Are you the type of person who always wants to know more, often hitting up Google to find out why things work the way they do? In school, do you like when your assignments allow you to investigate new topics or when you’re able to conduct scientific inquiries? If so, then an occupation with the Investigative RIASEC theme might be tailor-made for you. 

How do you know if you would enjoy a career with the Investigative RIASEC theme? 

Start by asking yourself: What are your strengths, interests, and values? You might enjoy solving science and math problems. Perhaps you tend to be inquisitive, constantly seeking facts and understanding, or maybe you like to be left alone to observe nature or read about different species and planets. These are all signs of an investigative mind. If you often find yourself fascinated by learning or exploring new ideas, you might want to put yourself on a path toward an investigative career. 

People with investigative occupations typically enjoy extensive thinking to work through ideas. In this line of work, you might  use facts and figures to mentally solve problems. 

What fields offer jobs with the Investigative RIASEC theme?  

There are investigative jobs in many fields, including engineering, medicine, science, and more. If you like designing and building things, you might be custom-fit for a job as an industrial engineer, designing efficient systems used to solve problems in manufacturing. If you think you’d like to help people stay healthy, then maybe you’re better suited for a physician’s coat. Other workers with the Investigative RIASEC theme include historians, computer programmers, software engineers, climate scientists, veterinarians, zoologists, forensic scientists, nuclear engineers, surgeons, and the list goes on! 

Are there ways to prepare for these careers now?  

You bet! One of the best ways to prepare is to always be alert and stay curious about the things around you. If you’re a naturally investigative person, you’re probably already paying attention to the way objects work and the way animals and plants behave, so keep at it! This will help you develop useful career skills.  

People who do well in investigative careers are always thinking and searching for facts. They ask a lot of questions and look for possible answers. They’re drawn to discovery and understanding, which makes them logical, intellectual, and independent. Continue to consider your strengths, values, and interests as you explore whether a career with the Investigative RIASEC theme is right for you. 

Discussion Questions 

Consider reading this with your child and asking them these questions:  

1. How often do you get curious about how things work? What do you do to learn more about these things? 
2. What are some of your personal strengths and interests that might align with the Investigative RIASEC theme? 
3. Who in your family do you think matches the Investigative RIASEC theme the best? Why?