INTP stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking and Perceiving. This personality type is also known as “the logician” or “the thinker.” INTPs are logical, analytical independent thinkers. Like typical introverts, they enjoy spending time alone and evaluating their thoughts. They prefer to work in an environment where their strengths are leveraged and their independence valued. INTPs enjoy challenges and continuously expanding their knowledge. Some of the most well known INTPs include Marie Curie, Charles Darwin, Rene Descartes and Albert Einstein. Here are the top five careers for the INTP personality type.
1. Architect
The job of an architect is extremely complex and requires an immense amount of skill and competency. The role involves designing buildings and structures using computer-aided design software. It also involves client interaction and project management. INTPs make excellent architects because of their attention to detail, which ensures accuracy and precision in their work. To become an architect, you will need an architecture degree as well as an architecture license. According to Indeed.com, the average salary for an architect is $108,203.
2. Technical Writer
A technical writer creates content that explains technical information in a clear and concise manner. The content could include user manuals, tutorials, guides or documentation for software. Technical writing is a viable career choice for INTPs because of their ability to analyze complex information and break it down into layman’s terms. The qualifications required to become a technical writer are a bachelor’s degree in communications, English, Journalism or a related field. You may also need to have knowledge of a technical field such as information technology or computer engineering. As a technical writer, according to Indeed.com, you can expect an hourly salary of $37.62 per hour.
3. Psychologist
Psychologists are responsible for evaluating individuals’ mental and emotional state for the purpose of diagnosing a mental health disorder. They also provide counseling and therapy to assist people in overcoming their mental challenges. INTPs make excellent psychologists because empathy is one of the dominant traits of this personality trait. They are capable of putting themselves in other people’s shoes, which gives them a deeper understanding of human behavior. It can take up to 10 years to become a licensed clinical psychologist. However, to get started, you will need a bachelor’s degree in psychology. The average psychologist, according to Indeed.com, earns a salary of $105,590 per year.
4. Software Developer
The job requirements of a software developer vary depending on the specific role. Nevertheless, in general, software developers are responsible for designing, creating, testing and maintaining software systems, platforms and applications. A software developer is an ideal career choice for INTPs because they are logical thinkers and can effectively apply their logic and reasoning to software design, debugging and coding. Software developers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software development or other related fields. According to US News, the average software developer makes approximately $127,260 per year.
5. Economist
Economists analyze trends, economic data and policies to provide forecasts, insights and recommendations about the economic climate. INTPs make good economists because of their effective problem-solving skills. They enjoy solving difficult problems and can approach economic issues with innovation and creativity. You will need a bachelor’s degree in Economy to become an economist. The earning potential, according to Indeed.com, for an economist is $114,496 per year.
What Jobs Should an INTP Avoid?
People get stuck in unrewarding careers for many reasons including financial stability, not knowing their purpose and limited insight into the best career choices for their personality type. As mentioned, INTPs are often innovative and open-minded, and they typically work well independently. Therefore, they are not suited to jobs that don’t make full use of their strengths. To ensure you don’t end up in a role that is not suited to you, here are five jobs you should avoid as an INTP:
- Manual labor jobs
- Clerical work
- Service industry jobs
- Farming
- Manufacturing
The INTP personality type thrives in careers where their strengths are leveraged, and they are given the opportunity to continuously expand their knowledge. One way to ensure you end up working for the right company is to ask questions during the interview. One of the most important questions to ask is about their opportunities for career development. If the organization challenge their employees to climb the career ladder, you can add them to your short list.