Ever wondered why some of your friends are natural-born leaders while some prefer to be followers?
That’s because of the different personalities among you and your peers. The Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBTI) is among the most popular psychological instruments used in the world. A tool developed by Isabel Myers and her mother Katherine Briggs, it helps in determining an individual’s personality type, preferences, strengths, weaknesses, and even good jobs that suit their personality.
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Knowing your personality type helps you to understand yourself and the people close to you better. It also helps you communicate with different types of people. As it can be difficult for a person to define the type of work and industry they want to explore, understanding your personality type pinpoints your strengths, weaknesses, and areas of interest which leads you to make better career decisions.
According to the Myers-Briggs Foundation, the MBTI instrument investigates a person’s preferences in several categories: Favourite World (Extraversion or Introversion), Information (Sensing or Intuition), Decisions (Thinking or Feeling), and Structure (Judging or Perceiving). Your preferences for these categories determine your personality type that is represented as a 4-letter code.
We have listed out all 16 personality types along with good jobs that may benefit you in the long run:
1) INTJ (Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, Judging)
INTJ is a thoughtful strategist who treasures details, creativity, and rationality when completing a task. They are rather private and enjoy picking up new knowledge through reading and self-learning.
Suggested Careers:
- Teacher
- Physical Therapist
- Marketing Manager
- Photographer
- Editor
2) INTP (Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, Prospecting)
INTP has a flexible and creative mind. Their distinctive approach to life constantly leads them to take the road less explored. They are usually insightful, intelligent, and unafraid of experimenting with something new.
Suggested Careers:
- Web Developer
- Writer
- Biomedical Engineer
- Composer
- Marketing Consultant
3) ENTJ (Extraversion, Intuition, Thinking, Judging)
Also known as the Commander, an ENTJ feels energized from accomplishments. They are charismatic, confident, and fearless when it comes to tackling a new idea. Also, ENTJs are natural-born leaders!
Suggested Careers:
- Judge
- Business Administrator
- Public Relations Specialist
- Mechanical Engineer
- Manager
4) ENTP (Extraversion, Intuition, Thinking, Prospecting)
ENTPs are creative thinkers with high mental agility. Don’t beat around the bush with ENTPs; they prefer to be straight-forward. ENTPs are also admired for their knowledge, confidence, and sense of humor, which often land them in good jobs that require quick wits.
Suggested Careers:
- Attorney
- Copywriter
- Creative Director
- Operations Specialist
- Financial Planner
5) INFJ (Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging)
INFJs are comfortable in their deep thoughts and imagination. They have strong personal values and have confidence in their vision. They speak with passion when defending for what they believe is right, but also have a calm and nurturing side.
Suggested Careers:
- Counsellor
- Teacher
- Artist
- Writer
- Interior Designer
6) INFP (Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Prospecting)
INFPs are also called Mediators. Although quiet, they are open-minded and imaginative people who deeply care for everything they do. They have a talent for communicating with insight and tend to look for good jobs that allow them to creatively express themselves.
Suggested Careers:
- Counsellor
- Writer
- Painter
- Photographer
- Physical Therapist
7) ENFJ (Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging)
They have an affinity to guide others with their strong values. As natural leaders, their passion and charisma inspire others greatly. ENFJs often take on good jobs that highlight their leadership, such as politicians, directors, and teachers.
Suggested Careers:
- HR Director
- Art Director
- Public Relations Manager
- Guidance Counsellor
- Sales Manager
8) ENFP (Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling, Prospecting)
ENFPs love big ideas that align with their own beliefs. Their energetic vibe charms the people around them and they are often seen as independent, compassionate, and energetic individuals.
Suggested Careers:
- News Anchor
- Musician
- Product Manager
- School Teacher
- Social Worker
9) ISTJ (Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)
ISTJs are careful with their actions. Their rational thinking makes them the level-headed person among their friends. They take pride in their work and will dedicate maximum amounts of effort to finish them with precision.
Suggested Careers:
- Dentist
- Supply Chain Manager
- Public Accountant
- Business Analyst
- Administration Jobs
10) ISFJ (Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)
Although ISFJs can be conservative at times, they are responsible and efficient when it comes to work. Be assured that their work will be done with minimal mistakes. They also have good people skills and are highly observant.
Suggested Careers:
- Photographer
- School Teacher
- Research Analyst
- Bank Teller
- Manager
11) ESTJ (Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)
An ESTJ believes in their own judgement. They are sensible and rational thinkers who go by the book. ESTJs are honest and hard working in their work and despise laziness and cheating.
Suggested Careers:
- Judge
- Coach
- Real Estate Agent
- Hotel Manager
- Financial Officer
12) ESFJ (Extraversion, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)
They are good mentors due to their attentiveness towards others. An ESFJ loves to offer help to others and will shine in a career that involves meaningful participation to guide and help people.
Suggested Careers:
- Psychologist
- Museum Curator
- Medical Researcher
- Technical Support Specialist
- Manager
13) ISTP (Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, Prospecting)
ISTPs do well on their own. Their individualistic mindset allows them to develop personal skills and thrive independently. Naturally good with their hands, ISTPs are good builders and makers who enjoy tinkering with items.
Suggested Careers:
- Engineer
- Forensic Scientist
- Inspector
- Construction Worker
- Technician
14) ISFP (Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, Prospecting)
Open-minded ISFPs enjoy being in the moment. They love picking up new experiences and pushing themselves to their limits. ISFPs are also charming communicators who love connecting with people around them.
Suggested Careers:
- Veterinarian
- Social Media Manager
- Social Worker
- Optician
- Occupational Therapist
15) ESTP (Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking, Prospecting)
Energetic and sociable, ESTPs often act first and think later. However, this trait allows them to discover great potential in and around them. They prefer to fix mistakes quickly rather than staying put when making decisions.
Suggested Careers:
- Paramedic
- Project Coordinator
- Firefighter
- Construction Manager
- Creative Director
16) ESFP (Extraversion, Sensing, Feeling, Prospecting)
ESFPs love exploring the unknown. New experiences and good jobs excite ESFPs and they are energetic and sociable when sharing their favourite activities with others. They are also sensitive to others’ feelings.
Suggested Careers:
- Tour Guide
- Flight Attendant
- Event Planner
- Sales Representative
- Entertainer
There you go! With this guide to help you through, we hope that you will figure out the best career pathway for yourself! Also, check out the programs offered by Malaysian universities here: https://www.eduloco.com/subject/.