Pathways to Success
Self-Assessment – Who am I?
What do you want to be when you grow up? There are many adults who still don’t know the answer to
this question. How can they expect you to know?
One of the best ways to explore careers and get pointed in the right direction is to take an assessment
test. These can measure things such as:
• Interests • Skills • Values • Personality
The nice thing about these is that there are no wrong answers. Your likes and dislikes are very important in career planning. They will supply you with ideas about the types of jobs that might be a “best
fit” for you. Since these assessments are only part of the entire career puzzle, the results might not be
exactly what you expect. Use these results and other experiences to broaden your search and explore
careers that you might not have otherwise considered.
The assessment that follows is based on the Holland Interest Inventory. At the end of the assessment
you will have an interest profile that matches different career areas. Once you have completed and
scored your results, you will get a primary and secondary pathway option for your future planning.
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The 5 Pathway Options
Arts and Communications
This Pathway is designed to cultivate students’ interest, skills, and experiences for
employment in careers related to arts and communication.
Business, Finance, Marketing, and
Information Technology
This Pathway is designed to cultivate students’ interest, skills, and experiences for
employment in the world of business, finance, marketing, and information services.
Engineering, Manufacturing, and
Industrial Technology
This Pathway is designed to cultivate students’ interests, awareness and application to
areas related to technologies necessary to design, develop, install, or maintain physical
systems.
Human Services
This Pathway is designed to cultivate students’ interests, skills and experience for
employment in careers related to family and human needs.
Agri-Science, Science and Health
This Pathway is designed to cultivate students’ interests in the agricultural,
environmental, life, medical, physical and behavioral sciences.
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Holland Types
and Pathways Matches
Step One: In each group, check the items that describe you. Then count up to the number of check marks
and fill in the total. Be as honest as you can. Remember, there are no wrong answers.
Are You?
Can You?
Like To?
Practical
Fix mechanical things
Tinker with mechanics
Athletic
Solve mechanical problems
Work outdoors
Straightforward
Pitch a tent
Be physically active
Mechanically inclined
Play a sport
Use your hands
A nature lover
Read a blueprint
Build things
Work on cars
Operate tools & machinery
R Total =
R = Realistic
Realistic people like to take a concrete approach to problem solving rather than rely on abstract theory.
They generally show an interest in activities that require motor coordination, skill and physical strength.
Engineering, Manufacturing and Industrial Technology
Agri-Science, Science and Health
Business, Finance, Marketing and Information Technology
Are You?
Can You?
Like To?
Inquisitive
Think abstractly
Explore ideas
Analytical
Solve math problems
Use computers
Scientific
Understand physical theories
Work independently
Observant
Do complex calculations
Perform lab experiments
Precise
Use a microscope
Read scientific & technical magazines
Analyze data
I Total =
I = Investigative
Investigative people prefer to think, rather than act, to organize and understand rather than persuade.
They tend to be good at math and science.
Agri-Science, Science and Health
Engineering, Manufacturing and Industrial Technology
Business, Finance, Marketing and Information Technology
Are You?
Can You?
Like To?
Creative
Sketch, draw, paint
Attend concerts, theater, art exhibits
Intuitive
Play a musical instrument
Read fiction, plays, poetry
Imaginative
Write stories, poetry, music
Work on crafts
Innovative
Design fashions or interiors
Take photographs
An individualist
Sing, act, dance
Express yourself creatively
A Total =
A = Artistic
Artistic people like to work on unstructured situations where they can use their creativity.
They enjoy performing (theater and music) and the visual arts.
Arts and Communications
Human Services
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Are You?
Holland Types
and Pathways Matches
Friendly
Can You?
Teach/train others
Like To?
Work in groups
Helpful
Express yourself clearly
Help people with problems
Idealistic
Lead a group discussion
Participate in meetings
Insightful
Moderate disputes
Do volunteer service
Outgoing
Plan and supervise an activity
Work with young people
Understanding
Cooperate well with others
Play team sports
S Total =
S = Social
Social people like to work with other people and seem to satisfy their need in teaching, counseling or caring for
other people. They are often good public speakers with helpful, empathetic personalities.
Human Services
Agri-Science, Science and Health
Business, Finance, Marketing and Information Technology
Are You?
Self-Confident
Can You?
Like To?
Initiate projects
Make decisions affecting others
Assertive
Convince people to do things your way
Be elected to office
Sociable
Sell things or promote ideas
Win a leadership sales award
Persuasive
Give talks or speeches
Start your own political campaign
Enthusiastic
Arrange activities and events
Meet important people
Energetic
Lead a group
E Total =
E = Enterprising
Enterprising people are verbally skilled and enjoy influencing and persuading others. They like to lead and tend
to be assertive and enthusiastic.
Business, Finance, Marketing and Information Technology
Human Services
Are You?
Well groomed
Can You?
Work well within a system
Like To?
Follow clearly defined procedures
Accurate
Do a lot of paperwork in a short time
Use data Processing equipment
Numerically inclined
Keep accurate records
Work with numbers
Methodical
Use a computer terminal
Type or take shorthand
Conscientious
Write an effective business letter
Be responsible for details
Efficient
C Total =
C = Conventional
Conventional people don’t mind rules and regulations and demonstrate self-control. They prefer structure and
order in their work, are highly organized and generally place value on prestige and status.
Business, Finance, Marketing and Information Technology
Human Services
Arts and Communications
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Holland Types
and Pathways Matches
Step Two: Using your totals, identify the three letters that have the highest scores. Record the letter and
number of checks in the box below:
My Interests Codes Are:
1.
2.
3.
#
#
#
Step Three: Now we will match your Holland Interest Type with Career Pathways. In the columns below,
circle your three interest code letters wherever they appear.
Interest Codes:
A C S E
R I S E C
R I
S A E C
R I S
Pathway:
Arts and Communications
Business, Finance, Marketing and Information Technology
Engineering, Manufacturing and Industrial Technology
Human Services
Agri-Science, Science and Health
Step Four: Count the number of circles in each Pathway to determine your Primary and Secondary
Pathways.
Primary Pathway __________________ (most number of circles)
Secondary Pathway __________________ (second most number of circles)
In the case of a tie, go back and review the assessment for more indicating factors or contact your
counselor for assistance.
Note: This tool, as well as a series of other types, will be used to assist students and parents in the selection
process. As always, this is an ongoing process.
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Arts and Communications
This Pathway is designed to cultivate students’ interest, skills, and experiences for
employment in careers related to arts and communication.
Pathway Cluster Areas
• Visual Arts • Performing Arts
•Publishing Arts
Are you interested in...
news reporting and writing
interviewing and reviewing
multi-media productions
acting
performing in a band
performing in a chorus
attending concerts
radio, television, film, and video
designing
publishing
Can you...
sing
play an instrument
be creative
act
articulate clearly
write and conduct interviews
meet deadlines
sell
debate
Do you enjoy...
writing
making videos
working with film props
seeking creative ideas
working with sound effects
performing for a live audience
working with computers
speaking in public
If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, you might consider a future in one of the
occupations listed below based on their level of post-secondary training.
Sample Careers
Entry (OJT)
Model
Radio Operator
Stage Hand
Stunt Performer
Film Loader
Floral Designer
Florist
Projectionist
Sound Technician
Desktop Publisher
Circulation
Copy Person
Newsroom Worker
Announcers
Dancer
Photographer
Make-up Artist
Stage Hand
Telecommunications Technicians
Help Desk Technicians
Customer Liaisons
Maintenance Technicians
PC Support Specialists
Technical/Skilled (1-3 years)
Actor
Choreographer
Dancer
Artist
Fashion Designer
Web Designer
Cinematographer
Costume Designer
Set Designer
CAD Technician
Interior Designer
Web Page Designer
Control Room Technicians
Station Managers
Technical Writers
Database Specialists
Web Masters
Web Designers
Digital Media Specialists
Network Analysts
Programmer
14
Professional (4 or + years)
Art or Music Teacher
Composer
News Broadcaster
Music Critic
Production Manager
Play/Screen/Script Writer
Performance Director
Conductor
Audio/Video Manager
Museum Curator
Graphic Designer
Video Graphics
Animation
Software Engineers
Data Systems Designers
Data Analysts
Network Administrators
Network Engineers
WAN/LAN Technicians
Business, Finance, Marketing
and Information Technology
This Pathway is designed to cultivate students’ interest, skills, and experiences for
employment in the world of business, finance, marketing, and information services.
Pathway Cluster Areas
• Marketing and Sales • Finance • Information Technology
• Business Management
Are you interested in...
receptionist
management
marketing
banking and finance
sales
computers and technology
accounting
Can you...
type
organize
be creative
create spreadsheets
convince
use computers
work with numbers
Do you enjoy...
people
meeting and organizing
designing
math
people and numbers
working with technology
processing numbers
If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, you might consider a future in one of the
occupations listed below based on their level of post-secondary training.
Sample Careers
Entry (OJT)
Cashier
Clerk
Bank Teller
Receptionist
Customer Service
Data Entry
Technical/Skilled (1-3 years)
Claims Examiner
Real Estate
Small Business Entrepreneur
E Commerce
Web Page Designer
Travel Agent
Executive Assistant
Transcriptionist
Database Manager
Office Manager
Loan Processor
Appraiser
Warehouse Manager
Graphic Designer
Desktop Publisher
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Professional (4 or + years)
Accountant
Auditor
Customer Service Manager
Economist
Financial Analyst
Public Relations
Marketing Research
Sports Agent
Human Resource Manager
Marketing Manager
Hotel/Motel Manager
Investment Advisor
Chief Executive Officer
Actuary
Engineering, Manufacturing
and Industrial Technology
This Pathway is designed to cultivate students’ interests, awareness and application to areas
related to technologies necessary to design, develop, install, or maintain physical systems.
Pathway Cluster Areas
• Architecture and Construction • Education and Training
• Manufacturing • Information Technology • Scientific Research and Engineering
Are you interested in...
building and construction
tools and equipment
working with materials
math and science classes
precision work
design and architecture
engineering
computer technology
production management
how things work
Can you...
apply science and math to the real world
read and understand directions
solve problems of complex nature
understand directions and read maps
organize reports and people
see tasks through to completion
use a computer
Do you enjoy...
traveling
working with your hands
designing and working on projects and models
working in a lab setting
working on a team
operating tools and equipment
paying close attention to detail
If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, you might consider a future in one of the
occupations listed below based on their level of post-secondary training.
Sample Careers
Entry (OJT)
Roofer
Machine Operator
Laborer
Carpet Installer
Drywall Installer
Technical/Skilled (1-3 years)
Heavy Equipment Operator
Electric Technician
Metal Engineering Technician
Auto Mechanic
Diesel Mechanic
Air Traffic Controller
Auto Body Repair
Truck Driver
Civil Engineering Technician
CAD/CAM Technician
Laser Technician
Supervisor
Welder
18
Professional (4 or + years)
Navigator
Aeronautical Engineer
Aerospace Engineer
Airline Pilot
Architect
Civil Engineer
Chemical Engineer
Computer Network Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Astronaut
Technical Writer
Construction Manager
Industrial Engineer
Human Services
This Pathway is designed to cultivate students’ interests, skills and experience for
employment in careers related to family and human needs.
Pathway Cluster Areas
• Counseling and Personal Care • Education
• Law, Public Safety and Government • Hospitality and Tourism
Are you interested in...
working with people
teaching
child development
food preparation
owning your own business
aging adults
counseling
family and social services
Can you...
relate to people
communicate well
be dependable and conscientious
plan budgets
use interpersonal skills
assume leadership
plan and direct programs
be creative
work with a team
organize well
Do you enjoy...
serving others’ needs
communication services
working with people
handling customer complaints
searching for answers to human problems
helping and protecting others
counseling and advising people
interviewing people
If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, you might consider a future in one of the
occupations listed below based on their level of post-secondary training.
Sample Careers
Entry (OJT)
Child Care Worker
Cosmetics Representative
Dry Cleaning Operator
Home Health Aide
Library Assistant
Armed Services Career
Bailiff
Postal Service Worker
Home Care Aide
Baker
Waitress
Teacher’s Assistant
Security Guard
Utility Worker
Aerobics Instructor
Travel Agent
Technical/Skilled (1-3 years)
Barber
Cosmetologist
Fashion Designer
Manicurist
Massage Therapist
Mortician
Truck Driver
Teacher’s Aide
Armed Services Career
Crime Lab Technician
Firefighter
Bartender
Chauffeur
Flight Attendant
Meat Cutter
Personal Trainer
Postmaster
Chef
20
Professional (4 or + years)
Funeral Director
Marriage and Family Therapist
College Professor
Hotel/Motel Management
Food Services Manager
Family Planner
Executive Chef
Principal
Teacher
City Manager
Criminologist
FBI Agent
Lawyer
Parole Officer
Mental Health Counselor
Park Ranger
Workforce Director
Athletic Agent
Agri-Science, science and health
This Pathway is designed to cultivate students’ interests in the agricultural,
environmental, life, medical, physical and behavioral sciences.
Pathway Cluster Areas
• Health Science • Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Are you interested in...
helping people live a healthy lifestyle
medicine or dentistry
finding answers to questions
working in a hospital or medical facility
protecting and conserving the environment
food production
pharmacy
sports or fitness
geology or mining
research and data collection
Can you...
easily solve problems
pay attention to details
work in a lab setting
use computers and technology
apply a scientific theory to real life problems
work with people
communicate effectively
apply decision making and problem solving skills
demonstrate technical and organizational skills
work cooperatively with others
Do you enjoy...
studying math and science
building or fixing things
helping people feel better
solving problems
working with plants and animals
working on a team
working with numbers
outdoor work
developing conclusions from data collected
learning new skills as technology and needs evolve
If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, you might consider a future in one of the
occupations listed below based on their level of post-secondary training.
Sample Careers
Entry (OJT)
Pharmacy Technician
Forest/Conservation Worker
Meat Cutter
Landscape/Nursery Workers
Health Aide
Emergency Medical Technician
Certified Nursing Assistant
Groundskeeper
Pest Control Worker
Produce Buyer
Patient Care Technician
Tree Trimmers/Pruners
Animal Breeder
Agricultural Laborer
Personal Trainer
Technical/Skilled (1-3 years)
Phlebotomist
Medical Biller
Health Information Technologist
Agricultural and Food Service Technician
Crop Advisor
Biostatistician
Environmental Science Technician
Chemical Technician
Physical Therapy Assistant
Massage Therapist
Ultrasound Technician
Registered Nurse
Dental Hygienist
Veterinary Technologist
Food Service Manager
Medical/Clinical Laboratory Technician
Environmental Protection Officer
Forester
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Professional (4 or + years)
Physician/Dentist
Pharmacist
Speech and Language Pathologist
Landscape Architect
Food Scientist
Agricultural Engineer
Chemical Engineer
Nuclear Scientist
Environmental Engineer
Physicist
Zoologist/Wildlife Biologist
Physical Therapist
Athletic Trainer
Soil and Plant Specialist
Physicians Assistant
Microbiologist
Animal Scientist
Respiratory Therapist
Astronomer