Holland Codes (RIASEC): A Simple Guide for Choosing Work You’ll Actually Enjoy

What are Holland Codes?

Holland Codes also called RIASEC are a simple way to describe your career interests. Psychologist John Holland grouped most work interests into six types. Your top 2–3 letters (e.g., ISE or ARS) form a shorthand of what motivates you and the kinds of tasks, people, and environments you prefer.

The Six RIASEC Types (in plain English)

• R — Realistic: Hands-on builders and doers. Prefer tools, machinery, outdoors, physical tasks.
  Examples: mechanic, contractor, electrician, park ranger.
• I — Investigative: Curious analyzers. Enjoy research, data, diagnostics, and complex problems.
  Examples: data analyst, biologist, pharmacist, UX researcher.
• A — Artistic: Creators and improvisers. Like ideas, design, words, visuals, performance.
  Examples: graphic designer, writer, musician, creative strategist.
• S — Social: Helpers and teachers. Thrive on coaching, counseling, customer care, teamwork.
  Examples: teacher, nurse, HR partner, social worker.
• E — Enterprising: Persuaders and drivers. Enjoy leading, selling, pitching, negotiating.
  Examples: founder, sales manager, marketer, product owner.
• C — Conventional: Organizers and finishers. Like structure, accuracy, process, and detail.
  Examples: accountant, ops coordinator, compliance analyst, librarian.

How your code works

Most people are a blend say SIA (Social–Investigative–Artistic) or ERC (Enterprising–Realistic–Conventional). Your first letter is the strongest pull, the next 1–2 letters refine the fit. You use the code to:

• Search careers/majors that commonly attract people like you.
• Spot environments you’ll likely enjoy (collaborative vs. independent; structured vs. flexible).
• Shape development plans—lean into strengths, shore up gaps that matter for your goals.

Quick examples by code

• RIA (Realistic–Investigative–Artistic): product prototyping, industrial design, lab tech with build/test work.
• SEC (Social–Enterprising–Conventional): HR business partner, customer success lead, training manager.
• IAS (Investigative–Artistic–Social): UX research, science communication, instructional design.
• AEC (Artistic–Enterprising–Conventional): brand manager, content ops lead, creative project manager.

Why people like RIASEC (and how it helps)

• Clarity fast: A few letters turn career noise into patterns you can act on.
• Common language: Schools, coaches, and many job-matching tools recognize RIASEC.
• Practical search: Filter career/major databases, course catalogs, and roles by your code.
• Flexible, not rigid: It points to directions, not a single job for life.

What RIASEC is not

• Not a measure of IQ or worth.
• Not destiny interests evolve with experience.
• Not a substitute for skills; it shows the kinds of work you’ll likely find energizing.

How to use your results (step-by-step)

1. Take a reputable RIASEC assessment. You’ll receive a code like SIE.
2. Explore matched careers/majors. Note common tasks, environments, and training paths.
3. Reality-check with your skills and goals. Strong interest + buildable skills = best bets.
4. Test small. Shadow, volunteer, take a micro-course, or run a short project in a target area.
5. Iterate. Interests can shift; retest or revisit results after new experiences.

Why many people choose to take Holland’s RIASEC codes

• You’re choosing (or changing) a major. RIASEC helps anchor choices to what motivates you, lowering the risk of costly pivots.
• You’re unhappy at work. If your daily tasks clash with your code (e.g., a high-A creative in a rigid C environment), misfit not failure may be the issue.
• You’re comparing offers. Two roles can pay the same; the one aligned with your code is more likely to sustain energy and growth.
• You want language for coaching or interviews. RIASEC gives a concise, credible way to explain your fit.
• You’re building a learning plan. Match courses, certifications, or projects to interests you’ll stick with.

RIASEC vs. skills, values, and personality

• RIASEC (interests): what draws you.
• Skills/aptitudes: what you can do well now or can learn.
• Values: what matters (impact, autonomy, stability, compensation).
• Personality/temperament: how you prefer to work (pace, collaboration, detail).
  Use RIASEC alongside these to make grounded, confident choices.

Tips to get the most from your code

• Combine with labor-market data. Check demand, pay ranges, and growth (e.g., BLS/O*NET).
• Look at the environment, not just titles. A high-I analyst in a creative, A-leaning org can thrive; context matters.
• Blend roles. Many great jobs mix letters e.g., AE product marketing, IS clinical research coordination, RC technical operations.
• Revisit after new experiences. Internships, side projects, or life changes can shift your top letters.

Sample mapping (code → tasks you might enjoy)

• R: operating equipment, building, repairing, hands-on testing.
• I: analyzing data, forming hypotheses, diagnosing issues, deep research.
• A: designing visuals, writing, composing, inventing formats, improvising.
• S: teaching, coaching, facilitating, caring for customers/clients.
• E: pitching, negotiating, organizing teams, launching initiatives.
• C: structuring processes, auditing details, record-keeping, QA.

Common questions

Can my code change? Yes new skills, mentors, or environments can shift interests.
What if my job doesn’t match? Look for projects or rotations closer to your top letters; plan a medium-term transition if needed.
Do I need the “perfect” code match? No. Many fulfilling paths sit near your letters on the RIASEC hexagon.

Take a Holland Codes (RIASEC) assessment now on Assessment.com and find your best-fit path.