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• 2. Research
• 3. Decision-Making
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• 6. Life/Work Planning

Step 1.5.2: Understanding Career Clusters

The career clusters used in this eManual are based upon the research and development work of the vocational psychologist Dr. John Holland.

Refer to your column totals from the table in Step 1.5.1. You will notice that one, two or perhaps three letters had more checks than others. In other words, natural career clusters formed.

The career clusters used in this eManual are based upon the research and development work of the vocational psychologist Dr. John Holland. In this model there are six vocational types. You can learn about each of these by clicking on the word:

Realistic Investigative Artistic

Social Enterprising Conventional

They can be arranged in a hexagon as presented below. The types that are closest to each other are most similar; the types that are opposite one another are the most different from one another. You may also identify with a second or possible third type. Your combination of career interests can help you to understand what types of work and learning you would enjoy and do well at. A detailed description of each of these types follows.

	The following resources provide more detailed information about this model:
Dr. Holland has published his findings in: "Making Vocational Choices: A Theory of Vocational Personalities and Work Environments." Psychological Assessment Resources, 1992. If you are unsure about which of the clusters your career preferences are, you may benefit from completing the Career Key, a free on-line assessment that is based on this model. You can find it at: http://www.careerkey.org

Realistic  Investigative  Artistic  Social  Enterprising  Conventional  

When you have reviewed these sections, you are ready to continue with Step 1.6.