ISTP at Work

ISTPs are skilled with their hands and desire to master techniques. This is why they usually prefer jobs that require the use of their hands and allow them freedom of expression through their work. In general, they prefer to work alone rather than deal with people. They often find the complexities of human behaviour to be too complicated and a hindrance to their work.

They strongly believe in the economy of effort, always wanting to find the most efficient and logical way to achieve their goals. They don't believe in abiding by rules, especially those that they deem to be inefficient. As such, they may have trouble working in traditional organisations that require them to abide by certain standard operating procedures.

ISTPs also do not enjoy planning or strategising. They are tactical; preferring to adapt and adjust as the situation presents itself. Because of this, they may get punished at the workplace for not preparing or planning enough at times.

ISTP at Work: ISTP 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.

SERVICE

ISTPs are great with the use of their hands and are very suited for careers in the service, especially those related to crisis management.

Their flexibility and adaptability will allow them to thrive in situations where quick thinking is needed. Some of the careers that would attract them are as follows:

• Army Officer
• Police Officer
• Weapons operator
• Road Marshall
• Firefighter
• Paramedic
• Intelligence Agent

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

ISTPs may also enjoy some careers in the technology industry which requires a lot of logical thinking applied to software, hardware and IT systems. These roles are usually independent which allows them to work alone in the course of their work and this will appeal to them. Some jobs they may like are:

• Electrical Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Aerospace Engineer
• Technical trainer
• Software developer
• Network integration specialist

GENERAL BUSINESS

ISTPs will thrive in the arena of business and finance, where a head for numbers, objective analysis and macro-environment awareness is required. They will enjoy the nature of their work which largely has to deal with numbers and logical thinking. These jobs may include:

• Securities analyst
• General manager
• Banker
• Economist
• Paralegal
• Management consultant

SPECIALIZED CRAFTS

ISTPs are adept at the use of their hands, and often they learn a craft or a skill very quickly by practice. They will be attracted to jobs that require them to be hands-on and work at making or repairing something. These jobs may include:

• Mechanic
• Racecar Driver
• Athlete
• Computer Repairman
• Farmer

ISTP at Work: Ideal ISTP 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:

EFFICIENT ORGANIZATIONS

ISTPs enjoy being part of organisations that are efficient and where their policies and procedures are well-thought out. They appreciate it when a standard operating procedure does not interfere with their productive and economical ways.

From an interview, it is hard to see if an organisation is efficient, but your best chance is in choosing an organisation with management related ISO certifications.

VALUE SKILLS AND CRAFT

ISTPs like organisations that value their skills and craft. These are organisations that hire employees to work with their hands, and they are rewarded accordingly to the level of skill.

Jobs that require field work, or technical skill like carpentry or repair work would be suitable for the ISTP but take note of and choose organisations that value and recognise your skill on of the job.

PROJECT ORIENTED

ISTPs prefer project-oriented work cultures, where the work environment and culture are ever changing based on the nature of the project being taken up; they are attracted to the flexible and constantly changing dynamics within the company.

An organisation that works with several different clients will likely have a project-oriented culture.

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