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10 Career Choices for an Enneagram Type 3

Are you new to the job market and trying to figure out what jobs to apply for? Perhaps you’re making a career change and are unsure what kind of job to consider next. Personality tests, like the Enneagram, can help you decide what work to do next based on your strengths, weaknesses, or leadership skills.

Specifically, if you’re an Enneagram type 3, this article is for you. Continue reading to learn more about the Enneagram Type 3, its strengths and weaknesses, and Enneagram Type 3 careers to explore today.

What Is the Enneagram Type 3?

The Enneagram Type 3 is known as The Achiever. These individuals are typically self-assured, energetic, and extremely ambitious. They are highly motivated by their need to achieve success and avoid failure.

Because of their hardworking nature, they’re incredibly organized and goal-oriented, making them excellent employees. However, they can become workaholics and are competitive, which can cause many problems in their personal lives. They fear being insignificant or being seen as a failure by others.

Nevertheless, their ability to exude confidence is attractive and inspiring to others. They allow their work to showcase their high skill level, competency, and professional capability. Their ability to get things done at exceptionally efficient rates makes achieving goals within their personal and professional lives virtually effortless.

But what other attribute might you experience as a type 3? What are your strengths and weaknesses? And more importantly, what Enneagram careers might be best and worst for you to consider as an Achiever? Continue reading to learn more as we attempt to answer questions such as these and discuss Enneagram Type 3 jobs more in-depth.


RELATED: Build Understanding with Enneagram Types in the Workplace


Attributes of the Achiever

The Enneagram Type 3 has specific attributes that can make them more inclined to one job over another. In addition to their need to achieve success and avoid failure, Enneagram Type 3 is also responsible, giving, and regarded highly by others at work.

Some of the most significant attributes of the Achiever are they’re optimistic, charming, charismatic, and energetic. At work, this makes them able to accomplish their goals, focus on critical tasks, and are always looking for their next work project. They work well in teams and excel at leading others to achieve goals.

Enneagram Type 3 Strengths and Weaknesses

Every personality type experiences unique strengths that amplify their professional work. Common strengths of an Enneagram Type 3 include:

  • Drive to accomplish goals and succeed
  • People person skills that help them connect with others
  • High motivation and ability to motivate others in their team
  • Extreme efficiency when completing work tasks
  • Charisma and confidence in their skills and competencies

Of course, we all also have our blind spots. Some weaknesses you may experience as an Enneagram Type 3 include:

  • Trouble accepting or dealing with failure
  • Obsession with status, rank, or image
  • Appearing insensitive due to a competitive nature

Top 10 Enneagram Type 3 Careers

Because of their determination and highly driven nature, many suitable and high-profile careers are well-suited for the Achiever. Here are the top 10 to consider if you’re an Enneagram Type 3 personality.



1. Lawyer

The Achiever enjoys helping others, and working as a lawyer can help them do that. Type 3 enjoys advocating and being a role model for others. Their tenacity, charisma, and competencies in their skillset make them excellent at achieving in the legal field.

2. Salesperson

The Enneagram Type 3 is charming. This quality can help them succeed in sales. A sales job allows the Achiever to create their own goals, experience untapped growth, meet new people, and work independently in an active environment.

3. Real Estate Agent

Similar to working in sales, their charisma and charm make type 3 well-suited for a career in real estate. Working as a real estate agent lets you take on many responsibilities. Agents set their own goals, work toward them on their timetable, and help others achieve their life goals. Their proactive and outgoing personalities make them the perfect fit for this job.

4. Banker

Because they’re motivated by success, an Enneagram Type 3 may pursue jobs that allow them to grow into an executive-level leadership role. That can happen within the banking industry. They enjoy high-profile positions that keep them on their toes and require them to make tough corporate business decisions. Type 3 may also thrive as investment bankers if they enjoy working with numbers and data.

5. Journalist

Journalism requires a high level of organization, motivation, and efficiency. That describes the Achiever to a tee, and working as a journalist may be the perfect fit. A type 3 thrives in a fast-paced atmosphere and will enjoy the chance to help others by uncovering and writing the truth, making this an excellent Enneagram Type 3 career.

6. Computer Programmer

The Achiever is most attracted to fast-paced careers that keep them on their toes and should consider working as computer programmers. Especially with the constantly evolving nature of the tech industry, computer programming is a career that requires a high level of competency. It also requires confidence in their work, which type 3 typically is.

7. Financial Analyst

Type 3 is a high-ranking performer who is also good with money. They’re good at managing money and teaching others how to do it. Whether they need to assess the market or evaluate stock performance, they can successfully work as financial analysts, helping others achieve financial success.

8. Marketing

Marketing professionals spend their days innovating ways to advertise and sell a product or service. Like sales professionals or real estate agents, the Achiever is a high-energy individual known for achieving their goals and helping others do the same. This motivation gives them the edge to be 10 steps ahead of the competition when working in the marketing industry.

9. Teacher

If you’re a type 3, you probably enjoy inspiring others and helping them achieve their goals. That makes teaching one of the best Enneagram Type 3 jobs. The Achiever is likable, can connect well with students, and enjoys being a role model.

10. Entrepreneur

The last career to consider as an Enneagram Type 3 is entrepreneurship. The Achievers spend their days striving to improve themselves and the world. But they’ll also relish the chance to be their own boss. Being an entrepreneur can offer both. Not only will you be able to set and achieve your own goals, but you’ll love providing others with jobs and opportunities and motivating them to excel at their professional goals.


RELATED: Managing Different Enneagram Types on Your Team


Careers That Might Not Fit Well with an Enneagram Type 3

Even though they typically strive to be the best they can be, there are careers the Achiever should avoid. These include slow-paced and isolating jobs that don’t require contact with others or offer career advancement. The same goes for jobs that require tedious or routine tasks.

Some careers that may not be a good fit for the Achiever include work as an accountant, a research assistant, or online and freelance work.

Consider Jobs That Match Your Type 3 Personality Today

If you’re the type of person who is highly motivated by a desire to succeed and avoid failure, you may be an Enneagram Type 3 personality. Consider this when checking out our job board to find an open position well-suited for your personality type and long-term professional goals.

Not an Enneagram Type 3? Here are more Enneagram careers: