Jobs for ISTPs
ISTPs (the Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Perceiving Myers-Briggs type) enjoy hands-on projects and thrive when they have their own space to explore ideas. ISTPs can often be found in engineering roles, and their ability to function well in high stress environments lends itself to law enforcement positions as well.
Jobs requiring flexibility, independence, and stress tolerance are the best jobs for ISTPs. These rankings are determined by how important all three of those aspects are to a job, based on ratings from occupational experts. Jobs that require extremely low amounts of social interaction have been removed. 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 ISTPs By Industry:
Best Business Jobs for ISTPs
There are the top four jobs for ISTPs interested in a career in business. All four professions require at least a bachelor's degree, and allow individuals a high level of flexibility and independence. The median salaries for these jobs are high, with a range from $81,760 to $181,210.
1. Chief Executive
CEOs, or chief executive officers, are responsible for the overall success of companies. They ensure operational activities run smoothly, and they are in charge of supervising managers and employees. CEOs have the freedom to choose their own schedules, but they must also be flexible. They spend their days responding to emails, preparing for presentations, and leading meetings. They work closely with other managers and employees to achieve company goals.
ISTPs make good CEOs due to their flexibility and their ability to handle stressful situations. CEOs typically need a bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, economics, or similar field. A master’s in business administration (MBA) is preferred. Previous work experience in a managerial role is desired.
2. Sales Manager
Sales managers oversee the distribution of goods and services. They set sales goals and recruit and train employees achieve those goals. A sales manager's daily duties include observing customers and their buying preferences, responding to customer complaints and concerns, and developing ways to attract new customers and build customer loyalty.
ISTPs succeed as sales managers because they know how to work independently and prioritize tasks. ISTPs are also adept at managing stressful situations and communicating with others. A bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field and experience working as a sales representative are required for this role.
3. Financial Analyst
Financial analysts look for investment opportunities and guide businesses and individuals about investment decisions. Their work includes studying business and economic trends, attending meetings with company management, and preparing written reports about a company's current financial situation.
ISTPs in this role are able to use their analytical skills and work with others toward a common financial goal. They are flexible and adapt well to changing environments, which is essential as a financial analyst. Becoming a financial analyst requires at least a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a similar field. Some companies may require a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification.
4. Loss Prevention Managers
Loss prevention managers oversee the safety of various industries, including retail, hospitality and gaming facilities. They are responsible for creating and implementing ways to prevent theft and maintain a safe environment for guests and employees. They may also ensure that people follow proper safety procedures in the event of an emergency. On a typical workday, they communicate with difficult customers and help lost children.
ISTPs make excellent loss prevention managers due to their ability to remain calm during stressful situations. They also work well independently, which is helpful in this career. A minimum of a high school diploma or GED is required to become a loss prevention manager, although a higher degree and work experience in security are recommended.
Best Healthcare Jobs for ISTPs
ISTP personality types work well in high-stress work environments, and as such are valuable candidates for healthcare positions. These four positions allow individuals to work independently and flexibly. A career as a phlebotomist is a strong choice for ISTPs who want to work in healthcare but do not have a degree.
1. Urologist
Urologists are medical professionals who specialize in the health of the urinary system. They diagnose and treat conditions related to the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive tract. Their typical duties include meeting with patients who have urinary tract concerns or male patients who have reproductive concerns. They also sometimes perform surgery.
ISTPs do well as urologists because they have good judgment when diagnosing and treating patients and they are able to stay calm during stressful situations. Becoming a urologist requires four years of undergraduate studies, four years of medical school, and the completion of a residency at a hospital after medical school. Some urologists choose to do additional fellowships to gain more skills in their chosen specialty.
2. Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists are responsible for drawing blood for blood donations, transfusions, and other forms of medical testing. On an average workday, phlebotomists draw blood from patients and blood donors, offer emotional support to ease patients’ concerns about having blood drawn, follow proper sanitary procedures to prevent infections, and label samples for testing or processing.
ISTPs do well in this field because they need minimal supervision and can exercise independent judgment. Drawing blood can be stressful, but ISTPs have no problem staying calm. Phlebotomists can become certified after completing phlebotomy programs offered through community colleges, vocational schools, or technical schools. These programs usually take less than one year to complete.
3. Pathologist
Pathologists are specialized physicians who examine and test bodily fluids and tissues to diagnose diseases and help make decisions regarding treatment. They spend many hours every day analyzing data and interpreting test results.
ISTPs make good pathologists due to their ability to solve problems independently. The field of pathology can be stressful, but ISTPs can handle high amounts of stress with ease. Aspiring pathologists need a bachelor's degree and four years of medical school. After graduating from medical school, they need to complete a residency program in pathology.
4. Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers work under the direction of a licensed physician or other healthcare provider to develop treatment options for injured athletes. They are responsible for preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries or illnesses that result from or prevent athletic activity. Their typical duties include providing first aid on the field, recognizing when injuries occur, and developing therapy or rehabilitation programs for injured athletes.
ISTPs do well in this role because of their ability to handle stressful situations in a calm manner and make independent decisions. Athletic trainers need at least a bachelor’s degree and may be required to be certified or licensed by the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC).
Best Law & Criminal Justice Jobs for ISTPs
These four positions are strong choices for ISTPs because they allow individuals to work independently in a flexible environment. These positions also require individuals to be quick on their feet, and ISTPs are able to keep calm and problem solve in high stress situations. Three of these top positions do not require individuals to have a bachelor's degree, as either a high school diploma or certificate will suffice.
1. Fish and Game Warden
Fish and game wardens enforce hunting, fishing, trapping, and boating laws. Their main goal is to protect wildlife. On an average day, they are responsible for patrolling assigned fishing and hunting areas, investigating complaints, and issuing hunting licenses.
ISTPs do well as fish and game wardens because they are flexible. This role requires them to be comfortable spending time outdoors in any weather condition. They must also must be able to deal with stressful and potentially dangerous situations. This ability comes naturally to ISTPs. In most states, the minimum educational requirement for fish and game warden positions is an associate's degree with additional training or relevant internships.
2. Court Reporter
Court reporters create accurate transcripts of anything said during speeches, conversations, and meetings. They play a critical role in legal proceedings because they produce word-for-word transcripts of courtroom proceedings, witness testimonies, and depositions. Their duties include capturing dialogue with stenography machines and video and audio recording equipment, recording specific gestures and actions made by speakers, and repeating a portion of the proceedings if requested by the judge.
ISTPs do well in this role due to their flexibility and attention to detail, as well as their ability to keep up with a high-stress, fast-paced environment. Court reporters have at least an associate's degree or certificate in court reporting.
3. Transit and Railroad Police
Transit and railroad police officers are employed by railroad, bus or other transit companies. They are responsible for passenger safety. They lead the investigations of crimes committed against transit companies or by or against passengers. On a typical workday, transit police officers may deal with crimes such as trespassing, assault, or unpaid fare.
ISTPs enjoy variety and independence in the workplace. They also know how to prioritize tasks and work well in times of stress. This makes a career as a transit and railroad police officer ideal for an ISTP. A high school diploma or equivalent along with additional training in first aid, defensive tactics, and firearms are required for this career.
4. Fire Investigator
Fire investigators are trained firefighters who examine fire scenes after they have been extinguished to determine the cause and origin of a fire. To do this, they may interview witnesses and gather physical evidence.
ISTPs in this role enjoy being able to solve problems independently and using their analytical skills in a high-stress environment. Fire investigators must have firefighting experience and at least an associate's degrees in fire science technology. They may choose to receive additional training from the National Fire Academy and the International Association of Arson Investigators.
Best Science & Engineering Jobs for ISTPs
ISTP personality types usually gravitate toward science and engineering jobs. These four positions all allow individuals to have their own space and independence at work. For ISTPs interested in working with computers and innovative new technology, a career as a computer and information research scientist (#1) is a strong option.
1. Computer and Information Research Scientist
Computer and information research scientists are in charge of inventing and designing new approaches to computing technology. They study ways to use and improve technology in business, science, medicine, and other fields. Their typical duties include inventing ways to improve the usage of technologies and developing or updating software systems.
ISTPs are naturally curious and are always looking for ways to solve problems.They would do well in the computer science field due to their ability to adapt to new situations and their ability to thrive in situations that other people may deem stressful. Becoming a computer and information research scientist requires at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. A master’s degree is recommended.
2. Forensic Science Technician
Forensic science technicians are responsible for collecting and analyzing scientific evidence found at crime scenes to help identify links between suspects and victims. Their typical duties include taking photographs at the crime scene, collecting evidence, recording findings, and performing tests. The goal of their work is to help other criminal investigators identify perpetrators of crimes.
ISTPs do well as forensic science technicians because they enjoy solving problems, handle stress well, and are flexible enough to explore different scenarios. Forensic science technicians must have a bachelor’s degree in a natural science or in forensic science. If they desire to be criminal investigators, they may be required to complete police training.
3. Architectural and Engineering Manager
Architectural and engineering managers oversee activities related to building or production at construction or manufacturing sites. Their responsibilities include supervising staff, checking the quality of technical work, determining equipment and training needs, and creating new designs for products. They often communicate with contractors, suppliers, and other managers to ensure projects are going as planned.
ISTPs succeed in this role due to their flexibility and willingness to work on complicated projects. ISTPs also love solving problems in creative ways, making them ideal candidates for the engineering field. Architectural and engineering managers must have a bachelor’s degree in an engineering specialty or a master’s degree in architecture, along with relevant work experience.
4. Wind Energy Engineer
Wind energy engineers are scientists who design wind farms and test wind farm equipment. On an average workday, they analyze how new designs work and document test results. Some engineers oversee the manufacturing of equipment components, such as rotor blades and turbines.
ISTPs do well as wind energy engineers because they enjoy knowing how things work and combining their creativity with their independence to solve problems. Wind energy engineers must have a bachelor's degree in energy engineering, mechanical engineering, or a relevant field. Some employers may require a master's degree. Additionally, they are expected to have many years of work experience to become successful wind energy engineers.
References
- “Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2016 11-1011 Chief Executives.” Bureau of Labor Statistics, March 2017. www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes111011.htm. Accessed 16 Feb. 2018.
- Sujan Patel. “Daily Routines of Fortune 500 Leaders (And What You Can Learn From Them).” Zirtual, August 2016. https://blog.zirtual.com/how-fortune-500-leaders-schedule-their-days. 16 Feb. 2018.
- “Sales Managers.” Bureau of Labor Statistics, January 2018. www.bls.gov/ooh/management/sales-managers.htm. Accessed 27 Feb. 2018.
- "Financial Analysts." Bureau of Labor Statistics, February 2018. www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm. Accessed 27 Feb. 2018.
- "Loss Prevention Manager: Job Description and Requirements." Study. www.study.com/articles/Loss_Prevention_Manager_Job_Description_and_Requirements.html. Accessed 27 Feb. 2018.
- “Transit Police Officer: Career Info & Requirements.” Study. www.study.com/articles/Transit_Police_Officer_Career_Information_and_Requirements_for_Becoming_a_Transit_Police_Officer.html. Accessed 27 Feb. 2018.
- "What is a Urologist?" Healthline. www.healthline.com/health/what-is-a-urologist#education. Accessed 28 Feb. 2018.
- "How to Become a Wind Energy Engineer." Environmental Science. www.environmentalscience.org/career/wind-energy-engineer. Accessed 28 Feb. 2018.
- "Architectural and Engineering Managers." Bureau of Labor Statistics, January 2018. www.bls.gov/ooh/management/architectural-and-engineering-managers.htm. Accessed 28 Feb. 2018.
- "Forensic Science Technicians." Bureau of Labor Statistics, October 2017. www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/forensic-science-technicians.htm. Accessed 28 Feb. 2018.
- "Phlebotomists." Bureau of Labor Statistics, January 2018. www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm. Accessed 28 Feb. 2018.
- "Athletic Trainers." Bureau of Labor Statistics, January 2018. www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/athletic-trainers.htm. Accessed 28 Feb. 2018.
- "Be a Fish and Game Warden." Study. www.study.com/be_a_fish_and_game_warden.html. Accessed 28 Feb. 2018.
- "Court Reporters." Bureau of Labor Statistics, January 2018. www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/court-reporters.htm. Accessed 28 Feb. 2018.
- "Fire Investigator: Requirements for a Career in Fire Investigating." Study. www.study.com/articles/Fire_Investigator_Requirements_for_a_Career_in_Fire_Investigating.html. Accessed 28 Feb. 2018.
- "Computer and Information Research Scientists." Bureau of Labor Statistics, October 2017. www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm. Accessed 28 Feb. 2018.