College Success and Satisfaction. Studies over the past ten years show that the degree of match between students’ interests (Holland personality type) and college major predicts their college success. Here are two examples by scientists associated with ACT®:
It is also true, that when you choose a major, you are also choosing a particular “college major environment” – one that is made up of professors and students sharing similar abilities, temperaments, and values. Together, they create an atmosphere and opportunities that support and strengthen people having a similar personality.4 When you choose a “college major environment” that fits your interests, you are more likely to succeed and be happy with your choice. To learn more, read our white paper, Choosing a College Major Based on Your Personality, What does the research say? You can download it from our home page, where you will also find self-help articles on the topic. Job Success and Satisfaction. Choosing a job or career that matches your interests has a similar impact. Three scientists in 2005 analyzed the many studies investigating personality-occupation match. They found that the degree of match predicted job satisfaction and success.3 Of course, there are other factors that affect your satisfaction and success in school or at work, but there is no doubt about it -- this matching strategy is a good one. A cautionary note: To take advantage of these findings, you must use a valid measure of Holland’s personality types -- one that scientific studies show it truly measures what is claimed. Invalid measures can misinform and mislead you. Which ones are valid? There are only a few on the Internet. Besides The Career Key, there are the Self-Directed Search, Strong Interest Inventory, Campbell Interest and Skills Survey, and ACT's UNIACT. --------------------------------------
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