Self-Directed Search®

What is the Self-Directed Search (SDS®)?

The SDS is a guide to educational and career planning. It was first developed by Dr. John Holland in 1971 and subsequently has been updated three times. The SDS is based on extensive research about how people choose careers. The SDS is the most widely used interest inventory in the world.

What is the SDS Interpretive Report based upon?

The SDS Interpretive Report helps you and your counselor learn about yourself and your educational and life/career choices. It is based upon the theory that people can be loosely classified into six different groups: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional (RIASEC).

Can RIASEC letters be used to classify jobs and other things?

Yes. Jobs, occupations, fields of study, and leisure activities can be grouped into RIASEC areas. It is helpful to think of these as environments that are more comfortable, friendly, and beneficial for some Holland types than for others. For example, if you are a Social type, you will probably like a social environment most because social jobs require activities, values, abilities, and self-views that you have or prefer. In general, people who find environments that match their type are likely to be the most satisfied and successful.

Why is it important for you counselor to analyze your report?

Your counselor will be provided with your code and SDS report. The SDS report has taken your code and searched lists of 1,309 occupations, over 750 fields of study, and over 700 leisure activities. This was done to increase awareness of potentially satisfying occupations for you , and to provide you and your counselor with a better understanding of your future career possibilities.

Resources Used to Generate This Report

The SDS Interpretive Report includes information from the following sources: SDS Form R Assessment Booklet by John L. Holland (Copyright © 1994 by Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc.), the My Vocational Situation by John L. Holland, Denise C. Daiger, and Paul G. Power (Copyright © 1980 by Consulting Psychologists Press, Inc.), The Occupations Finder by John L. Holland (Copyright © 2000 by Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc.), the You and Your Career booklet by John L. Holland (Copyright © 1994 by Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc.), The Educational Opportunities Finder by Donald Rosen, Kay Holmberg, and John L. Holland (Copyright © 1997 by Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc.), The Leisure Activities Finder by Kay Holmberg, Donald Rosen, and John L. Holland (Copyright © 1997 by Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc.), Making Vocational Choices by John L. Holland (Copyright © 1997 by Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc.), the Self-Directed Search (SDS) Professional User's Guide by John L. Holland, Amy B. Powell, & Barbara A. Fritzsche (Copyright © 1997 by Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc.), and the Self-Directed Search (SDS) Technical Manual by John L. Holland, Barbara A. Fritzsche, and Amy B. Powell (Copyright © 1997 by Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc.).