People who pursue work that matches their interests find more enjoyment in life and work. Research proves it! The Career in Gear activities were designed to help you discover who you are and what you love.

We have created six groups or Career Interest Themes to help you discover how your interests might link up to potential work . You are a mix of all six; some are stronger than others. The great thing about these groupings is that they don't only have to do with jobs – they include things you do for fun or things you like to learn about.

The Career in Gear games help identify which three Career Interest Themes are the strongest for you. Don't be surprised to see slightly different combinations of these Themes as you do each of the Career in Gear activities.

Here's a description of the six Career Interests Themes below. Not all the words may “fit” for you. That's okay! Just focus on the words that describe you best. You are the expert on you!

If you wish to change your themes as you explore occupations you can do so by going to “Change My Career Interest Themes” found in “My Toolkit” under Themes.

HANDS ON people like to figure out how things work and enjoy using tools, machines, and equipment. They prefer to deal with objects such as fixing or repairing them. They like the outdoors, concrete results, and physical activity. They see themselves as self-sufficient, resourceful, and like to focus on “how-to” do something.

CREATIVE people are original, innovative, and prefer activities with lots of variety. They enjoy unstructured time and take pride in seeing the world through a creative lens. They look for ways to express themselves imaginatively, which may take the form of writing, designing, performing, or making art. They see themselves as independent, unconventional, and expressive.

INFLUENTIAL people enjoy managing or inspiring others. Usually the leaders in a group, they like to achieve goals and influence the way work gets done. They are often interested in business, selling a product or service, or organizing large events. They see themselves as achievers and are enthusiastic about implementing new ideas.

HELPING people are motivated by knowing what makes other people tick. Concerned about the emotional and physical welfare of others, they are drawn to teaching, guiding, mentoring, or coaching. They are empathic, good listeners, and build/foster helping relationships. They see themselves as assisting another's growth through supporting them.

INQUISITIVE people like to solve problems by using their minds. They may be drawn to math and science. Pondering abstract or practical concepts, researching, or analyzing facts are what they enjoy. Naturally curious, they enjoy challenges of the mind and stimulating conversations. They see themselves as being good at figuring out how and why things happen.

ORGANIZED people are drawn to the organization of data, people, or things. They like to make sense of information and processes. They enjoy activities that require accuracy, attention to detail, and working with numbers or words. Systems, to-do lists, and clear routines are important. They see themselves as orderly, precise, and dependable.