ESFP Best Careers
Based on the work by Charles Martin, Ph.D. “Looking at Type and Careers”
The ESFP personality type, commonly referred to as “The Performer” or “The Entertainer,” is characterized by its vibrant, outgoing, and sociable nature. These individuals flourish in environments that allow them to be spontaneous, immerse themselves in direct interactions, and truly experience the present moment. Key traits of ESFPs include being observant, pragmatic, gregarious, and enthusiastic.
When examining the realm of careers through the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), it’s clear that certain careers resonate more with specific personality types. The reason is, that these careers enable the individuals to operate in a way that aligns with their intrinsic inclinations and strengths.
For ESFPs, the most naturally chosen careers are the ones offering abundant opportunities for personal interaction, spontaneity, and tangible experiences. In these roles, an ESFPs can genuinely be themselves, employing their innate ESFP behaviors to excel in their job. On the other hand, careers that ESFPs tend to avoid usually demand prolonged introspection, strict adherence to structure, or a heavy focus on abstract conceptual thinking – areas that don’t necessarily align with the ESFP’s core strengths.
Understanding that the subsequent list of careers is grounded in empirical data and observed trends is crucial. It showcases the careers ESFPs are generally drawn to or avoid, based on their inherent preferences. Nevertheless, it’s paramount to remember that with the right approach, training, and tenacity, any individual, irrespective of their personality type, can find success in any profession.
Table: ESFP Career Preferences
| Careers Selected Most Often | Careers Selected Least Often |
|---|---|
| 1. Child care worker | 1. Director of religious education |
| 2. Transportation worker | 2. Student Personnel administrator |
| 3. Factory or site supervisor | 3. Chemical engineer |
| 4. Library worker | 4. Psychiatrist |
| 5. Cashier | 5. Management Consultant |
| 6. Designer | 6. Mechanical engineer |
| 7. Receptionist, clerical supervisor, or typist | 7. Research worker |
| 8. Lifeguard or Recreation attendant | 8. Attorney: administrator non-practicing |
| 2. Student Personnel Administrator | 9. Corrections officer |
| 10. Teacher: coaching | 10. Human resource planner |
| 11. Restaurant or food service worker | 11. Fine artist |
| 12. Respiratory therapist | 12. Architect |
| 13. Religious educator: all denominations | 13. Manager: Federal Executive |
| 14. Storekeeper | 14. Computer professional |
| 15. Aeronautical engineer | 15. Credit investigator or mortgage broker |
| 16. Medical secretary | 16. Education Administration |
| 17. Bookkeeper | 17. Priest or Monk |
| 18. Public Health Nursing | 18. Retail store manager |
| 19. Electrician | 19. Accountant |
| 20. Clerical worker | 20. English teacher |
| 21. Insurance agent, broker, or underwriter | |
| 22. Computer peripheral equipment or office machine operator | |
| 23. Nursing Aid | |
| 24. Dental hygienist | |
| 25. Laboratory technologist | |
| 26. Construction worker | |
| 27. Carpenter | |
| 28. Salesperson | |
| 29. Police officer | |
| 30. Medical assistant | |
| 31. Private household worker | |
| 32. Hairdresser or cosmetologist | |
| 33. Rehabilitation counselor | |
| 34. Factory machine operator | |
| 35. Religious worker | |
| 36. Teacher: foreign language in junior or Senior High School | |
| 37. Critical Care Nursing | |
| 38. Banking | |
| 39. Elementary School teacher | |
| 40. Teacher: grades 1 through 12 | |
| 41. Radiologic technologist OR technician | |
| 42. Farmer | |
| 43. Social service worker | |
| 44. Real estate agent or broker | |
| 45. Mechanic | |
| 46. Craft worker | |
| 47. Personnel service worker | |
| 48. Teacher: mathematics | |
| 49. Editor or reporter | |
| 50. Adult education teacher |
The table above is provided courtesy of ‘Looking at Type and Careers” by Charles Martin, Ph.D.
Ken Meyer
Myers Briggs Master Practitioner and Retired Senior Career Coach at Eastern Michigan University
