Jobs for INTJs
Making up just 2% of the population, INTJs (the Introvert, iNtuitive, Thinking, and Judging Myers-Briggs type) are driven analytical thinkers who prefer to work independently to solve complex problems. INTJs tend to dislike being micro-managed and value rational decisions over emotional ones, making jobs working with numbers or abstract thought good fits.
Jobs requiring initiative, independence, and innovation are ideal options for INTJs. These rankings are determined by how important all three of those traits are to a job, based on ratings from occupational experts. Jobs that require extremely high amounts of social interaction were excluded. All data displayed on this page is from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Information Network and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. See our methodology.
Best Jobs for INTJs By Industry:
Best Business Jobs for INTJs
Business-oriented INTJs will find the four jobs on this list well-suited to their needs for independence, initiative, and innovation. These positions are all analytical in nature and require limited amounts of social interaction. Bachelor's degrees are required for the positions on this list and median annual salaries range from $62,000 to $81,000.
1. Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist
Market research analysts and marketing specialists engage in three main activities - organizing marketing campaigns, researching the sales potential of products and services, and determining market conditions. They may find employment as analysts, consultants or project and campaign managers. Their day-to-day responsibilities are research-heavy and include data collection and interpretation and compiling reports. Typically, they are self-motivated go-getters who have both the aptitude for managing their own time and projects and the ability to make or exceed deadlines. For this reason, INTJs make strong marketing candidates.
Most professionals in this field have a bachelor's degree in market research, statistics, math, or computer science. Those with master's degrees can expect to make more money than those without.
2. Logistics Analyst
Logistics analysts study all aspects of supply chain management in order to recommend changes that will minimize expense and improve delivery time. They may also manage supply routes. Common tasks include maintaining databases, analyzing data, preparing reports, invoicing and billing customers, tracking shipments and meeting with logistics management teams. Their job requires that they prioritize their time, work independently, take initiative to meet deadlines, and function well within high-stress environments. For this reason, INTJs who are interested in supply chain management might consider a career as a logistics analyst.
A bachelor’s degree in operations management or a related field is required to enter this field. In addition, several years of job experience in a field such as accounting will be necessary to gain employment as a logistics analyst.
3. Financial Analyst
Financial analysts provide investment advice to both individuals and businesses. Also known as securities analysts and investment analysts, these professionals recommend investment portfolios, study economic trends, analyze data, and assess the net worth of companies. Though they operate with oversight, they must be self-motivated and able to work independently. INTJs who are interested in finance and able to take initiative while working independently might consider a job in this field.
Financial analysts usually have a bachelor's degree in accounting, economics, finance, statistics, or mathematics. Licensing and certification are usually necessary, and may be recommended, or provided, by employers. Financial analysts usually begin with a specialization and progress to become portfolio or fund managers.
4. Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Regulatory affairs specialists work for businesses or organizations and handle their regulatory processes, such as license renewals, registrations, audits and inspections. Compliance is the key word in this profession, and compliance involves a lot of detailed work. Regulatory affairs specialists are responsible for reviewing regulatory submissions for project reports and for product-related technical materials, building and maintaining databases of regulatory documents, and ultimately for making sure that their employer complies with all necessary and pertinent rules and regulations.
Most regulatory affairs specialists have a bachelor's degree in a life sciences related field, and routinely take additional training classes in order to stay on top of emerging trends and technologies in their field. INTJs are strong candidates for this profession, as much of the work is individual.
Best Healthcare Jobs for INTJs
INTJs are not usually particularly good fits for most healthcare positions; however, those who don't mind settling for jobs that require less innovation will find that healthcare technician jobs match their personality well. Technicians usually work independently, with only the occasional check-in from a supervisor. These jobs have a median annual salary of around $35,000, with the exception of histotechnologists (#3) who make around $60,000 per year.
1. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician
Medical and clinical laboratory technicians take patient tissue samples and run tests on them to determine if they are diseased or infected. Technicians in this field use advanced machinery and technology, usually in lab settings, for sample collection and data analysis. They then log their findings in detail for the benefit of patients and physicians. Though the test results are important to doctors and physicians, there is little supervision in this position. For this reason, INTJs with a medical background who are able to work independently and take initiative are strong candidates.
Medical laboratory technologists typically have a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory technology. Technicians usually acquire a certificate or an associate degree in clinical laboratory science. Some technologists and technicians are also licensed, depending on the requirements of the state in which they work.
2. Dental Laboratory Technician
Dental laboratory technicians create and repair dental prostheses such as bridges, crowns, dentures and implants based on impressions of patients' teeth. Their job requires that they collaborate with dentists to design dental appliances for individual patients. They then use their artistry and knowledge of teeth and prostheses, along with CAD technologies, to build, shape, form, polish, adjust and repair customized finished products.
Most dental laboratory technicians learn their trade through on-the-job experience in small dental laboratory settings. There are also accredited dental lab technician associate degree programs available. INTJs interested in working in dentistry may find this position rewarding.
3. Histotechnologist and Histologic Technician
Histotechnologists and histologic technicians use their knowledge of the structure of cells and their development into tissues and organs to assist with the research and diagnosis of diseases. Histotechnologists do this by preparing tissue samples for analysis by pathologists. Working alone, they cut, stain, mount and imbed tissue samples for further microscopic study. INTJs interested in working in an innovative field doing independent work may be interested in pursuing a career as a histotechnologist or histologic technician.
Histotechnologists must obtain a bachelor's or master's degree in medical technology or life sciences. Histologic technicians usually complete a one-year program resulting in an associate degree. They are then required to pass national certification exams.
4. Medical Transcriptionist
Medical transcriptionists listen to voice dictations made by doctors and other health care professionals and reproduce them in written form. They also review written reports produced by speech recognition technology. Their regular tasks include listening to voice recordings and transcribing them into document form. Medical transcriptionists work independently, and must be detailed oriented because their work requires accuracy and consistency. These personality traits make a career as a medical transcriptionist a good professional fit for INTJs with a background in medicine.
Those hoping to enter this line of work usually prepare for this profession by completing a one year medical transcription certificate program or by obtaining an associate degree. Certification is important in this field and needs to be renewed every three years via training and continued education.
Best Law & Criminal Justice Jobs for INTJs
The four law and criminal justice jobs on this list make particularly strong career choices for INTJs because of the high levels of independence they require. Only high school diplomas are required for two of these jobs, intelligence analyst (#2) and private investigator (#3), making them more easily accessible career options for INTJs without a degree. INTJs interested in pursuing a J.D. degree may find working as a law clerk (#4) a rewarding career option as well.
1. Fish and Game Warden
Fish and game wardens are extensively trained law enforcement officers who work at the state or federal level to enforce laws regarding the conservation of wildlife. Also known as conservation officers, they work for various departments and agencies, patrolling areas under their jurisdiction, educating the public, assisting with wildlife management, and conducting search and rescue operations. Their job requires that they be in excellent physical shape, take the initiative to understand law enforcement procedures, and interact with the public. INTJs interested in working in law enforcement may find this position rewarding.
Training for this position is a comprehensive three stage process, and usually occurs after the hiring process. Basic academy training lasts up to eight months and involves law enforcement and first aid training. Field training can last up to a year and takes place at the game warden's assigned station. Specialized training follows and can include learning about K-9 units, equipment operation, boat operations and many other specialized areas.
2. Intelligence Analyst
Intelligence analysts are government employees who assess and mitigate threats from both foreign and domestic enemies. They do this by gathering data from online sources and by going out into the field to conduct research and surveillance on their target. They then compile the information they have gathered, make a decision concerning the threat level, and make a recommendation to their superiors based upon their findings. Success in this field requires individuals to be able to work independently and diligently. For this reason, INTJs interested in working in a government setting are strong candidates for this career.
Those interested in becoming intelligence analysts should first obtain a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social science, or social studies. They may then opt to get hands-on experience training with local law enforcement through an internship. Once they are hired, they will receive extensive additional training by the agency that hired them.
3. Private Detective and Investigator
Private detectives and investigators conduct research and surveillance in order to gather information about cases that they are hired to investigate. Their services include locating missing persons, doing background checks on individuals, and obtaining evidence of illegal activities. Depending on the case they are working on or the agency they work for, they may spend their time doing research in an office setting or conducting interviews and surveillance in the field.
Those interested in pursuing this line of work will need a high school diploma and several years of experience. Most states also require private detectives and investigators to be licensed. Much of detective and investigative work is conducted independently. The ability to take initiative while working independently makes INTJs strong candidates for private detectives and investigators.
4. Judicial Law Clerk
Judicial law clerks assist judges in the courtroom with research and legal documents. They are usually employed by state or local governments. Their daily routine consists of drafting or reviewing courtroom briefs, statements, decisions, complaints and petitions, usually during active court cases.
This position requires extensive education; one must first acquire a bachelor's degree in law, followed by a juris doctor in law. Then, individuals must pass the bar exam and gain one to two years of legal or courtroom experience. Many judicial law clerks are junior apprentice judges who go on to become judges. Success in the position requires an individual with ambition and initiative. As such, INTJs are strong candidates.
Best Science & Engineering Jobs for INTJs
Science and engineering is where most INTJs really shine, as these disciplines encourage independent research and innovative thinking. A wide range of opportunities await INTJs in this field, from astronomy to environmental economics. Whatever the subject, INTJs can be counted on to dig deep into research and analysis and return with innovative solutions to problems facing the discipline.
1. Astronomer
Astronomers study and theorize about space and the objects found within it, including planets, solar systems, stars, galaxies, and nebulae. Using telescopes, they analyze light and its qualities, and from their findings they formulate hypotheses about the mechanics of the universe. Astronomers usually specialize in specific areas, such as black holes or physics. Their daily activities commonly involve research and observation using telescopes, analyzing data, writing papers, and teaching. Most of the work in this field is innovative and requires individuals to have an ability to take initiative in research efforts. This makes INTJs interested in astronomy well suited for this career path.
Aspiring astronomers should begin preparing for this career early on in their educational careers by taking advanced math and science courses. They will need to obtain bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in astronomy and physics, and some positions will even require postdoctoral research and training.
2. Geographic Information Systems Technician
Geographic information systems (GIS) technicians model and manage GIS databases and interpret GIS data to find relationships between geographical elements. They also write programs that pull customized data from GIS systems. They find work in a wide range of industries and fields, such as cartography, mapping animal migrations, modeling land or water movements, developing traffic apps and GPS systems, or conducting demographic research. They regularly use or build GIS software, update and maintain databases, and analyze mapping and modeling data.
This is a computer-heavy profession and requires hard skills in computer science and programming. Those choosing to follow this career path should obtain a bachelor's or master's degree in geography, cartography or surveying, and get certified by the GIS Certification Institute. INTJs with the technical skills required may be interested in working in the innovative field of geographic information systems.
3. Environmental Economist
Environmental economists study the relationship between the economy and the environment, focusing on the acquisition and use of natural resources and the resulting byproducts and waste. Using sophisticated statistical and modeling programs, they analyze data to produce cost-benefit analysis figures and recommendations for policymakers. Depending on their specific role, they may perform a wide variety of duties including researching and analyzing data, providing reports and predictions, consulting with policymakers and business leaders, and assessing the economic value of resources and industrial processes.
To become an environmental economist, an advanced degree is required. INTJs with strong math and statistics skills who are hoping to work in a focused yet innovative environment may find a career as an environmental economist rewarding.
4. Bioinformatics Scientist
Bioinformatics scientists use computers to manage biological and genomic information. They play a crucial role in the biological sciences by managing extremely complex processes and datasets. In addition to analyzing molecular-level data such as genomic sequences, they design, build, update and modify software programs that they use to conduct their research. They need strong creative problem-solving skills in order to troubleshoot complications and correctly interpret results. Bioinformatics scientists spend most of their time peering through microscopes in laboratory environments, sitting at computers, or teaching in university settings, depending on their positions.
This cutting-edge field requires individuals who are willing to take initiative and put in hard work. For this reason, INTJs with a background in biology may be interested in a career as a bioinformatics scientist. To enter the field, one should obtain bachelor's and master's degrees in bioinformatics, biomathematics or computational biology. Advanced positions will also require a Ph.D.
Best Service & Trade Jobs for INTJs
INTJs who enjoy working in non-traditional settings such as homes or farms, or seek the opportunity to work with their hands, will find four strong career options on this list. None of these jobs require college degrees and the median annual salaries on this list range from $32,000 to $66,000.
1. Cook, Private Household
Private household cooks work as personal chefs, cooking meals in homes. Their duties include planning menus, ordering and purchasing food, preparing and cooking food, maintaining and cleaning kitchens, kitchenware and appliances, and tracking expenses. They must ensure that quality remains consistent and that their clients receive the meals they request.
INTJs enjoy working individually in environments that allow them to be innovative in their work. For that reason, a position as a private household cook is a good fit for INTJs interested in working in food preparation. This position requires several years of vocational training, followed by industry experience in the form of an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
2. Model Maker, Metal and Plastic
Metal and plastic model makers use industrial machines such as lathes, mills, engravers, and CNC machines to make functional models of full-sized objects. They must understand all aspects of design and construction, from discussing details with engineers and programming CAD and CAM software for part design, to programming CNC machines and manually grinding, fitting, shaping, aligning and reworking parts and pieces using tools of all types. They must also be able to incorporate electronics and electrical systems into their models as required. INTJs interested in working in engineering may find this position rewarding.
While a degree is not required for this profession, an associate degree in studio arts, 3D animation or mechanical engineering will enhance one's skillset. Model makers usually acquire their skills from real-world and job experience.
3. Farm and Ranch Manager
Farm and ranch managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of farms, ranches and other agricultural enterprises. Their duties may include hiring and training personnel, ensuring that planting and harvesting occur on time, planning and supervising irrigation and the use of pesticides, making sure that animals are bred and fed, and maintaining financial records. Manager positions require individuals to take initiative to delegate work and make sure all goals are met. For this reason, INTJs with a background in agriculture are a strong fit for this position.
An associate or bachelor's degree in agribusiness or farm management will provide an understanding of the business end of this profession, and on-the-job training will provide working knowledge.
4. Electrical and Electronics Repairer, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Electrical and electronics repairers are responsible for testing, diagnosing, inspecting, maintaining, installing, and fixing electrical systems on commercial and industrial machinery. They must have a working knowledge of both mechanical and electronic systems, and be able to problem solve on the go. Much of the work is done independently, and repairers must be able to do their jobs safely and efficiently without supervision. The ability to work independently makes a career as a repairer a good professional fit for INTJs interested in working with electrical systems.
About half of the people who work in this industry get trained at a technical college and obtain an associate degree or post-secondary certificate. Several years of on-the-job training and experience are also required.
References
- What do Anthropologists do? Discover Anthropology. Accessed February 15, 2015. http://www.discoveranthropology.org.uk/career-paths/what-do-anthropologists-do.html.
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed February 17, 2018. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes131161.htm.
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists. O*Net Online. Accessed February 17, 2018. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1161.00.
- Logistics Analysts. O*Net Online. Accessed February 17, 2018. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1081.02.
- How To Become A Logistics Analyst: Degree and education Requirements. OwlGuru.com. Accessed on February 17, 2018. http://www.owlguru.com/career/logistics-analysts/requirements/.
- Financial Analysts. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed February 17, 2018. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm.
- Regulatory Affairs Specialists. O*Net Online. Accessed February 18, 2018. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1041.07.
- How to get a job in regulatory affairs. Proclinical. Accessed February 18, 2018. https://blog.proclinical.com/how-to-get-a-job-in-regulatory-affairs.
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed February 18, 2018. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-and-clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm.
- Medical Laboratory Science/Technician. ExploreHealthCareers.org. Accessed February 18, 2018. https://explorehealthcareers.org/career/allied-health-professions/clinical-laboratory-scientist-technician/.
- What Is Histotechnology? National Society for Histotechnology. Accessed February 18, 2018. http://nsh.org/what-histotechnology.
- Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians. O*Net Online. Accessed February 18, 2018. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2011.03#Education
- A Day In the Life of Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians. Owlguru.com. Accessed February 18, 2018. http://www.owlguru.com/day-in-life-of-histotechnologists-and-histologic-technicians/.
- Medical Transcriptionists. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed February 19, 2018. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-transcriptionists.htm.
- Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance Technicians. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed February 19, 2018. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/dental-and-ophthalmic-laboratory-technicians-and-medical-appliance-technicians.htm.
- Dental Laboratory Technician. ExplorHealthCareers.org. Accessed February 19, 2018. https://explorehealthcareers.org/career/dentistry/dental-laboratory-technician/.
- How To Become A Wildlife Officer. GameWardenEDU.org Accessed February 19, 2018. https://www.gamewardenedu.org.
- What does an Intelligence Analyst do? Sokanu. Accessed February 19, 2018. https://www.sokanu.com/careers/intelligence-analyst/.
- Private Detectives and Investigators. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed February 19, 2018. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/private-detectives-and-investigators.htm.
- Judicial Law Clerks. O*NET Online. Accessed February 19, 2018. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-1012.00.
- Judicial Law Clerks. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed February 19, 2018. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes231012.htm.
- How To Become A Law Clerk: Step-By-Step Career Guide. Study.com. Accessed February 19, 2018. https://study.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Law_Clerk_Step-by-Step_Career_Guide.html
- How to become an Astronomer. Sokanu. Accessed February 19, 2018. https://www.sokanu.com/careers/astronomer/how-to-become/.
- Geographic Information Systems Technician. Science Buddies. Accessed February 20, 2018. https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-engineering-careers/engineering/geographic-information-systems-technician.
- What is a GIS Specialist? environmentalscience.org. Accessed February 20, 2018. https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/geographic-information-systems-specialist.
- What is an Environmental Economist? environmentalscience.org. Accessed February 20, 2018. https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/environmental-economist.
- What Do Environmental Economists Do: Job Description, Responsibilities and Duties. OwlGuru.com. Accessed February 20, 2018. http://www.owlguru.com/career/environmental-economists/job-description/.
- What does a Bioinformatics Scientist do? Sokanu. Accessed February 20, 2018. https://www.sokanu.com/careers/bioinformatics-scientist/.
- Become a Bioinformatics Scientist: Step-By-Step Career Guide. Study.com. Accessed February 20, 2018. https://study.com/articles/Become_a_Bioinformatics_Scientist_Step-by-Step_Career_Guide.html.
- Cooks, Private Household. O*NET Online. Accessed February 20, 2018. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/35-2013.00.
- Model Makers, Metal and Plastic. Career Zone California. Accessed February 20, 2018. https://www.cacareerzone.org/profile/51-4061.00.
- How to become a Model Maker. Sokanu. Accessed February 20, 2018. https://www.sokanu.com/careers/model-maker/how-to-become/.
- Farm and Ranch Managers. O*NET Online. Accessed February 20, 2018. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-9013.02.
- Farm Manager: Education Needed to Become a Farm or Ranch Manager. Study.com. Accessed February 20, 2018. https://study.com/articles/Farm_Manager_Education_Needed_to_Become_a_Farm_or_Ranch_Manager.html.
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment. O*NET Online. Accessed February 20, 2018. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-2094.00.
- How To Become An Electrical Repairer: Degree and Education Requirements. OwlGuru.com. Accessed February 20, 2018. http://www.owlguru.com/career/electrical-and-electronics-repairers-commercial-and-industrial-equipment/requirements/.