RIASEC codes are a way of classifying people according to their interests so that they can be matched with appropriate careers. The system was developed by Dr. John L. Holland, an academic psychologist. Dr. Holland’s theory proposes that there are six broad areas into which all careers can be classified. These same six areas can be used to describe people, their personalities and interests. For instance, Building careers are those that involve working with tools or machinery (e.g. carpenter, mechanic, or airline pilot). People with Building interests are typically practical types who like working with their hands and creating a tangible product.

To find the ideal career for an individual, the individual’s interest level in the six areas must first be determined; then, those interest scores can be used to find matching careers.

REALISTIC - Realistic people are often interested in building jobs that involve the use of tools, machines, or physical skill. Builders like working with their hands and bodies, working with plants and animals, and working outdoors.

INVESTIGATIVE - Investigative jobs involve theories, research, and intellectual inquiry. Investigative people like working with ideas and concepts, and enjoy science, technology, and academia.

ARTISTIC - Artistic jobs involve art, design, language, and self-expression. Artistic people like working in unstructured environments and producing something unique.

SOCIAL - Social jobs involve assisting, teaching, coaching, and serving other people. Social people like working in cooperative environments to improve the lives of others.

ENTERPRISING - Enterprising jobs involve leading, motivating, and influencing others. Enterprising people enjoy working in positions of power to make decisions and carry out projects.

CONVENTIONAL - Conventional jobs involve managing data, information, and processes. Conventional people like to work in structured environments to complete tasks with precision and accuracy.