Occupational Clustering
The grouping of careers that share common RIASEC codes or trait profiles. People successfully working in one cluster often thrive in similar-coded jobs.
Occupational clustering is the principle behind O*NET's organization and RIASEC matching. Jobs cluster around their code: RE cluster (engineer, electrician, contractor) vs. AS cluster (artist, architect, counselor) vs. IC cluster (scientist, programmer, analyst).
Cluster-switching (changing within your primary cluster) is easier and has better outcomes than jumping to a different cluster. An Engineer moving to Project Management (same R/E environment) has higher success than an Engineer moving to Counseling (opposite code).
This explains career pivots: look for jobs in adjacent clusters (one letter overlap) before jumping to opposite clusters. Your RIASEC code predicts which clusters you'll be satisfied in.
Measure your Occupational Clustering profile
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