Career & Major Exploration

Career Interests Game

The Career Interests Game is designed to help you match your personality and interests with specific work environments and occupations.

This exercise is based on Dr. John Holland’s theory that people and work environments can be classified into six broad groups. While you may have interests in and similarities to several of the six groups, you likely are attracted primarily to two or three categories. Your Holland code is the three-letter combination of these interests.

Career-Interests-Game-hexagon-logo

Imagine walking into a room in which the six groups of people below are interacting. Read the descriptions of each group and choose the group you would be drawn to first, then your second choice, and finally your third. For example, if you choose R, then E, and then S, you would most resemble the Realistic type, some of the Enterprising type, and a little of the Social type. Most people and jobs are some combination of two or three of the Holland interest areas.

Artistic

People who have artistic, innovating or intuitional abilities and like to work in unstructured situations using their imagination and creativity.

  • Creative
  • Independent
  • Courageous
  • Intuitive
  • Expressive
  • Open
  • Imaginative
  • Original
  • Complicated
  • Innovative
  • Introspective
  • Idealistic
  • Unconventional
  • Impulsive
  • Nonconforming
  • Emotional
  • Sensitive
  • Sketch, draw, paint
  • Play a musical instrument
  • Write stories, poetry, music
  • Sing, act, dance
  • Design fashions or interiors
  • Attend concerts, theatres, art exhibits
  • Read fiction, plays, and poetry
  • Work on crafts
  • Take photographs
  • Express yourself creatively
  • Deal with ambiguous ideas
  • Photography
  • Taking dance lessons
  • Instrument
  • Performing
  • Visiting art museums
  • Homemade crafts
  • Writing stories, poems, etc.
  • Designing sets for plays
  • Painting
  • Desktop publishing
  • Travel
  • Speaking foreign languages
  • Sewing
  • Musicals

College of Arts and Science

  • Architectural Studies (IAE)
  • Architectural Studies: Interior Design (AES)Art (ARE)
  • Ancient Mediterranean Studies (AIS)
  • Digital Storytelling (ASE)
  • English (ASE)
  • Film Studies (AES)
  • German (AIE)
  • Interdisciplinary (IAR)
  • Interdisciplinary: Peace Studies (IAE)
  • International Studies: Peace Studies (IAE)
  • Linguistics (IAS)
  • Music (AES)
  • Philosophy (AIE)
  • Psychology (ISE)
  • Religious Studies (SAE)
  • Romance Languages (AIE)
  • Russian (AIE)
  • Textile & Apparel Management (ESA)
  • Theatre (AES)

College of Business

  • Business Administration: Economics (IAS)

College of Education & Human Development

  • Elementary Education (SEA)
  • Secondary Education (SEA)

School of Journalism

  • Journalism (EAS)

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Conventional

People who like to work with data, have clerical or numerical ability, carry out tasks in detail or follow through on others’ instructions.

  • Well-organized
  • Conforming
  • Structured
  • Accurate
  • Orderly
  • Polite
  • Numerically inclined
  • Practical
  • Ambitious
  • Methodical
  • Thrifty
  • Obedient
  • Conscientious
  • Systematic
  • Persistent
  • Efficient
  • Work well within a system
  • Do a lot of paper work in a short time
  • Keep accurate records
  • Use a computer terminal
  • Write effective business letters
  • Follow clearly defined procedures
  • Use data processing equipment
  • Work with numbers
  • Type or take shorthand
  • Be responsible for details
  • Collect or organize things
  • Collecting memorabilia
  • Studying tax laws
  • Arranging and organizing household or workshop, etc.
  • Keeping club or family records and files
  • Organizing and tidying up
  • Playing computer or card games
  • Collecting any related objects
  • Reading home magazines
  • Writing family history

Explore Mizzou’s 300 degree programs and learn more about your interest areas at majors.missouri.edu.

College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

  • Hospitality Management (ECS)

College of Arts and Science

  • Mathematics: Actuarial Science and Mathematical Finance (IEC)

College of Business

  • Accountancy (CEI)
  • Business Administration: Finance and Banking (ESC)

College of Education & Human Development

  • Early Childhood Education (SEC)
  • Educational Studies (SER)
  • Human Development and Family Science: Child Life Specialist (SEC)
  • Human Development and Family Science: Early Childhood Education in a Mobile Society (SEC)
  • Special Education (SEC)

College of Engineering

  • Computer Science (ICS)

College of Health Sciences

  • Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences: Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound (RIC)
  • Health Sciences (SIC)
  • Social Work (SEC)

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Enterprising

People who like to work with people, influencing, persuading, performing, leading or managing for organizational goals or economic gain.

  • Self-confident
  • Adventurous
  • Agreeable
  • Assertive
  • Popular
  • Talkative
  • Sociable
  • Impulsive
  • Extroverted
  • Persuasive
  • Ambitious
  • Spontaneous
  • Enthusiastic
  • Inquisitive
  • Optimistic
  • Energetic
  • Initiate projects
  • Convince people to do things your way
  • Sell things or promote ideas
  • Give talks or speeches
  • Organize activities
  • Lead a group
  • Persuade others
  • Make decisions affecting others
  • Be elected to office
  • Win a leadership or sales award
  • Start your own service or business
  • Campaign politically
  • Meet important people
  • Have power or status
  • Discussing politics
  • Attending meetings and conferences
  • Operating a home business
  • Reading business journals
  • Selling products
  • Leading campus of community organizations
  • Watching the stock market

Explore Mizzou’s 300 degree programs and learn more about your interest areas at majors.missouri.edu.

College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

  • Agribusiness Management (ESR)
  • Agricultural Systems Management (IER)
  • Hospitality Management (ECS)
  • Nutrition and Exercise Physiology (ISE)
  • Parks, Recreation, Sport and Tourism (ESR)
  • Personal Financial Planning (ESR)
  • Plant Sciences (REI)

College of Arts and Science

  • Architectural Studies, Interior Design (IRE)
  • Art History (IRE)
  • Communication (ESR)
  • Film Studies (AES)
  • History (ERS)
  • Interdisciplinary: Black Studies (SEI)
  • Interdisciplinary: Environmental Studies (IER)
  • Interdisciplinary: Peace Studies (IAE)
  • Interdisciplinary: Women’s and Gender Studies (SEI)
  • International Studies (IES)
  • International Studies: East Asian Studies (SEI)
  • International Studies: Environmental Studies (IRE)
  • International Studies: European Studies (SEI)
  • International Studies: Latin American Studies (SEI)
  • International Studies: Peace Studies (IAE)
  • International Studies: South Asian Studies (SEI)
  • Political Science (ESI)
  • Sociology (IER)
  • Textile & Apparel Management (ESA)

College of Business

  • Business Administration (ERS)
  • Business Administration: Finance and Banking (ESC)
  • Business Administration: International Business (ESR)
  • Business Administration: Management (ERS)
  • Business Administration: Marketing (ERS)
  • Business Administration: Real Estate (ERS)

College of Education & Human Development

  • Early Childhood Education (SEC)
  • Elementary Education (SEA)
  • Special Education (SEC)

College of Engineering

  • Biological Engineering (IRE)
  • Biomedical Engineering (IRE)
  • Computer Science (ICS)
  • Industrial Engineering (EIR)
  • Information Technology (IRE)

College of Health Sciences

  • Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (SIE)

School of Journalism

  • Journalism (EAS)
  • Journalism: Strategic Communication (SIE)

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Investigative

People who like to observe, learn, investigate, analyze, evaluate or solve problems.

  • Inquisitive
  • Scholarly
  • Independent
  • Analytical
  • Cautious
  • Logical
  • Scientific
  • Intellectually self-confident
  • Complex
  • Observant
  • Reserved
  • Curious
  • Precise
  • Broad-minded
  • Think abstractly
  • Solve math problems
  • Understand scientific theories
  • Do complex calculations
  • Use a microscope or computer
  • Interpret formulas
  • Explore a variety of ideas
  • Use computers
  • Work independently
  • Perform lab experiments
  • Read scientific or technical journals
  • Analyze data
  • Deal with abstractions
  • Do research
  • Be challenged
  • Book club
  • Species
  • Collecting rocks, stamps, coins, etc.
  • Astronomy
  • Computers
  • Amateur radio
  • Crossword puzzles/board games
  • Visiting museums
  • Recreational flying
  • Preservation of endangered

Explore Mizzou’s 300 degree programs and learn more about your interest areas at majors.missouri.edu.

College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

  • Agriculture (IRS)
  • Agricultural Systems Management (IER)
  • Animal Sciences (RIE)
  • Biochemistry (IRE)
  • Environmental Sciences (IRS)
  • Natural Resources Science & Management: Forest Resources (RIS)
  • Nutrition and Exercise Physiology (ISE)
  • Plant Sciences (REI)

College of Arts and Science

  • Ancient Mediterranean Studies (AIS)
  • Anthropology (IRE)
  • Architectural Studies (IAE)
  • Art History (IRE)
  • Biological Sciences (IRE)
  • Chemistry (IRE)
  • Economics (ISE)
  • Geography (IRE)
  • Geological Sciences (IRE)
  • Interdisciplinary (IAR)
  • Interdisciplinary: Black Studies (SEI)
  • Interdisciplinary: Environmental Studies (IER)
  • Interdisciplinary: Peace Studies (IAE)
  • Interdisciplinary: Women’s and Gender Studies (SEI)
  • International Studies (IES)
  • International Studies: East Asian Studies (SEI)
  • International Studies: Environmental Studies (IRE)
  • International Studies: European Studies (SEI)
  • International Studies: Latin American Studies (SEI)
  • International Studies: South Asian Studies (SEI)
  • Linguistics (IAS)
  • Mathematics (IRE)
  • Philosophy (AIE)
  • Physics (IRE)
  • Political Science (ESI)
  • Psychology (ISE)
  • Sociology (IER)
  • Statistics (IRE)

College of Business

  • Business Administration: Economics (IAS)

College of Education & Human Development

  • Human Development & Family Science (IRS)

College of Engineering

  • Biological Engineering (IRE)
  • Biomedical Engineering (IRE)
  • Chemical Engineering (IRE)
  • Civil Engineering (IRE)
  • Computer Science (ICS)
  • Electrical Engineering (IRE)
  • Industrial Engineering (EIR)
  • Information Technology (IRE)
  • Mechanical Engineering (RIE)

College of Health Sciences

  • Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences: Clinical Laboratory Science (IRS)
  • Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences: Radiography (RIS)
  • Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (SIE)
  • Health Science (SIC)

School of Journalism

  • Journalism: Strategic Communication (SIE)

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Realistic

People who have athletic or mechanical ability, prefer to work with objects, machines, tools, plants or animals, or to be outdoors.

  • Practical
  • Thrifty
  • Self-controlled
  • Athletic
  • Curious about the physical world
  • Independent
  • Straightforward/frank
  • Stable
  • Ambitious
  • Mechanically inclined
  • Concrete
  • Systematic
  • A nature lover
  • Reserved
  • Persistent
  • Fix electrical things
  • Solve electrical problems
  • Pitch a tent
  • Play a sport
  • Read a blueprint
  • Plant a garden
  • Operate tools and machinery
  • Tinker with machines/vehicles
  • Work outdoors
  • Use your hands
  • Be physically active
  • Build things
  • Tend/train animals
  • Work on electronic equipment
  • Refinishing furniture
  • Coaching team sports
  • Landscaping
  • Growing plants/flowers
  • Building models
  • Taking exercise classes
  • Hunting/fishing
  • Repairing cars, equipment, etc.
  • Target shooting
  • Woodworking

Explore Mizzou’s 300 degree programs and learn more about your interest areas at majors.missouri.edu.

College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

  • Agricultural Systems Management (IER)
  • Agriculture (IRS)
  • Animal Sciences (RIE)
  • Biochemistry (IRE)
  • Environmental Sciences (IRS)
  • Hospitality Management (ERS)
  • Natural Resources Science & Management: Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences (RES)
  • Natural Resources Science & Management: Forest Resources (RIS)
  • Personal Financial Planning (ESR)
  • Plant Sciences (REI)

College of Arts and Science

  • Anthropology (IRE)
  • Art History (IRE)
  • Biological Sciences (IRE)
  • Chemistry (IRE)
  • Geography (IRE)
  • Geological Sciences (IRE)
  • History (ERS)
  • Interdisciplinary (IAR)
  • Interdisciplinary: Environmental Studies (IER)
  • International Studies: Environmental Studies (IRE)
  • Mathematics (IRE)
  • Physics (IRE)
  • Statistics (IRE)

College of Business

  • Business Administration (ERS)
  • Business Administration: International Business (ESR)
  • Business Administration: Management (ERS)
  • Business Administration: Marketing (ERS)
  • Business Administration: Real Estate (ERS)

College of Education & Human Development

  • Human Development & Family Science (IRS)

College of Engineering

  • Biological Engineering (IRE)
  • Biomedical Engineering (IRE)
  • Chemical Engineering (IRE)
  • Civil Engineering (IRE)
  • Computer Engineering (RIS)
  • Electrical Engineering (IRE)
  • Industrial Engineering (EIR)
  • Information Technology (IRE)
  • Mechanical Engineering (RIE)

College of Health Sciences

  • Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences: Respiratory Therapy (SRI)
  • Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences: Radiography (RIS)
  • Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences: Nuclear Medicine (IRS)
  • Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences: Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound (RIC)

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Social

People who like to work with people to enlighten, inform, help, train, or cure them, or are skilled with words.

  • Friendly
  • Understanding
  • Patient
  • Helpful
  • Cooperative
  • Empathic
  • Idealistic
  • Generous
  • Kind
  • Insightful
  • Responsible
  • Persuasive
  • Outgoing
  • Forgiving
  • Teach/train others
  • Express yourself clearly
  • Lead a group discussion
  • Mediate disputes
  • Plan and supervise an activity
  • Cooperate well with others
  • Work in groups
  • Help people with problems
  • Participate in meetings
  • Do volunteer work
  • Work with young people
  • Play team sports
  • Serve others
  • Volunteering with social action groups
  • Helping others with personal concerns
  • Religious activities
  • Writing letters
  • Meeting new friends
  • Going to parties
  • Joining campus or community organizations
  • Attending sporting events
  • Playing team sports
  • Caring for children

Explore Mizzou’s 300 degree programs and learn more about your interest areas at majors.missouri.edu.

College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

  • Agribusiness Management (ESR)
  • Agricultural Education (SEA)
  • Agriculture (IRS)
  • Environmental Sciences (IRS)
  • Food Science & Nutrition (SEI)
  • Natural Resources Science & Management: Forest Resources (RIS)
  • Nutrition and Exercise Physiology (ISE)
  • Parks, Recreation, Sport and Tourism (ESR)
  • Personal Financial Planning (ESR)

College of Arts and Science

  • Ancient Mediterranean Studies (AIS)
  • Architectural Studies, Interior Design (AES)
  • Communication (ESR)
  • Economics (ISE)
  • English (ASE)
  • Interdisciplinary: Black Studies (SEI)
  • Interdisciplinary: Women’s and Gender Studies (SEI)
  • International Studies (IES)
  • International Studies: East Asian Studies (SEI)
  • International Studies: European Studies (SEI)
  • International Studies: Latin American Studies (SEI)
  • International Studies: South Asian Studies (SEI)
  • Philosophy (SAI)
  • Political Science (ESI)
  • Psychology (ISE)
  • Religious Studies (SAE)
  • Textile & Apparel Management (ESA)

College of Business

  • Business Administration (ERS)
  • Business Administration: Economics (IAS)
  • Business Administration: International Business (ESR)
  • Business Administration: Management (ERS)

College of Education & Human Development

  • Early Childhood Education (SEC)
  • Educational Studies (SER)
  • Elementary Education (SEA)
  • Human Development & Family Science (IRS)
  • Secondary Education (SEA)
  • Special Education (SEC)
  • Special Education: Cross Categorical Special Education (SEC)

College of Health Sciences

  • Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences: Respiratory Therapy (SRI)
  • Social Work (SEC)
  • Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (SIE)

School of Journalism

  • Journalism (EAS)
  • Journalism: Strategic Communication (SIE)

School of Nursing

  • Nursing (SIE)

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