RIASEC Career Choices
Every profession can be characterised by at least two personality traits. For example, besides having an enterprising spirit, a producer is also artistic. A general practitioner is both social and investigative, and a plumber is both realistic and conventional.
When combining the six personality traits (realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, conventional) from the RIASEC theory of career choice, one can create 15 so-called career choice profiles to classify every type of profession.
Below is an overview of the 15 profiles. The right career choice profile makes it easier for people to choose their preferred education or profession, or even make a career change.
Investigative and Artistic
Professions associated with this profile often involve a research-oriented and creative approach. It is the type of work that requires both an analytical thought process and scientific curiosity. At the same time, it requires a unique and artistic mindset. An author is an excellent example of an investigative and artistic profession.
Other example professions: architect, technical writer, animator, desktop publisher.
Investigative and Conventional
Professions associated with this profile often involve a research and process-based approach. This type of work requires both an analytical thought process and a sound, reliable and structured way of working. A software developer is an excellent example of an investigative and conventional profession.
Other example professions: UX designer, paralegal, data analyst, quality controller.
Realistic and Artistic
Professions associated with this profile often include activities that involve both a physical and creative approach. This type of work requires manual labour on the one hand and an imaginative mindset on the other. A photographer is an excellent example of a realistic and artistic profession.
Other example professions: tailor, artist, pastry chef, furniture designer.
Artistic and Social
Professions associated with this profile often involve a creative and human-oriented approach. This type of work requires an artistic and social mind. A teacher is an excellent example of a social and artistic profession.
Other example professions: translator, nanny, career advisor, interpreter.
Artistic and Conventional
Professions associated with this profile often involve a creative and process-oriented approach. This type of work requires both an artistic thought process and a sound, reliable and structured way of working. A web designer is an excellent example of an artistic and conventional profession.
Other example professions: graphic designer, proofreader, UI designer, visual designer.
Realistic and Enterprising
Professions associated with this profile often involve a physical and enterprising approach. This type of work requires manual labour, taking the initiative and a sense of responsibility. A cook is an excellent example of a realistic and enterprising profession.
Other example professions: engineering manager, police officer, process operator, taxi driver.
Artistic and Enterprising
Professions associated with this profile often involve a creative and enterprising approach. This type of work requires an artistic mind, sense of responsible or occasionally even leadership. An interior designer is an excellent example of an artistic and enterprising profession.
Other example professions: illustrator, entrepreneur, journalist, producer, art director, copywriter, actor.
Realistic and Social
Professions associated with this profile often involve a physical and human-oriented approach. This type of work requires both manual labour and helping others. A care assistant is an excellent example of a realistic and social profession.
Other example professions: fire fighter, masseur, sports coach, veterinary assistant.
Social and Conventional
Professions associated with this profile often involve a people-oriented and process-based approach. This type of work requires assisting others on the basis of a sound, reliable and structured way of working. As the name suggests, a social worker is an excellent example of a social and conventional profession.
Other example professions: librarian, telephone operator, medical assistant, teaching assistant.
Realistic and Investigative
This profile is related to professions that involve a lot of manual work, outdoor work or work with equipment. In other words, the exact opposite of an office job. At the same time, these kinds of professions require careful thought and a more analytical approach. An electrician is an excellent example of a realistic and investigative profession.
Other example professions: network engineer, mechanical engineer, automotive engineer, laboratory technician.
Investigative and Social
Professions associated with this profile often involve a research and human-oriented approach. This type of work requires both an analytical thought process and social mindset. A general practitioner is an excellent example of an investigative and social profession.
Other example professions: physics teacher, nurse, physiotherapist, coach.
Investigative and Enterprising
Professions associated with this profile often involve a research-oriented and enterprising approach. This type of work requires an analytical thought process, enterprising spirit and a sense of leadership and responsibility. A detective is an excellent example of an investigative and enterprising profession.
Other example professions: consultant, solicitor, market researcher, business controller, online marketer.
Social and Enterprising
Professions associated with this profile often involve a people-oriented and enterprising approach. This type of work requires assisting others on the one hand and taking leadership and responsibility on the other. A mediator is an excellent example of a social and enterprising profession.
Other example professions: HR manager, account manager, customer service advisor, waiter / waitress.
Realistic and Conventional
This profile is related to professions that involve a lot of physical, manual and outdoor labour involving machines. In other words, the exact opposite of an office job. At the same time, these kinds of professions requires a careful, orderly and structured approach. A landscape gardner is an excellent example of a realistic and conventional profession.
Other example professions: lorry driver, machine operator, security guide, plumber, cleaner, warehouse operative, service technician.
Enterprising and Conventional
Professions associated with this profile often involve an enterprising and process-based approach. This type of work requires a lot of personal responsibility and a sound, reliable and structured way of working. A financial controller is an excellent example of an enterprising and conventional profession.
Other example professions: general manager, air traffic controller, branch manager, fundraiser, recruiter, shop assistant.