Month: November 2016

John Holland created a theory that aids people in finding their personalities within their careers. This helps individuals find a job that not only allows them to utilize their strengths, but also helps individuals see if their careers fulfill their personal needs in life. The Holland Occupational Themes consists of six categories: “R” realistic, “I” investigative, “A” artistic, “S” social, “E” enterprising, “C” conventional. These six letters make up the acronym RIASEC which the test is commonly known as. People who fall under the “R” or realistic category are “the do-ers”. These people have athletic or mechanical ability, prefer to work with machines, tools, plants, animals as opposed to ideas or people. They also love to be outdoors and are practical thinkers rather than abstract. Jobs typically occupied by R’s are engineers, mechanics, electricians, etc. The “I” or investigative category are the “thinkers”. People who fall under this category are people who like to observe, learn, investigate, analyze, evaluate, and solve scientific/mathematical problems. They would rather work with ideas rather than people in a loosely structured setting and strive for achievement. Jobs typically occupied by I’s are physicians, psychologists, medical lab and college professors. People who fall under the “A” or artistic category are the “creators”. These individuals have artistic, innovating, or intuitional abilities. They like to be in unstructured work environment for their imagination to flow. They prefer working with self-expressive ideas. These people are highly sensitive, intense with their feelings, and self expression and beauty are very important to them. Jobs typically occupied by A’s journalists, translators, graphic designers, and architects. People who fall under the “S” or social category are the “helpers”. These people who like to work with people- to inform, enlighten, help train, cure, and to help others live up to their highest potential. They prefer solving problems through communication not analytically. They are responsible, have spiritual connections, and highly empathetic. Jobs typically occupied by S’s are nursers, dietitians, social workers, etc.  People who fall under the “C” category or conventional category are the “organizers”. These individuals like to work with data have numerical or clerical ability, pay close attention to detail, and prefer structured situations over ambiguous one. They work best with defined, organized tasks and are extremely thrifty. Jobs typically occupied by C’s are accountants, carpenters, laboratory technicians, etc. People who fall under the “E” category or enterprising category are the “persuaders”. These people like to work with people by influences, persuading, leading or managing them for the goals of an organization. They enjoy leadership positions and dislike details. They thrive in leading, public speaking, and finishing projects. Jobs typically held by E’s are fashion designer, interior design, building design, retail, etc.

In the first grade I had to do a project where I had to pick colleges I wanted to attend when I was older and my dream job. At the age of six I planned to go to The Ohio State University and become a veterinarian. And twelve years later, that plan has not changed. I have made it to Ohio State so I have at least 50% of my dream completed but there is still a lot to accomplish to make the other half reality. Everything in my life up to this point I have focused on being a veterinarian and what I need to get there. But, now that I am in college I definitely have had my quarter-life crisis where I am learning how hard it is to get there and the other jobs I am interested in. I have always been interested in the environment and being in ENR has definitely geared me towards jobs that I did not even knew existed that I am interested in. Such as park management and city planning. It has also made me realize how much I love being outdoors and I really do not want to be in an office while I work- I would love to look into wildlife biologist or zoologist. However, I have come up with a very hard yet, solution to all the things I want to have in a job. I love animals and love researching and working outdoors so a zoo veterinarian would be a prime career for me. However this comes with a lot of student debt and not only 4 years of undergrad, 4 years of graduate school but, also 1 year in small animal practice, 1 year in large animal practice, and 5 years of internship at a zoo- this means it’ll be 15 years before I could even start my career. A solution to this problem is not only getting a Zoology degree at OSU but also a vet-tech degree at Columbus State. That way while I am doing vet school I can already have a job as a vet-tech and gaining experience.

As for the RIASEC test, I believe I am a RIS/E. Realistic is most important to me. I am very individualistic, practical, and love the outdoors. Investigative is second most important category for me, I want to constantly learn new things and talk about ideas and succeed in what I do. Social and Enterprising are equally important to me. Though I am individualistic I love social settings and being able to connect with people. I am extremely responsible and empathetic. I also do not mind public speaking and I love being in a leadership role. I believe a zoo veterinarian would be a great job choice according to these characteristics because you work with exotic animals and have to study their environment- this fulfills my want to be outside. I will constantly be learning new ways to cure and aid in an animals health. Also maybe one day I will fulfill my leadership role by owning my own rehabilitation center.

If none of this works out all I hope to do is be able to help the world in someway, be happy, and proud of what I have accomplished in my lifetime.