Careers for INTJ Personalities
Are you a skilled problem solver? Do you enjoy independent, highly focused work?
Introversion, intuition, thinking, and judging are the four words that make up INTJ—one of the 16 psychological types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. One of the rarest types, INTJs account for one to two percent of the population. These individuals are curious, imaginative, and ambitious. At work, they excel at creating and implementing solutions to analytical problems, synthesizing challenging information, and improving complex systems.
INTJs enjoy working in efficient and structured environments with colleagues who are competent and productive. Their ideal job allows them to use their analytical skills to create efficient and innovative systems—one reason why industries such as technology, engineering, and finance are such a good fit.
This article will be covering the following careers:
| Career | Avg Salary | Satisfaction | Your Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientist | $77k | 3.3/5 | |
| Engineer | $85k | 3.2/5 | |
| Logistician | $63k | 2.8/5 | |
| Professor | $77k | 3.7/5 | |
| Anesthesiologist | $267k | 3.8/5 | |
| Dentist | $178k | 3.1/5 | |
| Lawyer | $141k | 2.7/5 | |
| Editor | $61k | 3.4/5 | |
| Computer Programmer | $94k | 3.3/5 |
Are these careers suited to you? Our comprehensive career test measures your personality traits and interests and matches you to over 800 careers.
1. Scientist
A career as a scientist is an ideal option for an INTJ. People with this personality type will enjoy researching and examining various aspects of the physical world, and will feel motivated to attain a better understanding of how things work, function, and relate to one another. Whether they specialize in chemistry or astrophysics, INTJs will thrive in the rigorous, focused, and productive work environment of the lab.
Scientist
The word scientist is a general term, used to describe someone who researches and examines various aspects of the physical world in order to attain a better understanding of how things work and function.
2. Engineer
Perfectly complimentary with the INTJ's strong analytical skills, engineers use science, technology, and math to solve problems and complex systems. Depending on what branch of engineering they pursue, they might build and test prototypes for new products, analyze computer network security, or research nuclear energy processes. But no matter what the specific task, an INTJ will complete it quickly, strategically, and—if they get their way—independently.
3. Logistician
Logisticians are found in almost every industry, from information and technology to fashion. These rational and innovative individuals spend their days analyzing and coordinating an organization's supply chain. They oversee the entire life cycle of a product, and are responsible for ensuring its acquisition, distribution, and delivery take place as smoothly and efficiently as possible. INTJs, with their creative yet methodical approach, excel in this career.
Logistician
A logistician is someone who analyzes and coordinates an organization’s supply chain—the system that moves a product from supplier to consumer.
4. Professor
INTJ is by far the most common personality type among university faculty. Whereas others may find it difficult to remain dedicated to a single topic for their entire career, INTJs thrive in the focused, analytical nature of academic work. They love learning new information, bringing disconnected ideas together, and expanding their theoretical understanding of the world around them.
Professor
A professor is someone who instructs students in a wide variety of academic and vocational subjects beyond the high school level.
5. Anesthesiologist
INTJs have historically been well represented in anesthesiology. In part, this is because there is little interaction needed with patients, and INTJs are very comfortable working alone. But they also possess the dedicated work ethic needed to succeed in this demanding medical career. Anesthesiologists examine patients before surgery to ensure they are fit to undergo the procedure, then administer anesthetic to make the experience as pain-free as possible. The work is precise and high-pressure, a natural fit for an INTJ.
Anesthesiologist
If you think that you'd like the operating room environment versus doing rounds, and would be ok handling the occasional emergency, anesthesiology might be for you.
6. Dentist
INTJs are well-suited for technical and skill-based nature of a career in dentistry. While they may struggle with some of the social aspects of the job—such as engaging in small talk with their patients—they will find the technical work exhilarating. Methodical and challenging, this profession is a perfect match for the INTJ's quiet ambition. With the right opportunities, they'll be running their own practice in no time.
7. Lawyer
The psychological profile of lawyers as a group is quite different from the general population. Dedicated, strategic, and ruthlessly analytical, INTJs are a perfect fit for this intense career. While other personalities may struggle with the complexity of the legal system or the sheer vastness of information involved in this job, INTJs revel in it. Ambitious and quick-witted, they are truly in their element in this intellectually challenging line of work.
Lawyer
A lawyer is someone who is licensed to practice law, and whose obligation it is to uphold the law while also protecting their client's rights.
8. Editor
There are relatively few arts careers that appeal to INTJs, but editor is one of them. In this role, an INTJ's decisive nature comes to the fore, enabling them to slice and dice words with efficiency and precision. Whether editing a technical manual or a manuscript for a novel, they are quick to criticize—and even quicker to improve—what they read. INTJs' brilliance will truly become obvious in this difficult career.
Editor
An editor is a critical reader and a lover of words, whose job is to polish and refine a story or an article.
9. Computer Programmer
Requiring a great deal of high-level thinking, an affinity for abstractions, and a proficiency for building things, a career in computer programming is an attractive option for INTJs. These technically savvy coders spend their days creating, testing, and improving a wide range of computer software. The profession tends to involve a lot of troubleshooting—a task that frustrates many personalities, but makes the inquisitive INTJ feel more engaged and motivated than ever.
Computer Programmer
The road to becoming a computer programmer typically begins with a keen interest in technology, and an almost insatiable curiosity about the language of computers.