INTP at Work

INTP at Work

Insightful and creative, INTPs enjoy work that allows them to analyse problems, design and create innovative solutions. They are at home in the world of the abstract and theoretical and are very comfortable with solving those problems on paper. They are not so keen on execution, which they find to be dull and uninspiring.

They are independent workers and want to work according to their schedule. They often find themselves struggling in traditional organisations that require them to organise, plan and work with deadlines.

They want to work with people whom they deem to be as intelligent as themselves, and they enjoy a good debate or intellectual challenge working with these people. These interactions engage the INTP and help them to grow. On the other hand, they may not enjoy working with people whom they deem to be less intelligent than them.

INTP at Work: INTP Careers Suggestions

Before you get to the top career suggestions, it must be stressed that all personality types exist in all occupations.

Due to other factors involved such as interests, geography, salary and working hours, most individuals do not end up in occupations that ideally fit their personality.

However, if you are in a job or career that is not suitable for personalities of your type:

  • You may have trouble communicating or agreeing with your co-workers.
  • You may find communication issues arising in your work.
  • What you deem to be important in a job may not be in sync with your colleagues; hence, the use of your personalities’ strengths during your work MAY NOT lead to promotion or reward.
  • Because you do not feel your work is valued, you may experience stress, dissatisfaction, burnout and lack of productivity.

HEALTHCARE AND SCIENCES

INTPs’ critical and objective analysis of health conditions will make them suitable for certain fields of healthcare. They may not enjoy listening and meeting patients’ needs as much, so being a family doctor or a nurse might be out of the question for them. However, they would enjoy applying their critical thinking to analyse a patient’s condition through data.

  • Neurologist
  • Veterinarian
  • Physicist
  • Plastic surgeon
  • Pharmaceutical researcher
  • Psychologist

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

INTPs have an innate gift to spot trends and see underlying macro-issues that are affecting the industry or the business environment. They are also able to spot flaws and loopholes in existing systems and come up with innovative and creative solutions. Some of the jobs that may attract them are:

  • Economist
  • Financial analyst
  • Entrepreneur
  • Venture capitalist
  • Business analyst
  • Lawyer

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The complex field of information technology will attract the INTP. This work allows them to work alone and conceptualise new software or IT system that is a notch up from current systems. The jobs that may attract them are:

  • Web developer
  • Computer software designer
  • Software developer
  • Computer security officer
  • Network integration specialist
  • Desktop publishing specialist

EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

INTPs have great intellectual curiosity and love research. They also love the independence that the world of academia offers. The higher level teaching of more complex and abstract subjects will engage and intrigue them. These could include becoming a:

  • Mathematician
  • Historian
  • Archaeologist
  • Researcher
  • Philosopher

INTP at Work: Ideal INTP Career Environments

Even though you’re in the right job, it is the culture of the organisation that will ultimately determine your job satisfaction.

There are work environments that will support your professional development, and there are those that stress you out.

When you are applying or considering a new job, consider looking for organisations that are known to have:

PIONEERING AND CUTTING EDGE

INTPs like organisations that value their insights and brilliance in their analysis. These are organisations that frequently require brainstorming, mutual creative exchange and problem-solving. Consider looking to consulting firms or applying for a strategic role. Usually, these jobs require some competency test as part of their interview.

VALUE INTELLIGENCE

INTPs like organisations that value their insights and brilliance in their analysis. These are organisations that frequently require brainstorming, mutual creative exchange and problem-solving. Consider looking to consulting firms or applying for a strategic role. Usually, these jobs require some competency test as part of their interview.

INDEPENDENT WORK

INTPs enjoy working alone as most of their productive work comes from being alone and focusing purely on their work. Work that allows them to be independent will be good for them as their productivity will be high. Look at the office space of the job you are applying for and favour those that have closed concept offices where everyone has their own private space.

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