If you’ve ever felt unsure about what kind of work might suit you, you’re far from alone. Career decisions often sit at the intersection of interests, skills, values, opportunity, and timing - and it isn’t always obvious how those pieces come together.
Tools like the RIASEC career test (click here for the online version) can be useful because they offer some structure to what can otherwise feel like a vague or overwhelming process.
The RIASEC model comes from the work of John Holland, who suggested that most work interests tend to cluster into six broad patterns: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. Each type reflects a different way of approaching tasks, people, and work environments. The basic idea is simple: when there’s a reasonable fit between how you prefer to work and the environment you’re in, work tends to feel more fulfilling and sustainable.
A RIASEC test asks you to respond to statements about activities you enjoy, tasks you tend to avoid, and situations you feel comfortable with. Your results normally show up as a combination of two or three dominant types rather than a single category. That combination matters more than any individual score, as it gives a broader picture of your preferences rather than pinning you to a single label.
In practical terms, the main value of the RIASEC test lies in how it helps organise your thinking. Instead of starting with job titles, which can feel narrow and limiting, it starts with how you relate to work itself. For example, someone with strong Investigative and Artistic preferences might enjoy problem-solving, ideas, and creative exploration. Someone with Social and Enterprising preferences may feel more energised by working with people, influencing others, or taking initiative.
Used thoughtfully, the test can help in several ways. It can highlight career paths you hadn’t previously considered, and it can help explain why certain roles you might have tried before felt draining or unsatisfying. It can also give you language for preferences you already sense but haven’t quite been able to name. For students or people early in their careers, it often works best as a starting point rather than a final destination.
It's worth keeping in mind your RIASEC results aren’t fixed, permanent, or predictive of success. Interests shift with experience, confidence, health, life stage, and exposure. A low score in one area doesn’t mean you’re incapable of that type of work, and a high score doesn’t guarantee enjoyment if other factors are ignored. Values, work conditions, relationships, and practical realities are important factors.
It also helps to remember that real jobs rarely fit neatly into one category, as most roles involve a mix of tasks and demands. A job described as “Conventional” might still require creativity or interpersonal skill, while a “Social” role may include plenty of structure and routine. The RIASEC model simplifies reality so patterns are easier to see, not so choices are made for you.
If you decide to try a RIASEC test (click here for the online version), a few suggestions can help you get more out of it:
Answer based on what you genuinely enjoy and what you don't, not what feels impressive or expected
Pay attention to your top two or three types rather than a single score
Read about work environments as well as job examples
Use the results as prompts for reflection or discussion, not instructions
Consider revisiting the test after new experiences or changes in direction
Approached this way, the RIASEC test becomes an aid to reflection rather than a rulebook. It helps you notice patterns, clarify preferences, and explore options with a bit more confidence as you plan for your future.
Need more information? Our Career Services team are happy to meet with you and talk about your plans or any questions you have. You can visit their website (click here) or email them to make an appointment: careerservices@sunway.edu.my
