Being a creative thinker who loves to learn makes you an asset to any employer. While everyone might want you on their team, your job is to find the INTJ personality type careers at which you feel you can excel and enjoy throughout your career.
In this post, we’ll cover what we think are some of the best jobs for INTJs.
What Is an INTJ?
The “Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging” personality is a decisive strategist and independent problem-solver. People often think of these folks as rigid rule-followers because of their determined nature and thirst for knowledge. But this is far from the truth. INTJ career choices will reflect a genuine desire to learn and build. This may mean following a logical path or established procedures, but if a better way exists, the INTJ will find it. An INTJ should avoid careers that require following a process or rote steps without the flexibility to find a better solution or consider the long-term view.
The INTJ personality, also known as the Architect or the Scientist, is one of the rarest combinations of Myers-Briggs Test results. In fact, only 2% to 4% of the population can claim this title. INTJs are inventive thinkers and natural leaders who value logic and reason. The best careers for INTJ reflect their confident and determined nature and allow INTJs to concentrate on building, designing, or solving a problem.
What Are INTJs Like in the Workplace?
INTJ personalities prefer roles with independent work. INTJs eschew office politics for productivity. They have no patience for white lies, wasted time, and office rumors. This means they often prefer to work alone where they can thrive, unencumbered by others. This independence and drive are apparent in famous INTJs including Elon Musk, Stephen Hawking, Susan B. Anthony, and C.S. Lewis.
What Are the Best Careers for INTJs?
For an INTJ, the list is simple: nothing that requires extroversion or teamwork. INTJs must find a challenging career that will hold their interest and allow them to really think and focus on their work. Here are a few INTJ job ideas that may appeal to an INTJ’s smart, logical nature.
1. Civil Engineer
This job works perfectly with the innovative yet logical INTJ personality. Civil engineers require vision and acute problem-solving skills to design and execute vital infrastructure. Projects can range from transportation systems to waste management to earthquake engineering. Civil engineers often design and implement plans and simulations using 2-D or 3-D computer software. Precision and the highest standards are crucial to all fields within civil engineering.
2. Content Writer
Jack of all trades, master of none. Content writing may be the ideal gig for the INTJ who wants to learn about everything. Content writers develop and create content for print, digital media, or product descriptions. Often working as freelancers and on their own schedule, they produce well-researched and accurate content delivered on tight deadlines. They follow and improve on editorial style guides, and excellent writing, spelling skills, and a firm grasp of grammar are essential to the role. A content writer can cover a wide variety of topics for multiple platforms such as websites, blogs, articles, social updates, banners, case studies, guides, and whitepapers.
3. Database Administrator
An INTJ could thrive as a database administrator. It is a detailed job that requires focus on both long-term goals and the minute details. Testing systems, managing computer database systems, and coordinating changes are just some of a database administrator’s duties. These experts also plan and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
4. Illustrator
Illustrators must be creative and driven, producing individual artwork that enriches the message of the broader work. This makes it an excellent career choice for INTJ personality types. Some illustrators work in traditional media, using watercolors or oil paint to produce their designs. Others use illustration and editing software to create digital images for everything from architectural graphics to children’s books.
5. Logistics Manager
Logistics managers keep things running smoothly. INTJs, who continuously search for better or more efficient solutions, can do well in this role. Logistics managers plan, direct, and coordinate purchasing, warehousing, distribution, forecasting, customer service, or planning services. They manage logistics personnel and logistics systems and direct daily operations. It’s their responsibility to coordinate all shipments for all locations and review and analyze budgets, expenditures, and operations. They determine the needs for expansion of routes or schedules, develop and manage logistics key performance indicators, and develop and document standard operating procedures.
6. Project Manager
Project managers have responsibilities to match their title—they manage projects in various industries. INTJs who become project managers will strategize plans, organize timelines, manage budgets, delegate responsibilities, supervise employees, and implement projects. They create a timeline and budget, and stick with it. They support the overall project and ensure there are enough people to handle the details. The project manager takes the lead to organize and supervise every aspect, from the most minute details to the big-picture view.
7. Quantity Surveyor
This INTJ job is excellent for an INTJ who wants to work toward a long-term goal. Quantity surveyors oversees estimated building, architectural, and construction project costs. They manage, direct, and develop plans and budgets for the scope of the project. Working with contractors, builders, and architects, quantity surveyors will provide the most cost-efficient plans to complete a building while meeting high-quality standards. They review and compare pricing, document materials needed and used, and track changes to plans.
8. Loan Officer
As a loan officer, an INTJ will find that cherished independence rewarded. The role requires someone who can analyze financial histories, prepare loan proposals, and evaluate loan applications. The loan officer acts as a liaison among financial institutions, individuals, and businesses applying for loans and needs to know the ins and outs of policies and processes. This is solo work that presents new challenges every day.
Focus on Your Strengths
These INTJ jobs speak directly to your strong points. You can easily use being introverted to your advantage within the right setting. Figure out which of these INTJ careers could be right for you, and be confident that you have the potential to excel in your new position.