TPC-Journal-V1-Issue2

112 The Professional Counselor \ Volume 1, Issue 2 We begin with a review of Holland’s theory with respect to personality and environment, and then describe several practical tools based on the theory that might be used in educational counseling. Personality Holland’s typological theory (Holland, 1997) specifies a theoretical connection between personality and environment that makes it possible to use the same RIASEC classification system for both. Many inventories and career assessment tools use the typology to enable individuals to categorize their interests and personal characteristics in terms of combinations of the six types: Realistic (R), Investigative (I), Artistic (A), Social (S), Enterprising (E), or Conventional (C). These six types are briefly defined in relation to educational options in Table 1. Table 1 Sample of Holland Types Related to Educational Fields computer engineering, forestry, surveying, poultry science, mining technology, computer installation, heating/AC technician, animal training, pharmacy technician, massage, meat cutter, carpentry, turf management, furniture design mechanical and athletic abilities, likes to work outdoors and with tools and machines; might be described as conforming, frank, hardheaded, honest, humble, materialistic, natural, normal, persistent, practical, shy, thrifty Realistic Investigative biology, chemistry, physics, geology, anthropology, laboratory assistant, medical technician, social psychology, computer science, pharmacy, criminology, geography, general studies, liberal arts, psychology math and science abilities, likes to work alone and to solve problems; might be described as analytical, complex, critical, curious, independent, intellectual, introverted, pessimistic, precise, rational Artistic composer, music, stage director, dance, interior decoration, acting, writing, drawing, languages, painting, speech, philosophy, comparative literature, industrial design, landscape architecture, historic preservation, housing studies, journalism artistic skills, enjoys creating original work, has a good imagination; may be described as complicated, disorderly, emotional, idealistic, imaginative, impulsive, independent, introspective, nonconforming, original Social education, speech therapy, counseling, clinical psychology, nursing, dental hygiene, sports medicine, ministry/theology, music therapy, special education, home health, food and nutrition l ikes to help, teach, and counsel people; may be described as cooperative, friendly, generous, helpful, idealistic, kind, responsible, sympathetic, tactful, understanding, warm Enterprising marketing, television production, business, sales, hospitality management, sports administration, urban planning, acting/ directing, advertising, entrepreneurship, educational administration, financial planning, pre-law, insurance, political science, real estate leadership and public speaking abilities, is interested in money and politics, likes to influence people; described as acquisitive, agreeable, ambitious, attention getting, domineering, energetic, extroverted, impulsive, optimistic, self-confident, sociable Conventional bookkeeping, accounting, office management, court reporting, desktop publishing, medical laboratory assisting, computer operator, hematology technology, business communications clerical and math abilities, likes to work indoors and to organize things; described as conforming, careful, efficient, obedient, orderly, persistent, practical, thrifty, unimaginative Type Examples of Fields Typical Traits