Our Job Space

Your brain is unique and contributing to this is its special combination of executive functions. And, as those functions constitute a central aspect of how you navigate life, they are also relevant to how you function in a work context. Therefore, those executive functions, as measured by BrainsFirst’s NeurOlympics, should match your job. To enable this connection of your brain to your job, BrainsFirst created a Job Space, consisting of 2 dimensions and 4 quadrants. Here, the science behind the Job Space will be explained. This can help you in understanding your job match, which is part of your report, as it gives you insight into how BrainsFirst arrived at this match.

There is great variety in occupations, from footballer to HR manager or cashier. To keep an overview of all these occupations and their required competencies, they are quantified in large Databases, such as O*NET in the US or ESCO in Europe.

Cognitive Mapping

How does BrainsFirst use your game performance to determine your placement in the Job Space, as indicated in your report? BrainsFirst compares your cognitive abilities to those of other individuals whose occupation is known. By collecting data on the cognitive profiles of individuals in various occupations, BrainsFirst developed a Job Space that groups occupations into four clusters based on similarities in skills, abilities, and competencies. This Job Space is based on the cognitive profiles of over 5000 individuals. Using this Job Space, BrainsFirst compares your cognitive profile, as assessed by the games, to the average cognitive profile of all occupations within each cluster. This allows us to place your cognitive profile into the matching quadrant in the Job Space. From there, we can connect your position in the Job Space with jobs that are likely to suit your cognitive abilities. In short, by comparing your cognitive profile to the cognitive profiles of individuals in various occupations, BrainsFirst can determine which jobs align with your unique way of thinking.

The Dimensions of the Job Space

The 4 Quadrants

Flexible-People-Oriented

For occupations which fall into this quadrant, adaptability and collaboration with others are central, including building and maintaining relationships. Prime examples are teachers, but also real estate agents.

Structured-People-Oriented

Here, the ability to work with others but also to follow protocols are central for the occupations falling into this quadrant. Coordination of teams and processes, hence management activities, and applying knowledge are central here. This makes skills such as organizing and leadership highly relevant. Example occupations are general practitioners or police inspectors.

Flexible-Task-Oriented

Structured-Task-Oriented

Occupations such as mechanical engineers and medical technicians fall into this quadrant. Central to the occupations of this quadrant is abstract and creative thinking, following protocols, and the prioritization of task completion. Thus, analytical thinking is at the core of those occupations.

The Job Space and Executive Functions - The Bigger Picture

Knowing this, you might wonder how this relates to, for example, the NeurOlympics. Well, your scores on the games, which measure executive functions, relate to the skills, abilities, and competencies required for a certain occupation. That is, how you perform on the games allows insight into whether your brain suits the cognitive requirements of an occupation. Then, depending on this, a match between brain and occupation can be made. However, there will not be a singular occupation which is a ‘perfect’ match for your brain. Therefore, as jobs which are similar in their required skills, abilities and competencies are closer in proximity to each other in the Job Space, you can get an overview of which jobs suit your brain best. Now that you know this, you understand how BrainsFirst created the job space and linked it to you brain profile.