Best Careers for ISFP Personality Type
Introduction
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a widely respected psychological instrument that has been instrumental in the fields of personality psychology and career counseling. Among the 16 personality types it identifies is the ISFP, often referred to as the “Adventurer” or “Artist.” This article aims to delve into the core traits of the ISFP personality type and explore career choices that align well with these traits. The careers listed here are based on the seminal work of Charles Martin, Ph.D., in “Looking at Type and Careers.
Core Traits of the ISFP Personality Type
ISFPs are characterized by their keen sense of aesthetics, love for freedom, and ability to live in the moment. They are generally quiet, friendly, sensitive, and kind-hearted individuals. ISFPs value practicality and are often adept at hands-on tasks. Their adaptability makes them excellent problem solvers in a variety of situations.
The Importance of Career Choices for ISFPs
The careers that ISFPs frequently find themselves in are not mere happenstance. These are roles where the ISFP’s natural behaviors and traits are not just accepted but are actually the behaviors needed to excel. In essence, these careers offer ISFPs the greatest opportunity to be authentically themselves.
On the flip side, the careers that ISFPs tend to avoid are those that require behaviors and traits that are in direct opposition to their natural inclinations. These are roles where an ISFP would feel out of place, constantly struggling to adapt to an environment that is incongruent with their core traits.
Careers Selected Most Often and Least Often by ISFPs
To offer a more tangible understanding, let’s examine specific careers that ISFPs are most and least likely to choose, as outlined in Charles Martin, Ph.D.’s “Looking at Type and Careers.”
| Careers Selected Most Often | Careers Selected Least Often |
|---|---|
| 1. Store Keeper | 1. Administrator: Student Personnel |
| 2. Surveyor | 2. Engineer: Chemical |
| 3. Clerical Supervisor | 3. Engineer: Aeronautical |
| 4. Dental Assistant | 4. Scientist: Biology |
| 5. Bookkeeper | 5. Dental Hygienist |
| 6. Machine Operator | 6. Physician: Pathology |
| 7. Cleaning Service Worker | 7. Actor |
| 8. Police Detective | 8. Research Assistant |
| 9. Carpenter | 9. Physician: Psychiatry |
| 10. Licensed Practical Nurse | 10. Religious Educator: All Denominations |
| 11. Radiologic Technologist or Technician | 11. Minister |
| 12. Legal Secretary | 12. Judge |
| 13. Cook | 13. Credit Investigator or Mortgage Broker |
| 14. Physical Therapist | 14. Administrator: Health |
| 15. Counselor: Runaway Youth | 15. Manager: Retail Store |
| 16. Waiter or Waitress | 16. Manager: Federal Executive |
| 17. Medical Assistant | 17. Administrator: College or Technical Institute |
| 18. Typist | 18. Manager: Corporate Executive |
| 19. Police Officer | 19. Suicide or Crisis Counselor |
| 20. Food Service Worker | 20. Architect |
| 21. Health Service Worker | |
| 22. School Bus Driver | |
| 23. Private Household Worker | |
| 24. Nursing Aid | |
| 25. Manager: Fire | |
| 26. Lifeguard or Recreational Attendant | |
| 27. Secretary | |
| 28. Construction Worker | |
| 29. Corrections Officer | |
| 30. Computer Operator | |
| 31. Registered Nurse | |
| 32. Office Machine Operator and Clerical Worker | |
| 33. Electronic Technician | |
| 34. Health Education Practitioner | |
| 35. Teacher Aide | |
| 36. Public Health Nursing | |
| 37. Director of Religious Education | |
| 38. Laboratory Technologist | |
| 39. Library Attendant | |
| 40. Construction, Warehouse, Groundskeepers and Other Laborers | |
| 41. Engineering or Science Technician | |
| 42. Electrician | |
| 43. Teacher: Grades 1 through 12 | |
| 44. Mechanic | |
| 45. Child Care Worker | |
| 46. Health Technologist or Technician | |
| 47. Medical Technologist | |
| 48. Religious Order: Lay Member | |
| 49. Secretary: Executive or Administrative Assistant | |
| 50. (Your Choice) |
The table above is provided courtesy of ‘Looking at Type and Careers” by Charles Martin, Ph.D.
Conclusion
Understanding the ISFP personality type and its core traits can serve as a powerful tool for career selection and satisfaction. The careers that ISFPs naturally gravitate towards offer them the best opportunities to utilize their innate skills and preferences. Conversely, the careers that are least often chosen by ISFPs are those that would require them to act against their natural inclinations, leading to potential dissatisfaction and stress.
By aligning career choices with personality traits, ISFPs can not only achieve professional success but also personal fulfillment. Therefore, if you are an ISFP or know someone who is, this guide can serve as an invaluable resource for making informed career decisions.
Ken Meyer
Myers Briggs Master Practitioner and Retired Senior Career Coach at Eastern Michigan University
