Social (S): The Helpers

Social types are energised by people. They're the friend others come to for advice, the classmate who explains the lesson again, the person who notices when someone is left out. In Holland's model, Social types are drawn to work where helping others learn, grow or feel better is the point.

What Social types enjoy

• Helping people solve problems
• Teaching, explaining and mentoring
• Listening and giving support
• Working in teams and building relationships
• Volunteering and community projects
• Making a difference in someone's life

Strengths you might notice

• They tend to be patient, warm and good listeners.
• They often read people well and adapt how they explain things.
• Many are natural collaborators who make groups work better.
• They often care about fairness and the wellbeing of others.

Work settings that suit them

Social types tend to do well where people are at the centre of the work: schools, hospitals and clinics, community organisations, human resources teams, coaching and training, and any role built around supporting or developing others. They usually prefer cooperative environments to highly competitive ones.

How Social combines with other types

On Holland's hexagon, Social sits between Artistic and Enterprising. A Social-Artistic person often enjoys creative work that connects with people, such as teaching the arts or counselling through creative activities. A Social-Enterprising person often enjoys leading and organising people towards a shared goal.

Social sits opposite Realistic. Someone whose code mixes the two might enjoy hands-on work that also involves people, such as coaching, physical therapy or outdoor education.

If this sounds like you

If helping someone understand or overcome something is what gives you energy, Social may be one of your top types. The careers below all start with S; take the assessment to see your full three-letter code and how it compares.