An interest area is a way of categorizing careers based on where and how you like to work. Your values and personality will influence your interest areas. Because this categorization combines important factors, it can be very useful when choosing a career. How do you use an interest area to choose a career? First, realize that you will probably have a primary interest area and a secondary interest area. Most careers will combine two or three interest areas, so choosing a career based on your interest areas isn’t always simple. Ideally, you will identify the careers that combine your primary and secondary areas.
A brief description of the interest areas:
Conventional
Conventional people like organization, structure, and stability. They prefer work that requires attention to detail and routine.
– Conventional personality traits: honest, dependable and conscientious
– Good jobs for conventional types: accountant, actuary, budget analyst, receptionist, bookkeeper, medical records technician, legal secretary, insurance underwriter, office clerk, pharmacy technician
Investigative
Investigative types enjoy solving complex problems and appreciate abstract ideas. Science, math, and engineering are areas in which investigative types usually excel.
– Investigative personality traits: curious, rational, intelligent and independent
– Good jobs for investigative types: software engineer, actuary, financial analyst, economist, physician, chemist, physicist, medical scientist, computer systems analyst
Social
Social types value relationships and gravitate towards the “helping” professions such as nursing, counseling and teaching. They enjoy working with people and communicating.
– Social personality traits: patient, friendly, generous and supportive
– Good jobs for social types: registered nurse, dental hygienist, physical therapist, teacher, home health aide, social worker, school counselor, police officer, occupational therapist
Artistic
Creativity expression is highly valued by artistic types. They prefer work that does not follow a clear set of rules or regulations.
– Artistic personality traits: idealistic, sensitive and unconventional
– Good jobs for artistic types: architect, editor, art director, producer, graphic designer, copy writer, musician, photographer, librarian; drama, art or music teacher
Realistic
Realistic types enjoy working outdoors and prefer work that is hands-on. They like using machinery or tools and would probably not enjoy most office jobs.
– Realistic personality traits: practical, athletic, stable and hard-working
– Good jobs for realistic types: electrician, plumber, truck driver, civil engineer, welder, firefighter, pilot, radiology technician
Enterprising
Enterprising types like to start and carry out projects. They don’t mind taking risks and are well-suited for leadership roles.
– Enterprising personality traits: persuasive, confident, decisive and ambitious
– Good jobs for enterprising types: lawyer, sales representative, manager, recruiter, education administrator, business owner, controller
If you’re having trouble determining your interest areas, visit your campus career center.