Your Holland code is most useful when you turn it into concrete job ideas. This page lists careers for common three-letter codes. Codes are approximate: real jobs vary, and the same job can have slightly different codes in different databases.
Do not know your code yet? Take the Holland code test.
How To Use This List
- Find your exact code first, then try permutations: if you are SIA, also look at SAI and ISA.
- Look at codes sharing your first two letters.
- Research jobs that interest you in a database such as O*NET OnLine, which lists tasks, skills and pay.
Careers By Code
| Code | Example careers |
|---|---|
| RIC | Civil engineer, surveyor, electrician, aircraft mechanic |
| RIE | Mechanical engineer, robotics technician, firefighter |
| RCI | Machinist, quality inspector, electronics technician |
| RSE | Police officer, sports coach, fitness instructor |
| RAI | Landscape architect, furniture maker, sound engineer |
| IRC | Laboratory scientist, chemist, software tester |
| IRE | Physician, veterinarian, engineering researcher |
| IAS | Psychologist, anthropologist, science writer |
| ICR | Data analyst, actuary, epidemiologist |
| ISA | Pharmacist, dietitian, speech scientist |
| AIR | Architect, game developer, industrial designer |
| ASE | Drama teacher, art therapist, creative director |
| AES | Copywriter, actor, fashion designer |
| AIS | Writer, editor, documentary maker |
| ARI | Photographer, animator, jeweller |
| SAE | Teacher of the arts, youth worker, counsellor |
| SEC | School administrator, HR officer, social worker |
| SIA | Psychotherapist, speech therapist, occupational therapist |
| SRE | Nurse, physiotherapist, paramedic |
| SCE | Teaching assistant, medical receptionist, customer service manager |
| ESC | Sales manager, HR manager, event manager |
| ESA | Marketing manager, public relations specialist, journalist |
| ECS | Business manager, hotel manager, financial adviser |
| EIR | Technology entrepreneur, management consultant |
| ERC | Construction manager, farm manager, operations manager |
| CES | Office manager, legal secretary, payroll administrator |
| CIR | Accountant, auditor, database administrator |
| CRS | Bookkeeper, logistics coordinator, bank clerk |
| CSE | Medical secretary, insurance claims handler |
| CEI | Financial analyst, compliance officer |
Codes By First Letter
| First letter | Typical career family | Type guide |
|---|---|---|
| R | Trades, engineering, outdoor work | Realistic careers |
| I | Science, medicine, research, technology | Investigative careers |
| A | Arts, design, media | Artistic careers |
| S | Education, health, social care | Social careers |
| E | Business, sales, law, management | Enterprising careers |
| C | Finance, administration, data | Conventional careers |
Beyond Your Code
Your code shows interests, not ability or opportunity. Combine it with:
- Skills you have or can build.
- Values, such as security or purpose. Try the work motivation test.
- Practical factors: pay, location, training time and demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if no jobs for my exact code appeal to me?
Try codes with your letters in a different order, or with only your first two letters.
Are these codes official?
They are indicative examples. Databases such as O*NET assign their own codes, which can differ.
Which Holland code earns the most?
Pay depends far more on specific jobs, skills and location than on codes.
Example careers are illustrative, not exhaustive.