What Do INTP Personality Types Need at Work?
Your unique personality type is suited to particular kinds of roles in the workplace. INTPs – people with preferences for Introversion, Intuition, Thinking and Perceiving – seek work that enables them to deeply understand any problem they are solving.
The world of work can be overwhelming with so many choices. Figuring out a career path can be challenging, especially when so many of the available jobs seem a bit tedious. But here is hope! Let’s look at what an INTP needs in a job and some of the careers that meet those requirements.
Watch out our video about top careers for INTPs on Youtube.
What should an INTP look for in a job?
INTPs are philosophical innovators, fascinated by logical analysis, systems and design. They are analytical, innovative, skeptical, and motivated to solve complex problems in an original way.
When looking for a career that fits your INTP personality, consider roles where you can:
- Understand the world
- Question established ideas
- Develop creative solutions, and
- Analyze complex problems.
When you think about your previous jobs or volunteer roles, how have they met those requirements? How have they missed the mark?
What satisfies INTPs at work?
To feel satisfied in their work, INTPs need to fulfill at least three of the following factors.
To do work that:
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Is intellectually challenging and requires solving complex problems
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Lets you set and maintain your own high standards
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Allows you to work independently with plenty of quiet time
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Supports you to develop new skills and competencies
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Happens in a flexible environment without too many rules.
Do a quick check-in:
- What does each factor look like in real life for you?
- Which of these does your current job satisfy?
- Which isn't being satisfied and how might you change that?
What are the top careers for an INTP?
Certain jobs are more likely to help you meet those requirements than others. And even if these jobs don’t appeal to you, keep the principles in mind when you are career planning.
In technology that includes:
- Software developer
- Network administrator
- Computer network architect
In engineering that includes:
- Aerospace engineer
- Biomedical engineer
- Environmental engineer
- Landscape architect
In science that includes:
- Geologist
- Physicist
- Economist
- Psychiatrist
- Statistician
In the arts that includes:
- News analyst
- Archivist
- Technical writer
- Composer
In business that includes:
- Financial analyst
- Attorney
- Accountant
To see more top careers for INTPs, take a look at our detailed list here. But in summary you are looking for jobs that allow you to work independently, are flexible, are intellectually challenging, and are where you can learn new skills.
What careers should an INTP avoid?
While any personality type can be successful in any career, some occupations require INTPs to operate outside their natural preferences, which can be draining.
Careers like dietician, corrections officer and retail salesperson may not meet enough of the INTP’s career satisfiers.
Next steps
Whether you are just starting on your career journey or exploring a career change, take a moment to think about how to ensure your career needs are met in the future.
To learn more visit our INTP personality page or take our free test here.
Samantha Mackay is a certified Enneagram and leadership development coach who believes work should be energizing, not draining. She combines the Enneagram with her experience of recovering from burnout twice to help leaders and teams thrive during stressful times. Connect with Samantha at www.samanthamackay.com
