Are you the kind of person who enjoys starting projects and thinking about all the possibilities of how far they might go? Do you excel at rallying others to follow your lead? If so, then you may be cut out for a career with the Enterprising RIASEC theme.  

How do you know if you would enjoy a career with the Enterprising RIASEC theme?  

Consider these questions: Are you good at making decisions? Can you convince others to do things your way? Do you enjoy being in charge and taking risks? “Yes” answers suggest your strengths, interests, and values line up with the Enterprising RIASEC theme. People who do well in enterprising careers are often interested in starting projects without knowing if they’ll succeed or fail. They exhibit strength in convincing others to join in. This often leads them to work in positions of power and influence. They’re typically adventurous and optimistic.  

People who thrive in enterprising careers value working with other people and rarely work in isolation. They team up with others to work through and complete projects. This includes starting new businesses. At the heart of every startup is someone fired up!  

What fields offer jobs that are enterprising?  

It’s hard to imagine a field that doesn’t include enterprising careers. Many careers require leadership and the ability to make decisions. If your strengths, interests, and values line up with the Enterprising RIASEC theme, perhaps you’d enjoy a career in sales or management. 

A hotel manager, for example, is responsible for leading the hotel staff, making sure to motivate and direct workers. A hotel manager also needs to make sure the hotel can provide what guests need, listening to guests and anticipating what will make them happy. Another enterprising career to consider is that of a courtroom judge. Judges are confident decision-makers. They demonstrate the skill of leadership by making sure the activities in a courtroom follow proper procedures. Chief executives, company presidents, museum curators, real estate brokers, sales managers, store managers, school principals, lawyers, stockbrokers, and many more occupations also fall into the Enterprising RIASEC theme category.  

Are there ways to prepare for these careers now?  

If you have a true enterprising spirit, there’s no doubt you’re gaining leadership experience now. Maybe you’re already strategizing team plays or leading clubs in school. But consider putting your enterprising nature to the test by starting your own small business. Are there any services you can provide and charge for? Perhaps you can walk dogs for people in your neighborhood, tutor peers and younger students, or babysit for people in your family. Make sure to think about how much time—and money—you’re willing to spend on the venture.  

You can also prepare for an enterprising career by talking to people in leadership roles, like your school principal. Ask them what they enjoy about their careers. Find out what makes these positions challenging. You can even reach out to people who have already started their own businesses. Ask them about the path they took to get to where they are now. What struggles did they face? How did they succeed? These people may have great advice to offer. And it comes free of charge!   

Discussion Questions 

Consider reading this with your child and asking them these questions:  

1. What do you think makes a good leader? 

1. Are there any careers with the Enterprising RIASEC theme that interest you? Which ones and why? 

1. Do you like convincing others to do things your way? How do you usually go about it?