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Career Choice

John Holland's Theory of Career Choice

According to John Holland's (1985) theory, there are 6 types of vocational personality which could make individuals better predisposed to certain occupations. Holland's fundamental underlying hypothesis is that people will have the most job satisfaction in occupations that match their personality type and so tend to choose a career that is reflective of their of their personality. Quoting John Holland himself, "people can function and develop best and find job satisfaction in work environments that are compatible with their personalities" (ICDM, 1991, p. 4-4).

These are the six personality types in brief. While each type is normally a part of us, usually one type is evidenced most strongly

REALISTIC: outdoor type. These people tend to like and be good at activities that require strength and co-ordination. They are not too keen on socializing. They also like working with things (tools, machines etc). Examples of suitable jobs: Farmer, Truck driver, Pilot, Builder, Carpenter, etc

INVESTIGATIVE: interested in logic and concepts. These people tend to enjoy and be good at abstract thought. They are often interested in science. They also like working with information (abstract ideas and theories) Examples of suitable jobs: Chemist, Mathematician, Pharmacist, Dentist, Researcher, etc

ARTISTIC: tend to you their imagination a lot. They like to express their feelings and ideas. Dislike rules and regulations and enjoy music, drama and art. They also like creating things. Examples of suitable jobs: Artist, Actor, Dancer, Designer, DJ, Composer, Painter etc

SOCIAL: enjoy the company of other people especially to help them. Tend to be warm and caring people. Example of suitable jobs: Nurse, Librarian, Counselor, Physiotherapist etc

ENTERPRISING: also enjoy the company of other people, but mainly to dominate or persuade rather then help them. Enjoys actions more than thought. They also like to be the leaders. Examples of suitable jobs: Sales Rep, Headmaster, Lawyer, Managers, Journalist etc

CONVENTIONAL: likes rules and regulations, structure and order. These people tend to be well organized with little or no imagination. Examples of suitable jobs: Secretary, Typist, Clerk, Factory worker etc

Interestingly, it has been observed that most females frequently tend to score predominately in three personality types: Artistic, Social, and Conventional, whilst males score more predominately on the Realistic, Investigative and Enterprising types.

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