Realistic – Building, repairing, working outdoors

This category contains occupations undertaken by people who like realistic work environments and prefer activities that are practical and concrete.  Their interests are likely to involve physical exertion, knowledge of mechanical principles or manual dexterity.

They enjoy working outdoors, working with tools and machines and using physical skills in general. People who score high on this theme prefer dealing with things rather than with ideas or people.  They often seek careers relating to nature and the outdoors, mechanics, athletics, skilled trades, construction or military service.

People who are high on Realistic are often described as frank, genuine, honest, materialistic, natural and practical.

Investigative – researching, analysing, inquiring

This category contains occupations undertaken by people who like investigative environments and prefer activities that are scientific and intellectual.  Their interests include reading technical articles, solving challenging problems.

They enjoy gathering information, uncovering new facts or theories and analyzing and interpreting data. People who score high on this theme, like to think through problems and enjoys challenges. They often seek careers relating to science, maths, academic research, medical facilities, health or computer-related industries.

People who are high on Investigative are often described as analytical, critical, curious, independent, methodical, rational.

Artistic – creating or enjoying art, drama, music, writing 

This category contains occupations undertaken by people who like artistic environments value aesthetic qualities and like opportunities for self-expression.

They prefer unstructured and flexible environments and often seek work relating to art, music, drama, writing, cooking, library science and museum work.

People who are high on Artistic are often described as complicated, disorderly, expressive, non conforming and original.

Social – helping, instructing, care giving

This category contains occupations undertaken by people who like social environments and prefer activities that involve working with people to inform, train, cure or develop them in some way.

They enjoy working in groups, sharing responsibilities and communicating with others. They often seek careers relating to education, healthcare, psychology, social work and counselling.

People who are high on Social are often described as cooperative, generous, patient, responsible and understanding.

Enterprising – selling, managing, persuading 

This category contains occupations undertaken by people who like enterprising environments and enjoy influencing, leading or managing others for organisational goals or for economic success.

They enjoy persuading others to their viewpoint and prefer social tasks where they can assume leadership. They often seek careers relating to business management, sales or politics, management or law

People who are high on Enterprising are often described as adventurous, ambitious, domineering, optimistic and sociable.

Conventional – accounting, organising, processing data

This category contains occupations undertaken by people who like conventional environments and enjoy systematic activities requiring attention to accuracy and detail, often associated with office work.

They enjoy working for large organisations and are comfortable with an established chain of command. They often seek work relating to financial institutions, accounting firms, data management or clerical activities. 

People who are high on Conventional are often described as conforming, conscientious, efficient, obedient and practical.