You May Be Realistic

If you are: practical, straightforward, mechanically inclined, persistent, conforming, thrifty

If you can: fix electrical things, solve mechanical problems, operate tools and machinery, repair cars, build things

If you like to: work with machines, make house repairs, be physically active, use your hands, work alone, work outdoors

If you relate to the Realistic occupational type then your Michigan Career Pathway is most likely Manufacturing and/or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Manufacturing and STEM Careers in this path are related to technologies necessary to design, develop, install, and maintain physical systems. These include engineering, manufacturing, construction, service and related technologies.


Based on Personality types developed by John Holland, Ph.D.

The Academic Programs referenced below are not necessarily the only programs offered by departments, but are meant to reflect the Career Areas referred to.

Career Areas Academic Programs Offered by NMU Academic Department 
Aircraft MechanicAviation Maintenance TechnologyTechnology and Occupational Sciences
Air Conditioning InstallerHeat/Air Condition/RefrigerationTechnology and Occupational Sciences
Automotive MechanicAutomotive Service TechnologyTechnology and Occupational Sciences
Auto Body RepairCollision Repair TechnologyTechnology and Occupational Sciences
CarpenterConstruction ManagementTechnology and Occupational Sciences
Computer Aided Drafting TechnicianComputer Aided Design-MechanicalTechnology and Occupational Sciences
Conservation TechnicianEnvironmental ConservationGeography Department
Electronics EngineerElectronics Technology, Electronics Engineering TechnologyTechnology and Occupational Sciences
Electromechanical TechnicianElectromechanical TechnologyTechnology and Occupational Sciences
Fish and Game WardenEnvironmental ConservationGeography Department
Food Service WorkerCulinary Arts, Food Service ManagementTechnology and Occupational Sciences
Industry SupervisorIndustry TechnologyTechnology and Occupational Sciences
Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineering  TechnologyTechnology and Occupational Sciences
Plant EngineerPre-EngineeringPhysics Department
Refrigeration MechanicHeat/Air Condition/RefrigerationTechnology and Occupational Sciences
Restaurant CookCulinary Arts, Food Service Management, Hospitality ManagementTechnology and Occupational Sciences
Wastewater Treatment Plant OperatorWastewater Treatment Plant OperatorTechnology and Occupational Sciences

Internships, Volunteer, and Job Possibilities

  • Automotive Dealership
  • Construction Company
  • Consulting Firm
  • Engineering Firm
  • Manufacturer
  • Michigan DNR
  • National Park Service
  • US Forest Service
  • US Fish and Wildlife Service

For more information contact Career Services at 906-227-2800.

Student Organizations

A listing of all NMU Student Organizations is available at The Hub, linked below. For more information, contact the Center for Student Enrichment.

The Hub

The Student Success Department staff, 3302 C.B. Hedgcock, 906- 227-2971, can provide you with more information on careers and majors which match this occupation type, as well as the career planning process.