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7 Great Careers for ISTP Personality Types

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Want to solve a pressing problem that needed a solution yesterday?

Find an ISTP and add them to your team today! According to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, they are known as “The Crafters.” ISTP stands for:

  • Introverted
  • Sensing
  • Thinking
  • Perceiving

ISTP personality types are known for being excellent problem-solvers. Their logical minds allow them to find solutions that work in the real world, which is why they are often found in careers that require quick decision-making and hands-on problem-solving.

They are thoughtful and observant, which helps them see things from different perspectives. Combine that with their ability to present things logically and clearly, and you have a fantastic, results-oriented employee.

Do you:

  • Enjoy taking things apart just to see how they work?
  • Pride yourself on your independence?
  • Love hands-on activities?

Then keep reading—you just might be an ISTP!

This article will explore seven careers ideal for the ISTP personality type.

What is an ISTP Like?

ISTP personalities love to take on challenges and find creative solutions. They are independent thinkers who have a knack for understanding complex systems, which is why they excel at finding ways to make things work better in the real world!

ISTPs often enjoy careers that require analytical thinking, like engineering or computer programming.

ISTP-A

The ISTP-A is a more assertive, dominant type. They are inclined to take charge. While still analytical, they also have a strong sense of justice or fairness which they can use in careers like law enforcement.

ISTP-T

The ISTP-T is shyer and more introverted than the ISTP-A. They are less likely to take charge or be in the spotlight. They are still analytical and logical, but they may prefer a career where they can work behind the scenes, such as in research or development.

Graphic with a photo of a white woman smiling while holding a mug. Text overlay reads: What is an introvert? Introverts recharge their energy by spending time alone or with a small group of people. They tend to be empathetic, analytical, and creative.

Top ISTP Careers

ISTPs are natural problem-solvers, and they enjoy being able to use their skills for the greater good. They can figure out and understand complex systems, which can be anything from physical structures to computer network operations.

This means that the best ISTP careers will require them to take on tasks requiring quick decision-making and hands-on work to find solutions.

Here are seven jobs perfect for ISTPs:

  • Civil Engineer
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Financial Manager
  • Mechanic
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Paralegal
  • Software Developer

Civil Engineer

Civil engineers primarily design and oversee the construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects and systems. ISTPs make great civil engineers since they can oversee a project from start to finish and manage the steps in between. Their excellent problem-solving skills, eye for detail, and analytical thinking allow them to oversee safe and efficient infrastructure projects.

Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers primarily design, develop, test, and manage the manufacturing of electrical equipment and systems. ISTPs make great electrical engineers because of their ability to see how a system works as a whole. They have an intuitive understanding of complex systems which allows them to find effective solutions for problems. ISTPs are also analytical, so they can understand the technical aspects of the work.

Financial Manager

Financial managers oversee the financial health of an organization. With strong logical and analytical skills, ISTPs can be great financial managers. ISTPs can identify problems in the system and find effective solutions.

Mechanic

Mechanics perform basic repairs and maintenance on vehicles like cars, vans, and trucks. ISTPs are so suited for a career as a mechanic that they’re often called “The Mechanics” as an alternative to “The Crafters.”

ISTPs enjoy working with their hands and showing tangible results. This combined with their problem-solving skills and understanding of how things work make them an excellent potential mechanic.

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers are involved in the research, design, construction, and testing of mechanical devices. This is another career path that requires detail-oriented and problem-solving skills, which are key traits of the ISTP.

Paralegal

Paralegals provide administrative and support tasks for attorneys. ISTPs can get bored with too much repetition, so they’ll appreciate the novelty of new legal cases. Also, paralegals need the strong analytical skills common among ISTPs.

Software Developer

Software developers typically research, design, build, test, and manage computer and application software. ISTPs are great software developers because of their love for finding practical solutions and their ability to see things from different perspectives.

ISTPs thrive in being able to spend time thinking and dealing with information in their own heads. They can understand complex systems and find solutions to programming issues. ISTPs like to work independently at their own pace. They also have an eye for detail, which is essential for creating error-free code.

Jobs for ISTPs to Avoid

ISTPs need to be in a career where they can use their natural problem-solving skills and logical thinking. ISTPs tend not to be successful in careers that require them to interact with people regularly or where creativity is vital. Some ISTP careers to avoid include:

  • Journalist
  • Market Researcher
  • Nurse
  • Pediatrician
  • Receptionist

If you’re an ISTP who feels called to one of these careers, don’t worry! We’re all unique, and you can still excel without pursuing a recommended ISTP career.

ISTP Strengths and Weaknesses in the Workplace

ISTPs have excellent critical thinking skills. They value logic and data. As a result, they generally won’t do well in jobs where creativity and free expression are essential.

ISTPs can be seen as anti-social because they prefer to work alone. However, they can still work with others, but it’s better if colleagues are like-minded. This is why academic or scientific fields are good options for ISTPs.

Find a Career That’s Right for You

Are you an analytical and inquisitive ISTP looking for a job that aligns with your natural talents? Check out Insight Global’s Job Board to get started.

If you’re not an ISTP, we have other resources about personality types and career paths!

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