So, you are a keen thinker. You rely on your innate instincts to guide you, and it’s easy for you to discern situations and people objectively. You’re often bursting with ideas, and the universe is your playground where you can explore and set your mind free all day long. Then there’s a high chance you’re an INTP, and if you are, you might want to know where exactly you can find meaning in this crazy world.
INTPs can often struggle to find their calling, primarily in careers that would fulfill them and create their desired impact. That being said, there are plenty of jobs that can safely accommodate and, in fact, enhance those that identify with the INTP personality type. These allow great latitude in thinking, imagination, and thought, with immense leeway for growth.
Although it has become widely known that INTPs thrive in science-related careers, a key aspect of their makeup is non-conformity, and as such, their options are limitless. As long as they are given ample space to work and the liberty to employ unconventional methods in their tasks, they will likely pull off what others deem impossible.
So what exactly is an INTP?
According to the Myers-Briggs indicator, INTP (Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, and Perception) is a personality type among 16 personality types, which was developed based on Carl Jung’s theory of personality types. INTPs are quite rare, making up an average of three percent of the general population, and for this reason, they may come off as odd or difficult to understand when their distinctive traits are what make them prodigious. If you recognize a majority of these either in yourself or in someone else, then congratulations! You just met an INTP!
- Ideation: INTPs can churn out idea after idea relentlessly, and their minds are often a fascinating place full of thoughts and theories that come together constantly to formulate compelling concepts.
- Inventive: INTPs are human vaults for ideas. If they choose to commit to and follow through on these ideas to completion, an invention comes almost like second nature to them.
- Straightforward: A key indicator of an INTP is their ability to be blunt and concise, regardless of the situation. This can often be misconstrued as unfeeling, but they desire to offer input in the most rational manner.
- Logical: INTPs rely on facts rather than feelings to make decisions and to validate their reasoning. They appreciate intellect over emotion when it comes to forging the way forward. In other words, they lead with their heads, not their hearts.
- Original: In a world where norms and rules can every so often feel suffocating and restrictive, INTPs rise above these, usually able to free themselves from the concerns that come with yielding to needless societal standards.
- Unyielding: Once an INTP feels confident in their arrival at a conclusion, opinion, or theory, it can be tough to open them up to think differently. It can be a gift and a curse; however, it is quite exceptional as a gift.
- Freethinkers: INTPs can be as open-minded as open-minded can be, provided that logical reasoning is applied, and they are known to think expansively and sometimes obsessively. They find comfort in the deep recesses of their mind and typically choose to look inward for guidance as opposed to external members.
- Independent: INTPs search for independence in all dimensions of their existence, and in their element, they chart their own path rather than lean on others or submit to any form of control. Their self-belief boosts them in this regard, and even in their lonesome, they are confident in the paths they choose.
- Flexibility: Although INTPs are known to be staunch in their beliefs, they actually enjoy a higher level of flexibility when talking about workplace structure and are more productive when given more elbow room to move about, without micromanagement or over-the-shoulder supervision.
INTPs can further be divided into those that tend to be assertive (INTP-A) and more turbulent (INFP-T). The major differences between the two are the likelihood of turbulent INTPs to be even more open to change and the tendency of assertive INTPs to be more consistent with their endeavors, attributing to a greater degree of profound self-confidence.
What exactly am I looking for in a career as an INTP?
Above everything, you must find actual meaning in whatever you decide to do because it will probably be your stimulus when you lack motivation. That sounds ominous, but if you keenly listen to your inner intuitive voice, it will guide you to that realization of whether or not pursuing a certain career gives you contentment in this dimension.
It’s also cardinal that you look for careers and consequently work cultures that encourage unconventional thinking and veer from the beaten path. Traditional work systems may frustrate you, so consider organizations that foster freer atmospheres and inspire innovation. Aspire to find jobs that allow you the independence of thought and expand your scope of the same, as this will make you a better problem solver.
It might also be beneficial to look for careers that can challenge you because this could nurture personal growth. Perhaps a job that can draw you out of your shell every once in a while. You are content with your own company, but every once in a while, try the company of others. It may not be as grueling as you may have thought, and it might help you see things differently. You may not see it immediately, but these interactions could help you greatly improve yourself in the process.
Now that I know what to look for, what are my career options?
INTPs can thrive in multiple professions spanning multiple industries. Their creativity and uniqueness make them assets to the workforce, and with proper handling, they can establish themselves as strong team members and similarly strong leaders.
- Engineer: Engineers are problem solvers and provide technical solutions supported by scientific methods and theories that are generally rooted in science. This agrees with the INTP, which favors the use of facts to conclude. The breakdown of problems to provide an adequate solution is also a plus for this detail-oriented group, and they are likely to find this process pleasant. Engineering brings out the INTP’s creative side when seeking solutions, and their confidence once they select an idea pushes them to the actual development of the said idea. Generally, the impact of this profession can be massive, which attracts a lot of INTPs to it, seeing that meaning equates to satisfaction for them.
- Researcher: INTPs fundamentally need to know how things work and why things are the way they are. Research can therefore provide a means to indulge their curiosity while expanding their modes of thinking. Gaining knowledge through research, the universe, and all the possibilities in it can be opened up to them as they seek answers to the scores of questions they would like answers to.
- Architect: Architecture is a field that commonly merges art and creativity with technical aspects. Architects are often asked to design beautiful but unique structures that catch the eye and set them apart from the classic concrete box. Granted, these structures have to be feasible, and even before they partner with their engineering colleagues, they must consider certain structural aspects. For an INTP, the ability to explore their artistic side while ensuring that the ideas they brainstorm remain supported by certain facts is close to perfect.
- Urban Planner: The word planner may cause an aversion to this career path because of the implication of stringent procedures. However, an INTP could bring needed alternatives to determine land use for the most effective and economical layouts. Urban planning, when done right, can be very beneficial to the affected communities, with their spaces being planned effectively to yield maximum productivity.
- Artist: Although INTPs popularly navigate toward science-related careers, they should not be discounted from contributing to the arts. Sometimes they may struggle with expression, which is commonly the foundation for artistry, but they can produce distinct, singular art forms once they overcome this hurdle. Whether it’s the performing arts (such as music), visual arts (such as paintings), the graphic arts, the decorative arts, or literature, their works will usually be described as different from whatever is regarded as normal. For most, abstractness will be a common theme, leaving interpretation up to those that interact with their art.
- Inventor: Depending on their commitment to their ideas, INTPs can become the highly successful inventors of their era. This is supported by their ingenious and radical thinking, their love for the sciences, as well as their ‘what-if’ attitude. If developed, their inventions could revolutionize the industries in which they work, contributing enormously to the advancement of their various fields.
- Software Developer/ Programmer: Technology can provide a happy home for an INTP. Developing new software programs that can transform the way we live and interact, exploring the possibilities of what can be achieved using technology can prove alluring to this select group of people. Software development can consequently come as an obvious choice for INTPs, and at their best, they can be at the forefront of developing software for technology that advances the world as we know it.
- Financial Analyst: Given their reliance on fact and their analytical nature, financial analysis boasts several pros for INTPs. Financial analysts can identify the patterns in market trends using analytical models and give relevant guidance on making well-informed decisions regarding money for greater profit margins, proper risk assessment, and well-researched investments.
- Lawyer: Objectivity and freedom from bias, as well as proper analysis of facts and circumstances, are key elements that make up a good lawyer, and it goes without saying that these come easy to the INTP. They can form competent lawyers in all fields of law and have been known to thrive in the field of criminal law particularly.
- Mathematician: Mathematics often gets a bad rap for being boring or repetitive, yet it is appropriately paced for a personality type that prefers to invoke intellect. Moreover, mathematics provides a pathway for discoveries by giving a firm base on which theories can be expounded on or validated and gives confidence for even more exploration. It has the potential to offer a unique, sustainable kind of exhilaration for enthusiastic, truth-driven INTPs.
- Statistician: As with mathematicians, statisticians employ analytical and interpretive methods to present it in a digestible manner. Statistics are fundamental to problem-solving, regardless of the category of problem, and give the proof of data required to justify and select one solution over the other. INTPs as statisticians can enjoy working as lone units or as part of multifaceted teams toward solving complex multidimensional problems.
- Economist: Economics can be debatable among INTPs because it is regarded as a social science that requires analysis of and interaction social behavior, which opposes their introversion and tendency to find answers within themselves. However, when we consider their affinity for perception and the fact that economics relies on computational and analytical models to determine resource allocation, economics holds its own as a contender for INTPs. Economists can determine indicators of economic growth or lack of for an individual, community, or whole countries and are usually consulted on the formulation of policy in this field for maximum efficiency.
- Astronomer: This neatly fits into one of the most prevalent definitions of an INTP that feeds into their desire to conquer the universe. They are awed by the world we live in and what lies beyond it, and the idea that studying the components of the universe can be somewhat infinite, though seemingly hopeless for some, can be extremely thrilling for INTPs.
- Archaeologist: Archaeology is built on two pillars, exploration and discovery. Although it looks into the past, and INTPs are ordinarily future-focused, the conversation that it is often difficult to see the future without looking into the past can be a strong argument for a potential INTP archaeologist. Traveling the world in search of relics and artifacts that can tell us who we were then and how we got to who we are now? That’s prime INTP material.
- Political Scientist: Political science is simply the study of politics, and political scientists perform research and compile data that reveal power shifts as it pertains to decision making, governance, as well as public policies that arise from politics. It aims to explain why political trends happen and analyze the current state of particular political structures to identify the gaps between reality and ideality. In other cases, political scientists make recommendations on bridging these gaps and can be a big part of necessary change in this field. The possibility of impact and the constant interaction with datasets and analytical tools make it a viable option for INTPs.
- Environmental Scientist: This is particularly relevant in the times we live in. Climate change is the center of focus for many countries that have realized that they need to reduce their carbon emissions and shift towards sustainable development and green economies. There arises, therefore, a need for professions that can solely focus on studying the environment, on giving answers of how we can reverse the effects of climate change and how quickly we can do so. With a severe and apparent environmental degradation, environmental science can give INTPs the techniques to study the problem, break it down, and develop a solution or multiple solutions to combat it depending on the geographical area they serve. If successful, INTPs can become incredibly valuable in the conservation and rejuvenation of the environment, and few would understand the urgency of this field as much they would.
- Game Developer: This may seem a little farfetched, but think about it. As an INTP, you exhibit both creative and technical traits, which is quite literally up to your ally. Game developers are required to come up with ‘never before seen’ qualities that would stand out in a rapidly expanding market. They also need the technical skills actually to turn an idea into a functional game. This career choice comes with its share of the usual problem-solving and fun times that the INTP can happily reminisce about.
What’s it like to work as an INTP?
If you’re an INTP, you may be curious about what part you play in the workspace you find yourself in and whether you morph depending on your level of rank. Well, you’re extremely innovative, and you revel in the abstract, so you will probably lean towards departments that are specifically put together to solve problems. You can be quite unorthodox, so you might need to do a little convincing to make your colleagues see your point of view, and specifically for INTP-Ts, they can get discouraged when they don’t. Don’t worry though, if you implement your analytical skills to identify the best possible solution and commit to it, your results will speak for themselves, and you won’t have to talk as much (you probably don’t want to anyway).
It can be a little difficult for you to connect with others and form strong relationships with your colleagues, sometimes because you struggle to express yourself, and sometimes because you don’t see the point. Just remember we exist as an interrelated ecosystem, and we can accomplish more together rather than apart. That said, you don’t have to be the life of the party. Even a few simple relationships would do, with a few people you can identify as having a couple of traits similar to yours or who you feel understand you in a way that brings you comfort.
Soon, you’ll get that promotion, and you’ll be required to be a leader in addition to all the other roles you play. You could also decide to go off on a tangent and become your own boss. Either way, now you’re in charge. Forget those feelings of doubt. You’re actually great as a leader, because unlike most, you’re willing to give your team the latitude to do their work, and you raise morale by giving them the confidence to think independently. You are lovely to the group of upcoming fresh thinkers looking for someone who can give them appropriate guidance while concurrently allowing them to broaden their modes of thinking. You encourage your members to say their piece without fear of ostracization, and while others may want them to tone it down, you support their authenticity. Owing to your objectivity, those that report to you are focused on producing actual results, rather than exhausting themselves trying to please you, since they are assured that you are bias-free.
Remember not to get so lost in yourself that you forget that the contributions of those you work with are also relevant and deserve due attention. Likewise, particularly when in a position to lead, take time to come out of yourself and check on your teammates or team members, even if, for a moment, it can make a world of difference. Don’t worry about losing your individuality. You are a master of authenticity, and when you find the right team, you will realize that you can be who you are and retain your independence while still being part of something bigger than yourself.
To my dearest INTP,
Because you are so rare, you may often feel and truly be misunderstood, and in a sea of faces, you may feel misplaced. You could be wondering why you are the way you are and whether you would be better off than everyone else. The answer is no. You have a lot to bring to the table, and it won’t do if you hesitate to realize the full extent of the power of your personality. Hopefully, this article has given you a better understanding of self and a few ideas (not that you can’t come up with your own, of course) on some of the top contenders that would love to have you in their workforce, for the life you genuinely strive to live.
You might enjoy https://www.16personalities.com
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