Explore Your Interests: Use O*NET OnLine

The first step in finding a meaningful and rewarding career is to understand yourself and explore careers that align with your interests. It starts with asking the right questions:

• What do I enjoy doing?

• What motivates me?

• Which jobs could I see myself doing for 8+ hours a day, year after year?

• Will this career provide personal satisfaction and a decent living?

• Should I choose a career for its earning potential, even if I don’t enjoy the work?

These questions can feel overwhelming, and that’s okay. It’s normal to feel stuck when faced with big decisions about your future. If you’re unsure where to begin, keep reading—we’ve got a tool that can help.

The Science Behind Career Exploration

Decades ago, psychologist John Holland studied how people’s interests influence their career choices. He concluded that we’re more likely to thrive in jobs that match our personality types. This research led to Holland’s Codes and the RIASEC theory, which categorizes people’s interests into six areas:

• Realistic (hands-on, practical work)

• Investigative (analytical, problem-solving work)

• Artistic (creative, expressive work)

• Social (helping, teaching, or serving others)

• Enterprising (leadership or entrepreneurial roles)

• Conventional (organized, detail-oriented work)

While professional interest inventories based on Holland’s work can be expensive, there’s good news: O*NET OnLine, a government-supported resource, offers a free tool called the O*NET Interest Profiler. This tool uses Holland’s theory to help you discover careers that match your personality and interests. Best of all, it’s completely free, requires no sign-up, and doesn’t collect personal information. It’s a simple, effective way to get started.

Learn more about John Holland’s RIASEC theory.

Take the O*NET Interest Profiler

Head over to O*NET OnLine and try the Interest Profiler. Respond to all prompts honestly and see what it reveals about your interests. What are your top three categories? Which careers are suggested for you? Take note of the ones that stand out—they could lead to exciting possibilities.

You’re in Control

Interest inventories like the O*NET Interest Profiler are just a starting point. They are meant to spark ideas and get you thinking. You know yourself best, and no interest inventory quiz can perfectly predict your ideal career. Use the results as a guide to explore further, not as a definitive answer.

Ultimately, you’re in charge of your career journey. For example, if the profiler suggests “automotive mechanic,” it might inspire you to look into other mechanical fields, such as “marine mechanic.” Think of it as a tool to broaden your perspective.

At the end of the day, your choices, actions, and dedication will determine your path. Be curious, stay open-minded, and take ownership of your decisions.

Explore Careers with O*NET OnLine

Once you have some ideas, dive deeper using O*NET OnLine’s Occupation Keyword Search. Start with a career that interests you—if you’re unsure, just to get familiar with the website, try searching for “electrician.” The website provides detailed information on required skills, training programs in your state, and projected earnings.

Final Thoughts

The road to your dream career might seem long and challenging, but remember: others have done it, so why not you? Don’t let the journey intimidate you—you can succeed with patience and perseverance.

Steve Jobs once said, “If you are working on something exciting that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.”

I hope you find a career that excites you and feel the pull of that vision every step of the way. Keep exploring, and check out our latest posts as you continue your journey to success!