A few discoverers have high scores in two personality types that are opposites on the Holland Hexagon, referred to as an inconsistent personality pattern. These are types that don’t seem to go together. Their CKD Assessment Results say,

You combine interests and abilities in an unusual way.

Your unusual combination of two incompatible types gives you advantages in certain work and program environments.

Common discoverer characteristics

  • May have grown up in a household with parents/guardians with opposite personality types. For example, one partner rewards practicality and hands on skills (Realistic), the other rewarded helping people and interests in solving social problems (Social).
  • May have difficulty choosing a career or program due to these opposite interests
  • May have difficulty adapting to the career or program they choose
  • May have difficulty understanding themselves

Recommended advice

  • You are not abnormal or an “inconsistent” person: We all have differing gifts; value your uniqueness.
    Turn this pattern into an advantage: Some careers and programs combine personality types in this unusual way. For example, a Realistic career with a Social employer, like teaching carpentry in a vocational secondary school. Or an Assistive/Rehabilitation Engineering (Realistic) program of study used to help design mobility devices for the disabled (Social).
  • Create a career or program environment that fits you – your own niche. Within an industry, you can find places where your unusual combinations make you stand out for a career. You may be able to design an education program and choose classes to support your interests.
  • If you are Realistic-Social/Social-Realistic, or Investigative-Enterprising/Enterprising-Investigative, there are many examples of careers and programs that fit these combinations. Visit Career Key’s article on Inconsistent Personality Types for more.

Resources to suggest

  • Career Key’s YouTube video, “Inconsistent Personality Patterns,” and web article.
  • Decision making process: Download and complete a Decision Balance Sheet.
  • Informational interviews: Talk to people working in that career or studying in that program to gather more information before making a decision.
  • Consult with a career counselor or academic advisor: Professionals can help you explore your CKD results further and introduce you to more activities and resources to help clarify your choices.