5 of the Best Careers for an Enneagram Type 8

The Enneagram Type 8 is often seen by others as powerful and confident. They can sometimes come across as too assertive, but they are no strangers to standing up for themselves, enjoying competition, and making their presence known. A type 8’s resourcefulness makes them excellent workers, especially within specific professional fields.

So how can they fit into your team or how do you know what careers might be a great option if you’re an eight? Keep reading to learn more valuable insights and explore the best careers for an Enneagram Type 8 personality.

Enneagram Type 8: The Challenger

The Enneagram Institute describes 8s as self-confident and assertive with, “a passionate inner drive.” An Enneagram Type 8 is typically known as the Challenger. They can thrive when taking charge and they are natural competitors. So don’t be surprised to see them as team captains or event fundraising chairs outside of work.

Traits often seen in an Enneagram Type 8:

- Self-confident
- Goal-oriented
- Strategic
- Assertive
- Resourceful
- Decisive
- Protective
- Straightforward
- Independent
- Resilient

Strengths of the Enneagram Type 8

As mentioned, a Type 8 is often seen as assertive, self-confident, and ambitious. They can be good at steering teams and projects toward success because of this, but may also become frustrated with folks who need more coaching. Some 8s may have a commanding presence and be strong decision makers. This combination can make them natural leaders in many situations.

Knowing the abilities and strengths of an Enneagram Type 8 can be essential to knowing how to maximize them. Some strengths of a Challenger are:

- - The ability to articulate themselves assertively
  - Natural-born leadership skills with the ability to achieve success for others and themselves
  - Strong analytical skills that help them make logical decisions

Top 5 Enneagram Type 8 Careers to Consider

If you’re looking to shift gears and transition onto a new career path, here are some Enneagram Type 8 careers to consider: executive or upper management, lawyer or attorney (maybe even a judge), real estate broker or any kind of sales role, director, surgeon, activist, politician, military, project management, or a strategy role like marketing strategist.

Let’s dig deeper into five of these:

Leadership or Management

As mentioned, the Challenger can have a natural inclination toward leadership. Their nature can make them the great candidate to lead teams and improve business strategies.

Sales Representatives

Another career that may suit a Type 8 personality is sales representative. Type 8 traits can help you achieve sales goals, grow in your role, and become successful in the sales industry.

Project Manager

Enneagram Type 8s tend to thrive in project management roles due to their strong leadership skills, assertiveness and confidence. These qualities are fit for effectively managing teams and achieving project goals.

Lawyer

Type 8s can be exceptionally successful when working as a lawyer. They have a strong sense of justice and their tenacity, strategic thinking, and desire to protect make a legal career a viable choice to consider.

Financial Advisor

To be successful as a financial advisor, you’ll have to rely heavily on your rational decision-making skills and be able to develop long-term relationships with clients.

Careers Type 8 Might Want to Avoid

If you exhibit the typical characteristics of an Enneagram Type 8, you’ll most likely experience a strong desire to maintain your independence in the workplace. Type 8s may want to avoid careers where they feel insignificant or lack the autonomy to make decisions. They may also struggle in careers where they do not feel that they are impacting others others or making a difference.

Consider Careers for Your Personality Today

In a world full of career choices, understanding more about the Enneagram Type 8 personality can be the key to unlocking a path tailored to your unique strengths.

Challengers can be natural born leaders who work well with others who are open to new and exciting ideas. They often prefer to have authority and autonomy over their professional life and can be comfortable with higher risk/reward roles. Enneagram Type 8s are often seen as people who can get things done and can be incredible assets to any company—like any Enneagram type in a role that suits them.

If you identify as a Type 8 personality, take a look at our job board to scout for an open position that aligns with your career goals.

More Enneagram careers: