What Is the Social Holland Code Personality Type?
In 1959, sociology professor John L. Holland devised six codes to describe the strengths of fundamental personality types. Social type people are outgoing, friendly, and empathetic. If you are Social on the Holland code scale, then others probably describe you as responsible and cooperative. You are idealistic with a strong personal values system that guides your every decision in life. Your generous nature inspires you to donate money and volunteer for good causes, as you get a real sense of joy from helping other people and your insightfulness enables you to see how you can have a positive impact on the world around you.
Use your Holland code to think about what career opportunities might be the best fit for your strengths and interests.
What Are the Best Careers for Social Types?
Social Holland types excel in careers that are interpersonal and service-oriented, such as education and medicine. Empathy and philanthropy are two of Social people’s greatest strengths, so working in humanitarian efforts can be quite rewarding. Additionally, Social types have a penchant for relationship-building, making them excellent team leaders.
10 Professions for a Social Job Candidate
Here are ten careers that are well-suited to Social job candidates, along with other Holland codes that are a good fit for these professions.
1. City Manager
The City Manager directs the operations of a city and works with City Council to implement policies that will benefit the town.
Associated Holland Codes for this career: Enterprising, Conventional
Academic majors to consider:
- Public Administration
- Public Policy
- Political Science
2. Counselor
Counselors work in many settings, such as schools, prisons, drug and alcohol programs, with the goal of helping people through tough times.
Associated Holland Codes for this career: Artistic, Enterprising
Academic majors to consider:
- Counseling
- Psychology
- Social Work
3. Librarian
Librarians help people find information or entertainment in books and online via databases and archives.
Associated Holland Codes for this career: Artistic, Investigative
Academic majors to consider:
- Library Science
- Information Science
- English
4. Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants take patient medical histories and prepare patients for medical exams as well as maintain medical records and insurance documentation.
Associated Holland Codes for this career: Conventional, Realistic
Academic majors to consider:
- Medical Assisting
- Science
- Health Science
5. Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists work with patients with injuries or chronic illnesses to help them improve their range of motion and manage pain.
Associated Holland Codes for this career: Investigative, Enterprising
Academic majors to consider:
- Biology
- Physiology
- Health Science
6. Psychologist
Psychologists are mental health professionals who work with patients in counseling sessions to achieve personal growth and change unwanted behaviors.
Associated Holland Codes for this career: Enterprising, Investigative
Academic majors to consider:
- Psychology
- Counseling
- Social Work
7. Registered Nurse
Registered Nurses monitor patients’ health conditions, administer medications, and provide healthcare advice in hospitals or physician practices.
Associated Holland Codes for this career: Investigative, Artistic
Academic majors to consider:
- Nursing
- Medical Assisting
- Health Science
8. Social Worker
Social Workers provide support to individuals and families in need, with the goal of improving their quality of life.
Associated Holland Codes for this career: Enterprising, Artistic
Academic majors to consider:
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Rehabilitative Services
9. Teacher
Teachers and professors educate and work with students to help them achieve their potential.
Associated Holland Codes for this career: Artistic, Enterprising
Academic majors to consider:
- Education
- Teaching
- Communications
10. Trainer
Trainers help people improve their skills in a given area. Trainers can work in corporate settings, in athletics, or as consultants.
Associated Holland Codes for this career: Artistic, Conventional
Academic majors to consider:
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Leadership and Management
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Business
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Life Sciences
Another Way Think About It:
How does the Social Holland Code Compare to Myers Briggs Personality Types?
The Holland personality codes overlap with several of the Myers Briggs personality descriptors. The Social Holland code is most closely associated with the following Myers Briggs types:
ENFP: Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling, Perception
You like challenging, stimulating activities. You are great at motivating others.
ENFJ: Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judgment
You see the potential in people and enjoy helping them develop their talents.
ESFP: Extraversion, Sensing, Feeling, Perception
You are a people-person with a strong sense of urgency about what matters.
ESFJ: Extraversion, Sensing, Feeling, Judgment
You are a team player with a talent for finding common ground.
ISFJ: Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, Judgment
You are responsible and trustworthy. You understand the needs of the people around you.
ISFP: Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, Perception
You are guided by a strong values system, although your lifestyle may be unstructured.
Written by Jessica L. Mendes.
