Summary
This article examined Holland’s RIASEC person-environment interaction theory as a practical basis for academic advising and career counseling services in colleges and universities. After a brief review of Holland’s theory, including its early application in higher education research, the book by Smart et al. (2000) was reviewed. This examination focused on information that could be used to further support and update resources based on Holland’s theory as it is used with university students. Smart and his colleagues studied college faculty and students to determine if constructs related to the socialization of students and their adjustment in college were supported by data. The major assumptions of Holland’s theory were supported and new information related to the development of students’ interests and abilities and academic departmental socialization in relation to Holland’s RIASEC types was provided. The article concluded with a description of possible academic advising and career counseling interventions along with other applications that are based on Holland’s theory. A theory-based model for academic advising and counseling was presented.