What Personalities are Found in the Crane, Rigging & Specialized Transport Industry?

Personality tests and career exploration exercises often outline possible careers in the medical field, teaching, business and even design or art - but does your personality or similarly related tests indicate an aptitude for a career in crane, rigging or specialized transport?

The following are common personality traits noted in the Holland Career Test for a few of the top career choices in this industry:

Crane Operator/Pipefitter/Truck Driver

Crane operators, pipefitters and truck drivers are most often realistic individuals, meaning they often enjoy working outdoors or applying themselves to a hands-on project. This individual enjoys solving practical problems "hands on," and tends to enjoy mechanical, physical and outdoor activities. This person prefers to solve problems with their hands, and would rather not deal with problems concerning data, people or ideas.

Nearly 50% of crane operators are considered to be conventional, meaning that they are detail-oriented and organized, and like working in a structured environment. A conventional person is someone who is careful, quiet and pays attention to detail. They also feel secure by following a set of rules, and prefer that others take a leadership role.

If you are one or both of these archetypes as defined by the Holland Career Test, you will likely enjoy a rewarding career as a crane operator, pipefitter or truck driver.

Ironworker/Machinists/Diesel Mechanic

Ironworkers, machinists and diesel mechanics also tend to be predominantly realistic individuals as described above. Unlike crane operators, they are more investigative versus conventional.

Someone with an investigative personality prefers to solve problems through research, studying and books rather than using their hands. They will analyze a situation before making a decision, and tend to be independent thinkers. These individuals tend to be insightful and curious in nature.

What sets apart careers in the crane, rigging and specialized transport industry?

Professionals in this industry often state that they like being part of something bigger than themselves, and they enjoy the variety of work - one day is never the same as the next and there are always different challenges with different jobs.

Many individuals who have a passion and love for the industry refer to the equipment as "toys," and reference their love for playing in a sandbox with heavy equipment as a young child. The ability to work long hours and possession of a strong work ethic are also hallmarks of this personality type.