What RIASEC Stands For

What RIASEC Stands For

RIASEC represents six learning orientations identified by psychologist John Holland. Each describes how a person naturally prefers to learn and engage.

R – Realistic

Learns best by doing and hands-on activities.

I – Investigative

Prefers thinking, questioning, and problem-solving.

A – Artistic

Learns best through interaction and collaboratio

S – Enterprising

Learns best through interaction and collaboratio

S – Social

Learns best through interaction and collaboratio

C – Conventional

Prefers structure, routines, and step-by-step learning.

How RIASEC Is Used in Education Today

In Singapore, RIASEC is used within national education initiatives such as SkillsFuture Singapore to support education and career decision-making.

In the United States, RIASEC is used across school counselling and career education programs. Examples include:

  • River Valley School District (Wisconsin), which uses RIASEC codes in its career exploration curriculum

  • Washington Community Schools (Iowa), which integrates RIASEC into guidance counselling for high school students

  • California Department of Education’s Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, which match students’ learning and career interest groups with RIASEC codes.

Why DNA Is Relevant
to Education

Education research shows that learning outcomes are shaped by both genetics and environment. Research suggests genetic factors account for roughly 40–60% of variation in educational attainment at a population level. While DNA does not decide results, it is a stable starting point to help parents understand how their child learns best.

From Traditional
RIASEC to RIASEC DNA

Traditional RIASEC (Questionnaire-Based)

  • Based on questionnaires that typically require 40–180 questions

  • Influenced by opinions, environment, or mood

  • Results can change over time

  • Primarily designed for individuals aged 18 and above

RIASEC DNA©
Framework (DNA-Based)

  • Based on DNA markers mapped to the RIASEC framework, without questionnaires

  • Not influenced by opinions, environment, or mood

  • Results do not change over time

  • Applicable from early childhood, not limited to adults

RIASEC DNA offers insight into a child’s learning tendencies, not fixed labels. It is a starting point to support understanding, observation, and better learning decisions, while a child’s growth continues to be shaped by environment, experience, and emotional support.

How Parents Benefit From the RIASEC DNA Framework©

RIASEC Code

How This Child Learns Best

Preferred Enrichment & Environments

Possible Future Pathways

Realistic (R)

Learns by doing, hands-on practice, and physical engagement

Building, experiments, sports, maker activities, oupoor learning

Engineering, technical fields, applied sciences

Investigative (I)

Learns by thinking, questioning, and problem-solving

Science exploration, research tasks, logic games, inquiry-based learning

Research, technology, analytical fields

Artistic (A)

Learns through creativity, ideas, and self-expression

Art, music, design, storytelling, open-ended projects

Creative industries, design, innovation roles

Enterprising (E)

Learns through action, leadership, and influence

Leadership roles, debates, entrepreneurship activities, projects

Business, management, leadership pathways

Conventional (C)

Learns with structure, routines, and clear steps

Organized tasks, systems-based learning, planning activities

Administration, operations, structured professions

Case Studies

Case Studies

“My child struggled in his 1-on-1 swimming classes. After I found out his RIASEC Code is Social, I switched to group lessons. He started learning much faster!”

Belle

Parent

Belle

Parent

“3 years ago, my child was sensitive, cried easily, and lacked confidence. Nutrigene’s  behavioural therapist and psychologist suggested more outdoor activities with his father like ATV and parkour. Over time, he became more confident and even grew into a role model for his younger brother.”

Joyce

Parent

Joyce

Parent

“My daughter took piano lessons for months before we realised she did not enjoy it. It was the same trial-and-error process for many enrichment classes. Nutrigene's report revealed that her real interests and strengths was in dance, not music. We shifted her to rhythm-based activities, and she is now more confident and much happier!”

Amanda

Parent

Amanda

Parent

How Educators Benefit From the RIASEC DNA Framework©

  • A clearer way for teachers and parents to talk about a child’s learning needs

  • Better continuity in understanding a child, even when teachers or classes change

  • Easier conversations with parents, leading to better cooperation and follow-through

Classroom Strategies
Used In Preschools

Frequently
Asked Questions

Is my child too young for RIASEC DNA?

Traditional RIASEC questionnaires are designed for adults, but RIASEC DNA can be applied from as early as 20 days old because it is based on genetic markers, not self-reporting

Will my child be boxed into one type or label?

No. Most children show a combination of RIASEC orientations. The framework is meant to guide understanding, not label or limit a child.

Does RIASEC measure intelligence or academic ability?

No. RIASEC focuses on learning preferences and engagement styles, not intelligence, grades, or academic potential.

Can learning styles change over time?

Learning behaviours can change with experience and environment. RIASEC DNA provides a stable baseline, while how it shows up may evolve as a child grows

How should parents and teachers use RIASEC insights responsibly?

RIASEC insights should be used as a starting point for observation and better decisions, alongside guidance, environment, and emotional support.