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Labor Market Information Center

Exploring Occupations of Interest

After completing the South Dakota Career Interest Survey (Microsoft Excel format) or another career interest assessment that utilizes the Holland-based RIASEC occupational groups, the next step in career exploration is to learn more about specific occupations within each of the groups. At a minimum, we recommend you explore occupations within the two groups you had the highest interest assessment scores in. Exploring occupations in the top three is a good idea. In fact, if your scores for the remaining groups are close to the score of your third highest group, it is a good idea to explore those groups as well.

Select a group below to see a list of all the occupations included within that group. Also below are descriptions of each group.

Realistic Occupations

Investigative Occupations

Artistic Occupations

Social Occupations

Enterprising Occupations

Conventional Occupations

Occupational Interest Group Descriptions

Realistic Occupations - “Doers”

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Investigative Occupations - "Thinkers"

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Artistic Occupations - “Creators”

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Social Occupations - "Helpers"

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Enterprising Occupations - “Persuaders”

Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Conventional Occupations - “Organizers”

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.