by Anna Morelock
INTPs are the “The Logicians” of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator—and for good reason.
These personality types love intellectual stimulation, and they often find themselves focusing on abstract concepts and logical consistency. These qualities make them adept at solving complex problems and analyzing new information quickly.
With interest in science and research, INTP personalities can excel in engineering or computer programming careers. However, other industries may also suit their talents for analytical thinking, such finance or design.
Let’s take a closer look at the seven best careers for INTP personality types, which jobs they should avoid, and more!
What is an INTP?
INTPs (Introverted, Intuition, Thinking, and Perceiving) are introverted, rational, innovative, and flexible thinkers. They enjoy figuring out how things work and have a knack for solving problems. INTPs are usually very analytical and like to see the logical consequences of their actions. This can make them excellent scientists, programmers, or engineers.
But INTPs also have a strong interest in theory and love to learn about and explore ideas in everyday life. They are usually very innovative and come up with unique solutions to problems. This can make them great professors or researchers. In fact, many of history’s most influential scientists and philosophers were thought to be INTPs. This includes Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, René Descartes, and others.
However, INTPs can be shy and may not enjoy working with people. They can also have strong perfectionist tendencies, leading to them being overly critical of themselves and others.
It’s important to note that not all INTPs are the same. Many of these personality types can be further categorized as either assertive (INTP-A) or turbulent (INTP-T).
INTP-A
INTP-As are typically more intense than their turbulent cousins. They have the same strengths and weaknesses as other INTPs, but they’re more interested in theoretical concepts and less willing to compromise on their beliefs.
While INTP-As are often more extroverted than INTP-Ts, they can be independent to a fault, finding it challenging to work with other people.
INTP-T
INTP-Ts, on the other hand, tend to be very private, and may not share their thoughts or beliefs with others for fear of ridicule. They often feel anxious about their place in the world, which makes them hesitant to express themselves fully.
Top INTP Careers
An INTP’s strengths are problem-solving, analytical thinking, and originality. As a result, they are often well suited to careers in engineering and technology. In general, the best INTP careers are:
- Biomedical Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Computer Programmer
- Financial Analyst
- Graphic Designer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Psychologist
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineering is an excellent career for INTPs. This type of engineering allows INTPs to use their key traits (intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking, innovation) to develop effective medical devices and technologies that improve lives and advance the medical field.
Additionally, INTPs are notorious for their precision and accuracy. This is important in biomedical engineering, where even small errors can have significant consequences. But an INTP will ensure their technologies are safe and effective, making them the perfect personality type for this career.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers use their knowledge of chemistry to develop new products or improve the manufacturing process. They work in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and food processing. INTP personality types are well suited for this career due to their creativity, attention to detail, and analytical thinking skills.
Computer Programmer
Computer programmers use their knowledge of computer science to design and develop software. INTP personality types tend to have traits that are well-suited to computer programming and other IT careers. These traits include:
- Logical and analytical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Complex problem-solving abilities
- Independence
- And, most importantly, comfort with abstract thinking
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts use their knowledge of finance and economics to provide advice on investments or advise companies on future expenditures to maximize profits while minimizing costs. This career could be the perfect for INTPs looking to excel in a purely analytical role.
Graphic Designer
INTP types are suited to careers in graphic design because of their creative and innovative thinking skills. For example, graphic designers use creativity to create logos, advertisements, or other graphic designs for a business. This career choice is excellent for INTPs because they enjoy working with computers, have an eye for detail, and turn abstract ideas into cohesive designs.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers are responsible for designing machinery used in manufacturing or transportation. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering to create functional and efficient products.
This is a great career choice for INTPs because of their technical aptitude, interest in science and math, and strong sense of creative and technical intuition.
Psychologist
Psychologists study the human mind and behavior. They help people deal with mental health issues, provide therapy, and research various psychological topics.
INTPs tend to be objective and rational in their everyday life, but this is especially true when it comes to work. As psychologists, INTPs can use their objectivity to evaluate and assess their patients without bias, which is important for providing accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
Jobs for INTPs to Avoid
As we mentioned before, INTPs prefer to work independently and may have trouble with social interaction in a professional setting. Additionally, INTPs like to set their own schedules, follow their own rules, and set their ideal standards, making customer or client-based roles not an ideal career choice for INTPs.
Here are three jobs that INTPs should avoid:
- Dietitian
- Elementary Teacher
- Sales Manager or Sales Representative
Dietitian
INTPs are intellectually driven and very objective in their thought patterns. For this reason, Logicians can struggle with empathy or providing effective emotional support. Both of these are important qualities for dieticians to have, as they’re often helping patients struggling with weight loss, weight gain, eating disorders, and other nutrition-related issues.
Elementary Teacher
INTPs may not be good elementary school teachers because of their strong introverted tendencies, occasional lack of patience and empathy, and preference for independent work. Additionally, INTPs like to set their own rules, but teachers are usually required to follow curriculum and teaching methods set by their state.
Sales Representative or Sales Manager
INTPs exceed in environments that that allow them to think creatively and avoid routine, making a job in sales an unattractive career choice for these personality types. As intense abstract thinkers, INTPs are unlikely to be satisfied spending their days driving sales and making profit.
INTP Strengths in the Workplace
INTPs are analytical and creative thinkers who make great problem-solvers. INTPs also have strong verbal reasoning skills, which allow them to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
INTPs can be valuable employees in the workplace because they don’t need a lot of supervision to complete their tasks. They’re productive, independent, perceptive, and driven by a need to understand their work and the world around them.
INTP Weaknesses in the Workplace
INTPs can sometimes struggle in the workplace if they become too focused on an idea or project that interests them. Logicians may become less productive in this state since their work becomes more about the process than the result.
Additional workplace weaknesses of INTPs include:
- Impatience
- Perfectionism
- Poor collaboration abilities
- Disconnected from their colleagues
INTPs are Valuable Employees
INTPs can be highly successful and valuable in analytical, critical thinking, and data-backed jobs. To best put their skills to use, INTPs should choose fulfilling careers that allow them to explore their inherent interests.
If you’re not an INTP, check out our posts about these personality types:
Whether you’re an INTP or something else, we can match you with your perfect job. Head over to the Insight Global job board, which features thousands of listings that match up with your personality.
by Brita Long 
by Insight Global Staff 
