Best Careers for the INFJ Personality Type
Introduction
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) has long been a trusted tool in understanding one’s personality and, by extension, their most suitable career paths. For those who identify as INFJ, the rarest of the 16 personality types, finding a career that aligns with their unique traits can be both challenging and rewarding. This article draws upon the seminal work of Charles Martin, Ph.D., in “Looking at Type and Careers,” to provide a comprehensive guide on the best careers for INFJ types.
The INFJ Personality: A Brief Overview
INFJs, or Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging types, are often described as compassionate, complex, and highly intuitive. They are driven by a strong sense of purpose and a desire to help others. These traits make them well-suited for careers that involve human interaction, problem-solving, and ethical considerations.
Key Career Considerations for INFJs
Passion for Meaningful Work
INFJs are not content with just any job; they seek roles that allow them to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
Strong Ethical Standards
A strong moral compass often guides INFJs in their career choices, making them excellent candidates for roles that require ethical decision-making.
Need for Independence
While they work well in teams, INFJs also value their independence and prefer careers that allow for autonomy.
Best Careers for INFJ Types Based on Charles Martin’s Work
Healthcare Professions
- Counselor
- Psychologist
- Occupational Therapist
Education and Academia
- Special Education Teacher
- College Professor
- Educational Consultant
Creative Fields
- Writer
- Graphic Designer
- Art Director
Social Services
- Social Worker
- Non-Profit Organizer
- Human Rights Advocate
The Significance of “Naturally” Chosen Careers for INFJs
The careers listed under “Careers Selected Most Often” are those in which INFJs have the greatest opportunity to be authentically themselves. These roles often require behaviors and skills that are innate to the INFJ personality type, such as empathy, intuition, and a strong ethical compass. In essence, these careers allow INFJs to optimize their performance by being true to their nature.
Conversely, the careers listed under “Careers Selected Least Often” represent roles that are less aligned with the natural behaviors and preferences of INFJs. These careers often require traits or behaviors that may feel inauthentic or draining to an INFJ, such as high levels of external stimulation, rigid structure, or a focus on material gains over ethical considerations.
With that context in mind, let’s examine the data.
Career Preferences for INFJs: A Comparative Table
| Careers Selected Most Often | Careers Selected Least Often |
|---|---|
| 1. Director of religious education | 1. Factory or site supervisor |
| 2. Fine artist | 2. Surveyor |
| 3. Priest or monk | 3. Childcare worker |
| 4. Consultant: Education | 4. Electrical or electronic engineering technician |
| 5. Psychodrama therapist | 5. Manager: fire |
| 6. Minister | 6. Corrections officer or probation officer |
| 7. Clergy | 7. Farmer |
| 8. Physician: pathology | 8. Sales manager |
| 9. Rabbi | 9. Manager: retail sales |
| 10. Teacher: English | 10. Steelworker |
| 11. Architect | 11. Police officer: manager |
| 12. Priest | 12. Police officer |
| 13. Suicide or crisis counselor | 13. Manager: city, county, or state government |
| 19. Physician: Psychiatry | 14. Credit investigator or mortgage broker |
| 15. Teacher: art, drama, or music | 15. Manager: corporate executive |
| 16. Religious order: lay member | 16. School bus driver |
| 17. Teacher: foreign language in junior or senior high school | 17. Machine operator |
| 18. Religious educator | 18. Administrator: social services |
| 20. Doctor of Osteopathy | 19. Coal miner |
| 24. Research Assistant | 20. Manager: financial or bank officer |
| 21. Social worker | |
| 22. Teacher: High School | |
| 23. Teacher: University | |
| 25. Marketing Professional | |
| 30. Teacher: Preschool | |
| 26. Social scientist | |
| 27. Librarian | |
| 28. Administrator: college or technical institute | |
| 29. Scientist: biology | |
| 45. Storekeeper | |
| 31. Psychologist | |
| 32. Teacher: Special Education | |
| 33. Administrator: health | |
| 34. Physician: all specialties | |
| 35. Home management advisor or home economist | |
| 36. Public relations worker or publicity writer | |
| 37. Consultant management analyst | |
| 38. Dental hygienist | |
| 39. Speech pathologist | |
| 40. Physician: family practice and general practice | |
| 41. Medical assistant | |
| 42. Teacher: all categories | |
| 43. Occupational therapist | |
| 44. Counselor | |
| 45. Store keeper | |
| 46. Nursing: educator | |
| 47. Medical Secretary | |
| 48. Teacher: Health | |
| 49. Pharmacist | |
| 50. Personnel or labor relations worker |
The table above is provided courtesy of ‘Looking at Type and Careers” by Charles Martin, Ph.D.
This table serves as a useful resource for INFJs seeking careers that align with their innate traits, as well as for those who wish to avoid roles that may not be as fulfilling. It also provides valuable insights for career counselors, educators, and employers looking to understand the natural inclinations of this unique personality type.
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Conclusion
The INFJ personality type is complex, compassionate, and driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. Based on Charles Martin’s “Looking at Type and Careers,” it’s clear that INFJs are best suited for careers that align with their ethical standards and allow for meaningful interaction with others. Whether in healthcare, education, the creative arts, or social services, INFJs have a unique set of skills that make them invaluable in the workforce.
Ken Meyer
Myers Briggs Master Practitioner and Retired Senior Career Coach at Eastern Michigan University
