Quick Test?
Download and print out the worksheet below. Follow the instructions and complete the exercise.
When finished why not complete our Interest Profiler, which will match your Career Interests to Occupations, CAO courses and PLC Courses.
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Social? |
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The Social person's interests focus on some aspect of those people in their environment. In all cases the social person enjoys the personal contact of other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people, and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles. |
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A Theory of Career Interests
The idea of career interests has been made famous by the work of John Holland, an American psychologist who has been researching this area for over 30 years. His theory is based on the following main ideas:
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People can be generally described using six categories of interests and attitudes that capture the spirit of the individuals they profile. |
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People are best described using combinations of these categories. Most people can be best described using two or three categories. |
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The categories that represent an individual's interests are the result of many influences, including family, upbringing, cultural environment, educational opportunities, school and work experience and so on. |
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Occupations can also be described using the same six categories. |
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Work environments also have distinct characteristics, and can equally be classified using the same six categories |
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People who work in occupations and environments that have related characteristics are more likely to feel comfortable and motivated with their work and develop satisfying careers |
| We use a localised adaptation of Holland's categories to assist with categorising occupations and courses throughout this site. A summary of the types is presented below. Click on the category titles to get further information. |
Realist
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R
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Realistic occupations involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outdoors. |
Administrative
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A
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Administrative occupations involve working with data and details more than with ideas and people. These people like clear routines and instructions, and enjoy checking facts and figures. |
Enterprising
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E
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Enterprising occupations involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business. |
Investigative
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I
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Investigative occupations involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally. |
Social
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S
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Social occupations involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others. |
Creative
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C
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Creative occupations involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules. |
Linguistic
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L
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Linguistic types enjoy work involving the creation and exchange of information through writing, electronic media or the spoken word. These people prefer unstructured environments where there is time to use their imagination to compose their thoughts. |
Naturalist
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N
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Naturalists' like work that involves 'doing' something to 'organic things', i.e. plants, animals and their produce (e.g. food). Like Realists, Naturalists enjoy a hands-on approach, and like to see tangible results. |
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Irish based occupational matching programme from FAS. Suggests careers and general career areas baesd on an individual's personal and work interests. Also contains descriptions of over 700 careers. Free, Registration required for matching only. |
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A veterinary careers information booklet that explains the many different career options available with a veterinary degree. |
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Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation baseline survey to capture Public Health
Nurses’ (PHNs) and Community Registered General Nurses’ (CRGNs) perceptions of
working in the community environment and the quality of care provided |
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There’s always a little something that inspires
designers to pursue their ideas. Here’s the full line-up of the IKEA PS 2012 collection, complete with designers’ own insights into what's behind the products. |
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John Holland's theory has been used worldwide to help categorise workplaces and the occupations within them. The official test to measure your interests is the SDS - Self Directed Search, which can be taken online for a small fee.
[link is to a site outside of CareersPortal]
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