Careers for Holland code ICR
73 careers · typical salary €4,000 gross per month (Netherlands)
The Holland code ICR stands for Investigative, Conventional, and Realistic. This combination describes people who enjoy working with ideas, data, and practical tasks, often in structured environments. It is part of the Holland (RIASEC) model, which matches personality types to careers based on six interest areas: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.
If your strongest interest is Investigative, followed by Conventional and then Realistic, you likely prefer work that involves problem-solving, analysis, and hands-on activities within organized systems. Careers suited for this code often require attention to detail, logical thinking, and practical skills.
This page lists 73 careers that fit the ICR code, mostly in scientific and technical fields. Many require applied bachelor's or university education, but there are also options at the vocational level. Typical salaries in these careers range from €2,300 to about €5,200 gross per month in the Netherlands.
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All 73 careers
- Acoustical consultant (HBO/WO)
- Air Chemistry & Pollution Experts (HBO/WO)
- Analytical chemistry laboratory technician (MBO)
- Appraiser (real estate) (MBO)
- Assistant Laboratory Manager (HBO/WO)
- Auto damage expert (MBO/HBO)
- Bacteriologist (HBO/WO)
- Biochemical laboratory assistant (MBO/HBO)
- Biochemistry laboratory technician (HBO/WO)
- Biological research associate (HBO/WO)
- Biologist (HBO/WO)
- Biotechnician (HBO/WO)
- Biotechnologist (HBO/WO)
- Biotechnology analyst (HBO/WO)
- Building engineer (HBO/WO)
- Building physicist (HBO/WO)
- Cartographer (HBO/WO)
- Cartographic drafter (MBO/HBO)
- Chemical assistant textile industry (MBO/HBO)
- Chemical laboratory technician (HBO/WO)
- Chemist (HBO/WO)
- Chemotherapy Technician (HBO/WO)
- Clinical Chemistry analyst (MBO/HBO)
- Commodity inspector (HBO/WO)
- Computer Specialist (MBO/HBO/WO)
- Construction estimator (HBO/WO)
- Crystallographer (HBO/WO)
- Cytogeneticists (HBO/WO)
- Dairy scientist / technologist (HBO/WO)
- Database administrator (HBO/WO)
- Environmental enforcement officer (MBO/HBO)
- Food science technicians (MBO)
- Food technologist / scientist (HBO/WO)
- Forensic anthropologist (HBO/WO)
- Forensisch chemicus (HBO/WO)
- Geneticist (HBO/WO)
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist (HBO/WO)
- Geophysicist (HBO/WO)
- Haematology analyst (MBO/HBO)
- Histologist (HBO/WO)
- Histology and cytology technologist (HBO/WO)
- Hydrologist (HBO/WO)
- IT network designer (HBO/WO)
- IT Specialist (MBO/HBO/WO)
- IT System manager (MBO)
- Laboratory analyst (MBO)
- Materials engineer (HBO/WO)
- Materials expert (HBO/WO)
- Meat inspection lab technician (MBO/HBO)
- Medical analyst (MBO/HBO)
- Medical equipment developer (HBO/WO)
- Medical laboratory assistant (MBO/HBO)
- Microbiological engineer (HBO/WO)
- Microbiologist (HBO/WO)
- Microbiology analyst (Medical) (MBO/HBO)
- Nano Scientist (HBO/WO)
- Network administrator (HBO/WO)
- Network and computer systems specialist (MBO)
- Network designer (IT) (MBO)
- Oral Surgeon (HBO/WO)
- Ore specialist (HBO/WO)
- Petrologist (HBO/WO)
- Physicist (HBO/WO)
- Plant breeding engineer (HBO/WO)
- Raw material technologist (HBO/WO)
- Seismologist (HBO/WO)
- Survey computation technician (MBO/HBO)
- Technical analyst (HBO/WO)
- Technical writer (HBO/WO)
- Textille lab assistant (MBO/HBO)
- Toxicologist (HBO/WO)
- Traffic expert (HBO/WO)
- Zoölogisch laborant (MBO)
What is the work like?
Jobs for the ICR code often involve research, data analysis, or technical problem-solving combined with practical application. You might work in laboratories, offices, or field settings where precision and accuracy are important.
Examples include roles like Biologist, Chemist, or Environmental Enforcement Officer. You could be involved in collecting and interpreting data, managing projects, or developing technical solutions. Many careers require working with equipment, software, or scientific methods, and you may follow established procedures or regulations.
Who fits these careers?
As someone with the ICR code, you are curious and enjoy understanding how things work. You like to investigate problems and find logical solutions. You also appreciate order and structure, preferring clear rules and organized environments to work effectively.
You tend to be practical and realistic, preferring hands-on tasks where you can apply your knowledge. This combination suits people who like to work independently or in small teams, focusing on tasks that require concentration and accuracy.
Education and route
Most ICR careers require higher education. Around 65 careers ask for applied bachelor's degrees, and 52 require university degrees. Vocational training is needed for about 23 careers, so there are options if you prefer shorter or more practical study paths.
Fields of study typically include natural sciences, engineering, technology, or applied sciences. Vocational routes may focus on technical skills or laboratory work, while applied bachelor's and university programs provide deeper theoretical knowledge and research skills.
Salary
Typical salaries in ICR careers start around €2,300 gross per month for entry-level vocational roles. As you gain experience and education, salaries can rise to about €5,200 gross per month in higher-level positions.
The median typical salary across these careers is about €4,000 gross per month in the Netherlands. Salaries vary depending on education, experience, and specific job roles, ranging from technical assistants to consultants and researchers.
Tips for choosing
- Explore internships or practical projects in scientific or technical settings to gain experience.
- Consider combining your investigative interests with conventional skills like data management or quality control.
- Look for study programs in natural sciences, engineering, or technology to prepare for ICR careers.
- Develop skills in data analysis, laboratory techniques, or technical software relevant to your field.
- Seek advice from professionals working in ICR careers to understand daily tasks and career paths.
See also
- Careers for Holland code IC (230)
- Careers for Holland code ICA (32)
- Careers for Holland code ICS (64)
- Careers for Holland code ICE (61)
- Careers for Holland code CIR (10)
- Careers for investigative types (thinkers) (471)
- Careers in science and research (186)
- Careers in engineering (359)
- Careers in healthcare (242)
- Careers in IT (74)
- Careers with nature and animals (123)
- Careers in manufacturing (75)
- Careers in management (294)
- Careers in finance (139)
Frequently asked questions
What does the ICR Holland code mean?
The ICR code stands for Investigative, Conventional, and Realistic. It describes people who enjoy scientific and technical work that involves problem-solving, data analysis, and practical tasks within organized settings.
What types of jobs fit the ICR code?
Jobs include roles like Biologist, Chemist, Environmental Enforcement Officer, and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Technician. These jobs often involve research, working with equipment, and following procedures.
What education do I need for ICR careers?
Many ICR careers require applied bachelor's or university degrees in fields like natural sciences or engineering. There are also vocational training options for some technical roles.
What salary can I expect in ICR careers?
Typical starting salaries are around €2,300 gross per month for vocational roles, with experienced professionals earning up to about €5,200 gross per month. The median salary is about €4,000 gross monthly in the Netherlands.
How can I prepare for a career matching the ICR code?
Gain practical experience through internships or projects, focus on relevant study programs, develop technical and analytical skills, and seek guidance from professionals in your areas of interest.