (ASE) Educ. Soil, Atmospheric Sci. (IRS)
History (SEI) Parks, Rec & Tourism (ESA)
Intl. Studies: East Asian Studies (SEI)
Intl .Studies: Environmental Studies (IRE) COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Intl. Studies: European Studies (SEI) Agricultural Engineering (IRE) SCHOOL OF NURSING
Intl. Studies: Intl Agri/Comm Dev.(SEI/IRS) Chemical Engineering (IRS) (Biochem & Chem Nursing (SIA)
Intl. Studies: International Business (ESR) Environmental Options)
Intl. Studies: Latin Amer. Studies (SEI) Civil Engineering (IRE) (Environmental Option)
Intl. Studies: Russian Studies (SEI) Comp. Engineering (IRE) SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
Intl. Studies: South Asian Studies (SEI) Elec. Engineering (IRE) Social Work (SEC)
Mathematics (IRE) Industrial Engineering (EIR)
Microbiology (IRS) Mechanical Engineering (RIS/IRE)
Peace Studies (SEI) HONORS COLLEGE
Philosophy (SAI) Pre-med (IRS)
Political Science (SEI) COLLEGE OF HUMAN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Psychology (SIE/ASE) Architectural Studies (IRE)
Physics (IRE) Communication Science & Disorders: Speech - SCHOOL OF LAW
Religious Studies (SAI) Language Pathology (SAI)Audiology (ISR) Law (ESA)
Romance Languages (ASE) Human Devel. & Family Studies (SEA)
Russian (ASE) Personal Financial Planning (SEA)
Sociology (IES) Radiologic Sci.: Radiography (IRS) SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Spanish (ASE) Textile & Apparel Management (ESA) Health Services Mgmt. (ESC)
Statistics (IRE)
COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
Veterinary Biomedical Science (IRS)
Veterinary Pathobiology (IRS)

6 - Holland Code