Career interests and aptitude – what are they? How do I figure out my child’s inherent interests? How do I know that these interests are real or not? Are there any scientific and reliable methods available to measure them?
These are some of the questions today’s parents face when it comes to choosing the education streams and potential career fields for their children.
Well, the occupational interests study has a history of almost 100 years! It all started post First World War, in the 1920’s in the USA and Europe when they had to redeploy thousands of army men back to various other jobs. With the advancement of modern behavioral science and neuroscience, today there are various tools available to measure one’s interests and potential.
HATRICTM is a powerful career profiling tool developed by Sahya Leadership Solutions (www.sahyaleadership.com) in its endeavor to enable aspirants in taking right career decisions. It is an acronym and each letter representing six distinctive types of occupational interests. Please remember that these are broad interests, and various types of career fields exist within one interest.
Hands-on & Practical (H)
Do you enjoy working with your hands and using tools or machinery?
Are you interested in practical application of the job in a physical environment?
Do you prefer outdoor locations/ site or ‘active work’ rather than sitting at a desk?
The answer to these questions can determine whether the person has this interest or not.
Some of the skills of such people would be – Physical strengths and dexterity, technical and mechanical aptitude, athletic abilities and practical problem solving skills.
Ambitious & Industrious (A)
Do you enjoy taking initiative, leading and directing people?
Are you keen in entrepreneurial activities, sales, or start-up projects?
Do you prefer work that involves taking risks and working towards goals or objectives?
The answer to these questions can determine whether the person has this interest or not.
Some of the skills of such people would be – Networking & relationship building, Sales & negotiation, Strategic & visionary thinking, Risk taking, Persuasion and Commercial mindset.
Traditional & Systematic (T)
Do you enjoy organizing, structuring, and working with data, records, or systems?
Are you motivated in tasks that involve attention to detail, following established procedures, and maintaining order?
Do you prefer working in structured and predictable environments?
The answer to these questions can determine whether the person has this interest or not.
Some of the skills of such people would be – Accounting & administrative abilities, Following & complying with procedures and protocols, Accuracy & attention to detail and Numerical & Data management skills.
Rational & Probing (R)
Do you enjoy analyzing information, conducting research, and solving complex problems?
Are you curious and interested in exploring new ideas and abstract concepts?
Do you prefer working with data, facts, and theories rather than working directly with people?
The answer to these questions can determine whether the person has this interest or not.
Some of the skills of such people would be – Logical reasoning capacity, Intellectual & analytical problem solving, Academic & scientific research and Critical thinking.
Innovative & Creative (I)
Do you enjoy expressing yourself creatively through art, music, writing, or design?
Are you interested in activities that involve imagination & originality?
Do you prefer unconventional work environments?
The answer to these questions can determine whether the person has this interest or not.
Some of the skills of such people would be – Imagination & self-expression, Visual & design skills, Aesthetics & creativity and Composing & artistic abilities.
Collaborative & Cooperative (C)
Do you enjoy helping and supporting other people?
Are you eager to address the pressing needs of People & Society?
Do you prefer work that involves interpersonal interaction in a supportive environment?
The answer to these questions can determine whether the person has this interest or not.
Some of the skills of such people would be – Customer focus, Teamwork, Empathy, Compassion, Humility, Counseling, Coaching & mentoring.
Remember that these six interests are broad themes and the first level of measurement in helping an aspirant. There are various other factors such as labor market intelligence, geography, community, culture, personal values, learning agility and many more.
It’s essential to consider all critical factors with the help of an Expert Career Guidance Professional while exploring career options and finalizing a person’s future plans.
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Sahya knowledge forum, Sa-k-fo foundation is a non-profit network that is founded for further research on occupational interests, leadership, career and organizational success leveraging modern behavioural science and ancient Indian wisdom. This is the forum where Psychologists, Thought leaders and Subject Experts come together to share and promote knowledge. Sakfo’s key activities would be organizing regular events, promoting research, publishing white papers, articles and utilizing all related content to assist knowledge seekers and Sahya coaches. We welcome you to join the Sahya movement and be part of this network.
