INFP Best Careers
Introduction
INFPs, or those with preferences for Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Perceiving, are individuals who bring a unique blend of characteristics to the professional landscape. According to Charles Martin, Ph.D., in his impactful work “Looking at Type and Careers,” the careers we choose often reflect our Myers-Briggs personality type. For INFPs, this means gravitating toward careers that offer deep emotional engagement, creative freedom, and the pursuit of an idealistic vision.
Core Traits of the INFP Personality Type
INFPs are introverted individuals who treasure their inner emotional world and rich imagination. They are inherently creative, seeing possibilities where others see obstacles. Compassionate and empathetic, INFPs have a natural desire to help and uplift others. Moreover, they value flexibility and are resistant to rigid structures or rules that constrain their individuality.
The Importance of “Naturally Chosen” Careers
The term “most naturally chosen” careers refers to professional paths where an INFP can fully manifest their innate traits and tendencies. These are the roles where the behaviors and inclinations specific to an INFP are not merely accepted but are often a requirement for success. In essence, these careers allow INFPs to be their most authentic selves.
Conversely, the “least chosen” careers are those that demand behaviors or attitudes that are opposite to the core traits of an INFP. These roles might require an intense focus on minutiae, adherence to strict rules, or a form of social interaction that is at odds with the INFP’s nature.
Careers Selected Most Often vs Careers Selected Least Often
To illuminate this concept further, below is an exhaustive table listing the top 50 careers most often chosen by INFPs, and the 20 careers they least frequently choose, based on Charles Martin, Ph.D.’s research:
| Careers Selected Most Often | Careers Selected Least Often |
|---|---|
| 1. Fine artist | 1. Police detective |
| 2. Psychiatrist | 2. Manager fire |
| 3. Counselor runaway youth | 3. Computer operations systems researcher or analyst |
| 4. Architect | 4. Management Consultant |
| 5. Editor | 5. Purchasing agent |
| 6. Research assistant | 6. Corrections officer |
| 7. Suicide or crisis counselor | 7. School bus driver |
| 8. Journalist | 8. Small business manager |
| 10. Religious education in all denominations | 9. Manager retail store |
| 6. Research Assistant | 10. Manager Regional utilities |
| 11. Social scientist | 11. Coal miner |
| 12. Writer | 12. Police officer manager |
| 13. Laboratory technologist | 13. City Works technician |
| 14. Educational consultant | 14. Human Resources planner |
| 15. School counselor | 15. Social Services worker |
| 16. Laboratory technician | 16. School principal |
| 17. Physical therapist | 17. Manager City County or state government |
| 18. Teacher art drama or music | 18. Sales manager |
| 19. Carpenter | 19. Manager restaurant bar or food service |
| 20. Restaurant worker | 20. Storekeeper |
| 21. Social worker | – |
| 22. Media specialist | – |
| 23. Rehabilitation counselor | – |
| 24. Vocational counselor | – |
| 25. Actor | – |
| 26. Research worker | – |
| 27. English teacher | – |
| 28. Cook | – |
| 29. Scientist biology | – |
| 30. Librarian | – |
| 31. Speech pathologist | – |
| 32. Artist or Entertainer | – |
| 22. Media Specialist | – |
| 33. Employment Development Specialist | – |
| 35. Musician or composer | – |
| 36. Psychodrama therapist | – |
| 37. Teacher reading | – |
| 38. Executive secretary | – |
| 39. Aeronautical engineer | – |
| 40. Surveyor | – |
| 41. Designer | – |
| 50. Administrator Education | – |
| 43. Teacher foreign language in junior or Senior High School | – |
| 44. Waiter or waitress | – |
| 45. Minister | – |
| 46. Clergy | – |
| 47. Attorney administrator non-practicing | – |
| 48. Priest or Monk | – |
| 49. Health technology | – |
| 34. Public Health Nursing | – |
The table above is provided courtesy of ‘Looking at Type and Careers” by Charles Martin, Ph.D.
Conclusion
Understanding one’s Myers-Briggs personality type can serve as a powerful catalyst for selecting a career that offers more than just financial stability—it can provide genuine fulfillment and purpose. For INFPs, this often means pursuing roles that allow for emotional richness, creative expression, and a certain level of flexibility. Contrarily, roles demanding rigidity, limited emotional engagement, or tedious attention to detail may prove less fulfilling.
By taking into account the naturally chosen careers as articulated by Charles Martin, Ph.D., INFPs can embark on a journey of not just career success but also personal satisfaction.
For further reading and personalized career advice, you might consider scheduling a consultation with Ken Meyer a Myers-Briggs master practitioner and creator of this blog site.
Ken Meyer
Myers Briggs Master Practitioner and Retired Senior Career Coach at Eastern Michigan University
