20 Best INTP Career Matches | Jobs for INTP Personalities

Only about 3% of people in the United States have an INTP personality. As a person with an INTP personality, you must be very curious to know what your INTP career matches. INTPs design innovative ideas and systems.

Theory and abstract ideas fascinate INTPs, preferring theoretical rather than practical applications. They focus on the future and value truth, knowledge, and competence.

INTPs typically prefer working in technical fields that allow them to apply logic to theories to find solutions and develop innovative approaches and systems. They like professionalism in a work environment that promotes independence, creativity, and improvisation…

Are you an INTP and wondering what the best INTP career matches for you are?

This article will review the characteristics and preferences defining INTP personalities. What are your strong points and weak points? Adding to that, where do you stand the best chance of succeeding?

Continue reading to learn the best INTP career matches for you. 

What Does INTP Mean?

INTP is one of the 16 four-letter personality types identified by the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

The MBTI was developed partly due to WWII by the mother-daughter team of Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers. It was published around 1944 and is heavily influenced by Carl G Jung’s work.

INTP is an acronym for Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, and Perceiving. They form the “Logician” persona as a whole. These descriptors aren’t always as apparent as sound, so dissect them.

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Introversion

Being introverted does not imply that you dislike being around people (though it can be the case). It’s more about how you recharge your mental batteries or what gives you energy daily.

If you’re an introvert, this may apply to you: “I like getting my energy from dealing with the ideas, pictures, memories, and reactions inside my head, in my inner world.”

While these individuals may not mind or enjoy working as part of a team, they prefer to be alone. They may discover that being around other people is exhausting, whereas having time to themselves is rejuvenating.

Furthermore, introverts tend to have a small and close-knit group of close friends rather than a large social circle.

Intuition

Intuition is a little more challenging to define. This becomes clearer when contrasted with its polar opposite: Sensing.

Sensing people are more focused on the immediate reality of things, the look, feel, and even scent of the world around them. They are more likely to learn through experience, visuals, and hands-on activities.

Intuition, however, refers to those who can read between the lines. They are more concerned with the pattern, meaning, or abstraction that emerges from the sensory information around them.

People described as intuitive can learn by reading a textbook and work better with metaphors. To put it simply, they consider the big picture.

Thinking

If you fall into the Thinking category, you value or use logic over emotion. This is why INTPs are also referred to as “logicians.”

A thinking person considers the pros and cons before selecting the most logical solution.

This isn’t necessarily a Spock-like decision devoid of emotion. Straight facts, on the other hand, are the primary factors used by INTPs. Their emotions, as well as the emotions of others, are the only factor to consider.

Perceiving

If you’re an INTP, you’ll likely focus on the big picture while overlooking the small details. You are interested in theories and abstract ideas and enjoy analyzing complex problems (especially if you are interested in them).

Overthinking is a common occurrence. If you’re doing something you don’t enjoy or if there’s something else you’d rather be working on, you might find it difficult to concentrate.

Perceiving is a little trickier to define. This category primarily concerns how others perceive you and how you interact with the outside world. People are perceived to be more adaptable and willing to go with the flow.

They are frequently less organized, if not wholly disorganized. Their creativity comes in spurts, and they are frequently (if not always) pressed for time.

INTP personalities are creative and logical, even if they can sometimes get lost in their world. INTPs are often compared to slow professors. At that point, the image of Albert Einstein comes to mind. INTP was the personality type of the theoretical physicist from Germany.

What is the INTP like at Work?

An INTP’s creativity and foresight can make them valuable assets in the workplace. Although not suited to the monotonous or menial tasks found in most jobs, if an INTP is allowed to work on a specific project or problem, they will enjoy the challenge of determining the best approach to the task at hand.

There is no problem too complex for an INTP to solve. If they are not tasked with putting their ideas into action, they can use their creativity and innovative thinking to find solutions.

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What are INTP Strengths in the Workplace?

INTPs possess a variety of advantageous characteristics, including the following:

  • It sees the big picture and is logical. You can see a whole machine by looking at many working pieces. You can also use straight logic to solve problems.
  • Analytical and forthright. You can investigate concepts, products, and even beliefs. You can produce a straightforward and unbiased analysis, whether the outcome is positive or negative.
  • Open-mindedness and creativity. You get excited about new ideas almost as much as you do about coming up with them.
  • Passionate and awestruck. You’re eager to learn new things or achieve results, and you’re willing to devote much time to your pursuit.

What are INTP Weaknesses in the Workplace?

An INTP personality has the same number of flaws as an ENTP, at least in a traditional setting:

  • Difficulty concentrating and sticking to a single idea. You frequently find yourself jumping from one idea to the next. That could be because you follow your inspiration rather than focusing on a single idea. As a result, you find yourself with more ideas than you can handle.
  • Criticism, insensitivity, and condescension. You risk missing the emotion by focusing solely on the facts. Before considering the emotional impact, you frequently deliver criticism because it makes sense. This criticism is often complex or lofty and comes across as condescending, whether intentional or not.
  • Doubtful and unconventional. You are prone to breaking the rules in the name of creativity, but you tend to doubt the final products and frequently revise work.
  • Inconsistency and disarray You work better in bursts and when inspiration strikes, which often puts you at risk of chronic disorganization.

20 Best INTP Career Matches

As an INTP, you will likely be an innovator, self-starter, and rule-breaker. The top 20 INTP career matches are as follows:

#1. Software Developer

The term “software engineer” refers to anyone who creates software programs and is frequently used interchangeably with “software developer” (though they are different). This title can refer to a variety of positions with varying responsibilities.

Getting to plan, design, code, and debug software, on the other hand, can be very appealing. Software engineers earn an additional $90,000 per year as a bonus.

#2. Data Analyst/Data Scientist

If you enjoy science, analytics, and numbers in general, a career in data science analytics may be for you. These professionals require more education, but they can create their algorithms rather than rely on pre-existing ones. Data scientists earn well over six figures on average. It is one of the best INTP career matches.

#3. Designer of Video Games

This is a difficult-to-obtain but highly desired position, but it is also ideal for many INTP personalities. You could design in broad strokes, creating systems and gameplay mechanics.

Other professionals (including yourself) are responsible for implementing your design. On average, however, they earn slightly less than $60,000. It is one of the best INTP career matches.

#4. Aerospace Engineer

Designing things that fly, sometimes into orbit, is an exciting field. This is a field that necessitates strong design skills as well as a thorough understanding of physics and its practical applications. Those who enjoy innovative and technical design will enjoy this. Aerospace engineers make around $80,000 per year. It is one of the best INTP career matches.

#5. Forensic Scientist

Forensic science might be for you if you have the stomach for seeing unpleasant things. You’ll assist in investigating crimes from the safety of a lab or a crime scene.

It’s like putting together a puzzle, except the puzzle pieces are made of blood. On average, forensic scientists earn around $60k per year. It is one of the best INTP career matches.

#6. Architect

If you’ve never considered becoming an architect, you’re probably at the tail end of a bell curve. It’s right up the INTP’s alley to create something artistically beautiful and structurally functional. You can create incredible designs without ever having to build them yourself. Architects earn around $70,000 per year. It is one of the best INTP career matches.

#7. Journalist

Consider a career in journalism if you enjoy talking to people (yes, some of us do). Many people with an INTP personality enjoy writing. They enjoy getting to the bottom of a story or discovering an intriguing lead. Journalists typically earn around $40,000 per year. You can also specialize as a researcher or a technical writer. It is one of the best INTP career matches.

#8. Creative director

Because many INTPs struggle with communication, some might think that working in advertising would be a bad idea. However, having difficulty communicating something in person does not imply that you can not understand how people think, which is central to advertising.

Creative directors are the creative minds behind advertisements and brand campaigns, which require creativity and tactical thinking. They also make around $125k annually, which may be necessary for you.

#9. Electrician/Mechanic

Not everyone can go to school for 12 years or attend college. That doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find a fulfilling ‘normal’ job. Electricians must be skilled at both troubleshooting and design. Every day, they must solve minor engineering mysteries.

Mechanics work on some of the most complex machines, locating and repairing broken components. Electricians make slightly less than $50,000 per year, while mechanics make slightly less than $40,000. These figures, however, vary greatly depending on where you live and your local union.

#10. Computer Programmer

INTPs make excellent computer programmers due to their attention to detail and willingness to resolve problems. They can test a program methodically and thoroughly, looking for bugs, finding fixes, and streamlining processes.

Working alone as a computer programmer suits the INTP because it allows them to fully focus on the task without considering colleagues.

Coding and development are considered relatively complex and challenging fields to work in, which will appeal to an INTP who values their intellect and intelligence.

#11. Inventors

INTP inventors are naturally inventive and creative. Inventing as a career is an excellent fit for them because they are great problem solvers who can think outside the box. Inventors frequently work alone, which is ideal for an INTP personality.

They are frequently given free rein to think up new ideas and draw on their intellect and creativity.

Inventors can work as self-employed or in any industry that manufactures products. Although being an inventor does not always imply high-paying, consistent work, an INTP will find great satisfaction in the role’s day-to-day operations.

#12. Business Analyst

An INTP’s analytical abilities can be used as a business analyst. They can use their skills to analyze complex problems, but they can also use their creativity to develop solutions and streamline processes.

The investigative nature of the work allows the INTP to devote their full attention and delve deeply into the task at hand, which they will enjoy. It is one of the best INTP career matches.

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#13. Specialist in Information Security

An information security analyst is responsible for identifying and testing software program flaws and developing solutions.

They must plan to anticipate threats and respond quickly to actual attacks. This appeals greatly to the analytical and systematic thinking that an analyst possesses. It is one of the best INTP career matches.

#14. Lawyer

Although INTPs may need to work on their communication and interpersonal skills to pursue a career in law, the logical and analytical nature of the work itself is ideal for this personality type. INTP takes pride in their intelligence, so they will gladly devote the time and commitment required to train as a lawyer.

A qualified lawyer must follow strict rules and processes, which can be suffocating for an INTP who values freedom and autonomy. However, if they can overcome this obstacle, they will most likely be very successful in this field.

#15. Author

The general tendency to become completely immersed in a project is well suited to a career as an author. The INTP will be able to generate several original ideas, consider them, narrow them down, and choose one to pursue.

The intense research phase and ideation that follows are frequently done in isolation and with complete focus – the ideal combination for the INTP personality. It is one of the best INTP career matches.

#16. Academia

An INTP’s favorite thing is disassembling and rebuilding a complex concept to figure out exactly how it works. If they enjoy sharing their findings with others, a career in academia may be a good fit.

Writing and developing a curriculum, creating study materials, delivering lectures, marking work, and supervising are all examples of academic roles. It is one of the best INTP career matches.

#17. Musician

Climbing to the top of a profession as an INTP who is talented musically could mean composing music, directing musical events, and managing musical groups such as orchestras.

The INTP personality has natural tendencies toward the freedom and creativity required to excel in this career.

The early years in this industry may feel constrained due to a lack of freedom and control, but once into the levels of creating, composing, and directing, the INTP can find excellent job satisfaction in this field.

#18. Web Developer

This is one of the few jobs available that do not require a bachelor’s degree. There are three types of web developers: web designers, who create the layout and feel of the website, which require an associate degree in web design; web programmers, and web programmers. It is one of the best INTP career matches.

#19. Sales Engineer

The demand for sales engineers in other industries is only expected to grow by 9%; however, the growth rate for professionals selling computer software and hardware is four times as fast.

Most sales engineers have a degree in business, science, or technology. They must also be technologically savvy to present proposals, explain products, and answer questions.

#20. IT Manager

Computer and information systems managers, chief information officers (CIOs), chief technology officers (CTOs), IT directors, and IT security managers are other names for information technology managers.

While their responsibilities vary, they typically supervise an IT team and manage the organization’s technology needs.

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FAQs on INTP Career Matches

Is INTP career a good career?

Yes. They usually have what they need, live by their principles, and have made a unique contribution to their community or the people around them.
The careers above mostly suit the INTP, and they tend to excel more at it.

Who is an INTP?

An INTP is motivated by challenges and problems that require a lot of thinking because they are logicians. It would be an understatement to say that an INTP craves intellectual stimulation. This is why an INTP excels in roles requiring high intelligence and sleuthing. Consider a career as a computer programmer, business analyst, or information security analyst if you are an INTP.

Where do INTPs work?

INTPs prefer to work for companies that allow for some independence, primarily because INTPs enjoy solitude. Logicians spend a lot of time in their heads coming up with new ideas or solutions to problems. This is also why INTPs require someone to keep them company. INTPs are especially drawn to artistic fields incorporating science or technology, such as architecture or graphic design. Although INTPs prefer careers requiring them to work with ideas rather than people, a subset of INTPs considers human problems the ultimate frontier of intellectual inquiry.

Conclusion

Individuals with an INTP personality are highly inventive. They love creating new things and approaching problems from a fresh perspective. If you’re looking for exciting ideas or new and unusual strategies, an INTP can offer them. Many famous inventors and scientists have had INTP personalities, but this unique problem-solving style is helpful in almost any type of industry. 

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