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Best Jobs for the Conventional Holland Code?

By Jessica L. Mendes

What Is the Realistic Holland Code Personality Type?

In 1959, sociology professor John L. Holland devised six “codes” to describe the strengths of fundamental personality types. If you identify as a Realistic type, you are practical and independent in nature. You value concrete information and, as a result, rarely enjoy working with abstract concepts. You prefer to work with ideas, findings, and data. Realistic types are skilled at working with machines, animals, and drawings. You thrive in practical settings in which you can tangibly see and measure their progress and growth.

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 Realistic Types?

Realistic types are natural problem-solvers who take on roles that involve repairing or assembling things. Practical careers are fitting for them, as they usually find the most success in professions that are hands-on. Careers in Carpentry, IT, Urban Planning/Architecture, and Natural Sciences are best suited for Realistic types.


10 Professions for a Realistic Job Candidate

Here are ten careers that are well-suited for Realistic job candidates, along with other Holland codes that are a good fit for these professions.

Auto Mechanics work with an array of equipment to inspect, repair, and maintain automobiles.

Associated Holland Codes for this career: Investigative, Enterprising

Academic majors to consider:

  • Automotive Technology

Computer Technicians install hardware and software, perform system updates, and troubleshoot computer errors.

Associated Holland Codes for this career: Conventional, Investigative

Academic majors to consider:

  • Information Technology

  • Computer Science

Architects have a great deal of responsibility when it comes to designing buildings that are safe and functional. Architects must think critically to draft plans, provide information about land use, and compute cost analyses.

Associated Holland Codes for this career: Enterprising, Artistic

Academic majors to consider:

  • Architecture

  • Industrial Design

  • Regional Planning

Medical Technicians perform patient assessments, assist nurses and physicians, order lab tests, and maintain patient records.

Associated Holland Codes for this career: Investigative, Conventional

Academic majors to consider:

  • Chemistry

  • Biology

Chefs work with food preparation and menu planning, along with overseeing kitchen staff, ordering supplies, and maintaining inventory.

Associated Holland Codes for this career: Artistic, Conventional

Academic majors to consider:

  • Culinary Arts

  • Hospitality Management

Surveyors work in the field to record details about land, including measuring points on the Earth’s surface, determining the locations of land boundaries, and preparing reports. Surveyors may work with various clients, such as government entities, building managers, and contractors.

Associated Holland Codes for this career: Investigative, Conventional

Academic majors to consider:

  • Civil Engineering

  • Geography

A central part of a Software Tester’s job is to conduct hands-on experimentation in order to guarantee that the software program works properly and to create the best possible user experience.

Associated Holland Codes for this career: Investigative, Conventional

Academic majors to consider:

  • IT, Software Development

  • Management Information Systems

Production Associates work in factories and manufacturing plants to create and package products. They oversee materials as they move throughout an automated assembly line, ensuring quality and positive product outcomes.

Associated Holland Codes for this career: Investigative, Conventional

Academic majors to consider:

  • Business, Manufacturing

  • Facilities Maintenance

HVAC Technicians install, test, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They may service residential clients such as a homeowner seeking to have their equipment repaired or corporate clients.

Associated Holland Codes for this career: Investigative, Conventional

Academic majors to consider:

  • Facilities Maintenance

Critical thinking, strategic planning, and process improvement are just some of the functions of a Logistics Analyst. These Analysts also use industry trends to advise businesses on how to simplify all aspects of the manufacturing process, usually to maximize profits and reduce waste.

Associated Holland Codes for this career: Investigative, Enterprising

Academic majors to consider:

  • Logistics, Business

  • Business Administration

  • Finance

  • Management Information Systems


Another Way Think About It:

The Holland personality codes overlap with several of the "Myers Briggs personality descriptors". The Realistic Holland code is most closely associated with the following Myers Briggs types:

: Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, PerceptionYou tend to be introverted and investigative.

"ISFP": Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, PerceptionYou are employ a more artistic, abstract approach to work.

"ESTP": Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking, PerceptionYou are a lively, energetic thrill-seeker.


By Kaila Kea

Jessica L. Mendes

Jessica L. Mendes, a former contributor to ZipRecruiter, is a writer and professional reader providing author support, content creation, and curriculum design services. She writes for a range of industries, including education, employment, law, technology, medicine, sales, and corporate interior design. Connect with Jessica via LinkedIn or baristadistrict.com.

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