For 12 years, researchers at the International Association of Applied Psychology worked together to solve one question: Can your childhood hobbies predict early career success? And the answer to that was, yes. Splitting the study into two, the first part with 485 participants and the second part with 1290 participants, they followed early teens into adult life to find that across degree attainment, occupational prestige, income, and career- and job-satisfaction, all of these led back to the connections of vocational interests (IAAP).

Vocational interests are personal preferences for specific work-related activities and environments that provide motivation and a sense of fulfillment. Using this, they were able to come up with three conclusions. One, adolescents who showed more interest in their vocational interests were happier with their careers a decade later. Two, early interests in adolescents shaped both educational and career choices. And three, interest levels played a crucial role, and interest changes did not affect the outcome. Now that we understand the background knowledge, let’s see how your childhood interests play a part in what your potential future career might be.

The Vocational Interest Chart or also known as the Holland RIASEC Model, is split into 6 sections: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.

Realistic (Doers): Realistic characteristics include being more hands-on, taking an interest in machines, plants, the outdoors, animals, and buildings. Doers usually avoid activities like teaching, counseling, or anything to do with informing others, as they value things they can touch more. These would be the future engineers and mechanics. 

Investigative (Thinkers): Being in the investigative section means that, as a child, you were most likely observant, question-asking, problem-solving, and had the most ideas. Thinkers usually avoid leading, selling, or persuading, as they believe in reason more. This could also mean you were more drawn to math and science as you grew up. This translates into a possible career as a researcher, scientist, or data analyst.

Artistic (Creators): With a childhood interest in being artistic, like being drawn to drama, crafts, dance, music, or even creative writing. These people generally avoid highly repetitive activities and like to seek new challenges. They can be seen as original and independent people. In career paths, this translates into the future graphic designers, musicians, content creators, or actors.

Social (Helpers): Being social means having childhood interests in teaching, playing nurse, or any role that gives information to other people. Helpers tend not to like using machines or tools to achieve a goal, as they value helping people to solve problems. These are the future teachers, counselors, or even HR workers.

Enterprising (Persuaders): If you are an enterpriser, you would be a natural leader, you like to persuade people, and to sell things and ideas. As a persuader, you actively avoid activities that require careful observation and scientific, analytical thinking. You would find value in politics, leadership, or business. These are the future entrepreneurs, sales associates, and business people.

Conventional (Organizers): Lastly, we have conventional. If you are a part of the conventional group, you like to work with numbers, records, or machines in a set, orderly fashion. Being an Organizer, you stray away from ambiguous and unstructured activities. You value business and are good at following a plan. You would be the future accountants and project managers.