Careers for INTP Personalities
Are you systematic and logical? Do you love to innovate and build?
If so, you may be an INTP. One of the 16 psychological types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, INTP stands for "introversion, intuition, thinking, and perceiving." This personality type is relatively rare, found in only three percent of the population. These individuals pride themselves on their inventiveness, creativity, intellect, and unique perspective on things.
When it comes to the workplace, INTP personalities are self-driven and have very high personal standards. They love exploring and building models for underlying principles and ideas. Service-oriented positions will prove baffling and exhausting for them, but they are natural scientists, mathematicians, and systems analysts.
This article will be covering the following careers:
| Career | Avg Salary | Satisfaction | Your Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Database Architect | $103k | 3.3/5 | |
| Mathematician | $85k | 3.6/5 | |
| Systems Engineer | $106k | 3.4/5 | |
| Physicist | $145k | 3.6/5 | |
| Mechanical Engineer | $56k | 3.1/5 | |
| Technical Writer | $78k | 2.8/5 | |
| Electrical Engineer | $73k | 3.2/5 | |
| Business Analyst | $76k | 3.0/5 | |
| Software Engineer | $139k | 3.2/5 |
Are these careers suited to you? Our comprehensive career test measures your personality traits and interests and matches you to over 800 careers.
1. Database Architect
Any career in computers or technology can be considered a possibility for an INTP. Some INTPs even say they understand computers better than they understand other people! Not surprisingly, they make great database architects—a highly skilled profession that will put their inventive minds to test. Database architects create and manage expansive electronic databases for a variety of employers, helping companies expand into new marketplaces and novel directions.
Database Architect
A database architect is a specialized IT professional responsible for designing, creating, and managing large-scale databases used to store and organize vast amounts of digital information.
2. Mathematician
INTPs want to analyze systems and ideas thoroughly to create deep understanding, and enjoy designing solutions to highly abstract problems. They love patterns and logic, and this makes them an excellent fit for a career in mathematics. INTPs will find it meaningful and rewarding to develop new mathematical principles, explore novel computational methods and models, and contribute to expanding our knowledge of the world around us.
Mathematician
A mathematician specializes in the study and exploration of mathematics.
3. Systems Engineer
Computer systems engineers use their knowledge of mathematical analysis, engineering, and computer science to develop and test circuits, personal computers, software and more. They tend to be big picture thinkers, capable of understanding how the technology they create will fit into consumers' lives or organizations' needs. INTPs, with their unique mix of creativity and rationality, are a natural fit for this profession.
Systems Engineer
A systems engineer specializes in the design, integration, and optimization of complex systems or processes.
4. Physicist
Physicists can be found in a wide range of subfields—from plasma physics to laser science and everything in between. But no matter what their specialization, all physicists are motivated to inquire and discover. They seek to better understand the ways that matter and energy interact, and this explorative approach can make a career in physics a very appealing option for the naturally curious INTP.
Physicist
A physicist specializes in the study of the fundamental principles governing the behavior of matter and energy in the universe.
5. Mechanical Engineer
Engineering careers are a good fit for the logical, analytical thinking style of the INTP. Mechanical engineers lead varied and interesting professional lives. On any given day, they might find themselves creating a blueprint for a new mechanical device, developing and testing a prototype, or supervising a manufacturing process. These challenging duties require strong problem solving skills and a passion for new knowledge—both qualities of the hardworking INTP.
Mechanical Engineer
A mechanical engineer applies principles of physics, mathematics, and material science to design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems and devices.
6. Technical Writer
More artistically minded INTPs can take advantage of their analytical skills in a career as a technical writer. These professionals excel at breaking down complex or challenging ideas and transforming them into clearly written, accessible narratives. Requiring a love of learning new things and a high level of intellect, technical writing can be an engaging and rewarding career for many INTPs.
Technical Writer
A technical writer specializes in creating clear and concise documentation to explain complex technical information.
7. Electrical Engineer
INTPs particularly enjoy engineering fields that allow them to exercise a measure of creativity in their work. This is one reason that a career in electrical engineering can be such a great fit. Electrical engineers are concerned with the technology of electricity, including signal processing, power, control systems, and telecommunications. This profession requires a great deal of experimentation and analysis, as well as an solid understanding of the basic principles of mathematics and physics. INTPs will enjoy using their knowledge and skills to build and test new models and innovations.
Electrical Engineer
An electrical engineer specializes in the design, development, and maintenance of electrical systems and devices.
8. Business Analyst
Good business careers for INTPs often stimulate their interest in complex theories, including advanced mathematics. As business analysts, INTPs will enjoy applying their understanding of financial systems and organizational theory to resolve a variety of different business problems. This career frequently involves collecting large amounts of information and identifying patterns within it—a rewarding task for any INTP.
Business Analyst
A business analyst helps to bridge the gap between business needs and technological solutions within an organization.
9. Software Engineer
A career in software engineering allows INTPs to exercise their reasoning skills in perfect concert with their creativity and desire to experiment and innovate. Software engineers are found in a wide range of industries, working on an even wider range of apps, systems, and other products. Because technology is evolving at a rapid pace, software engineers must constantly learn new skills to keep abreast. INTPs will thrive in this environment that values both deep thinking and a thirst for knowledge.
Software Engineer
A software engineer applies engineering principles to the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software systems.