The best healthcare careers for your personality type

When it comes to students deciding on what career to pursue, the amount of choices can seem daunting. With that in mind, psychologist Dr. John L. Holland invented a set of personality types. These types, known as Holland Codes, work under the belief that people work best in an environment where they enjoy their tasks and might provide some insight into the best career option for you.

As the largest private employer in New York State, Northwell Health has a diverse selection of careers for every path and personality type. We listed the different Holland Code personality types alongside the healthcare careers that might best fit each.

Take the Holland Code assessment and see which personality type you are by clicking here and then match your results to the careers below.

Realistic Holland Code: The Builders

Those who fall under the realistic interest profile are classified as builders. These individuals tend to be practical, sensible and mechanical, while enjoying hands-on tasks that are concrete or fixed such as building, repairing or using machines. Independent work is preferred and they tend to be action-based while focusing on solutions.

Healthcare careers for builders may include:

• Environmental Services
• Materials Management
• Engineering and Mechanical Services
• Security
• Radiology

Investigative Holland Code: The Thinkers

If you have an investigative interest profile, you’re classified as a thinker. Thinkers are analytical and scientific, preferring to work with research, exploration and intellectual pursuits. These individuals may prefer to work with theories, enjoying gaining knowledge and exploring the possibilities in the world.

Healthcare careers for thinkers may include:

• Medical Research
• Clinical Laboratory
• PeriOperative Services (Surgical Technologists, Operating Room Nurses and Surgeons)
• Teleheath
• Information Technology
• Pharmacy
• Clinical Informatics

Artistic Holland Code: The Creators

Those who identify with having an artistic interest profile are known as creators. Creators usually prefer to work in an unstructured environment where they have the freedom to come up with new ideas and expressive work. These individuals thrive in flexible jobs without much repetition or routine and they can use their imagination to influence their work.

Healthcare careers for creators may include:

• Marketing and Communications
• Video and Photography
• Culinary
• Music Therapy
• Art Therapy

Social Holland Code: The Helpers

Individuals who identify as having a social interest profile are known as helpers. Helpers are supportive and healing in nature, enjoying teaching and working in collaborative work environments. They enjoy working with people and being helpful, whether it’s through service or education.

Healthcare careers for helpers may include:

• Nursing and Nursing Support
• Child Life Services
• Social Work
• Advanced Clinical Providers
• Rehabilitation

Conventional Holland Code: The Organizers

If you identify as having a conventional interest profile, you’re known as an organizer. These individuals tend to thrive in methodical and procedural work where they find success with their accuracy and precision. They’re detail-oriented and enjoy working with data and numbers in a systemic approach.

Healthcare careers for organizers may include:

• Finance
• Administration
• Human Resources
• Revenue Cycle
• Clerical

Enterprising Holland Code: The Persuaders

Those who find they relate to an enterprising interest profile are known as persuaders. Persuaders thrive in a competitive environment where they feel their work is able to influence process. They are ambitious and unafraid to take risks while enjoying strategizing and being in positions of leadership.

Healthcare careers for persuaders may include:

• Management
• Operations
• Business Development
• Law
• Public Relations

While the Holland Codes are a great starting point for students to explore careers, it’s important to remember that you may be a combination of more than one interest profile. To further explore all the career opportunities that exist in healthcare, join our Student Talent Community today!