The Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a self-reported psychological assessment that sorts people into categories based on how they perceive the world and make decisions.
Today, many professionals use the MBTI to determine which careers they’re suited for based on their personality type. Around two million people reportedly take the test each year.
Companies such as General Motors and Procter & Gamble admit having used it to determine a job candidate’s suitability for a certain role, although critics claim that deciding on a career based on personality is pseudoscientific and should not be used in recruiting decisions.
Trying to find the best job for your personality type? Learn which tech careers may be ideal for you based on your Myers-Briggs personality type.
What Is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator?
During World War II, Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother, Katharine Briggs, developed the test to help women entering the industrial workforce for the first time find jobs that they enjoyed based on their personality type. The test builds on the personality theories of Swiss psychiatrist Dr. Carl Jung in his book, Psychological Types.
To find their personality type, test-takers select one trait they identify with the most across the following four categories, also known as a scale or dichotomy:
- Sensing (S) or Intuition (N)
- Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)
- Judging (J) or Perceiving (P)
- Introversion (I) or Extraversion (E)
One letter is taken from each category and coded into a four-letter test result, such as “ENFP” for “Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling, Perceiving.”
What Are the 16 MBTI Personality Types?
There are 16 possible letter combinations resulting in 16 personality types, and each combination of traits gives rise to different strengths, weaknesses, ways of perceiving the world, and interacting with others.
MBTI Personality Types | MBTI Personality Types | MBTI Personality Types | MBTI Personality Types |
---|---|---|---|
ISTJ – The Inspector | ISTP – The Crafter | ISFJ – The Protector | ISFP – The Artist |
INFJ – The Advocate | INFP – The Mediator | INTJ – The Architect | INTP – The Thinker |
ESTP – The Persuader | ESTJ – The Director | ESFP – The Performer | ESFJ – The Caregiver |
ENFP – The Champion | ENFJ – The Giver | ENTP – The Debater | ENTJ – The Commander |
How Do You Find Your MBTI Personality Type?
There are a few different ways to find your MBTI personality type.
- Self-assessment. You can eyeball the four categories and judge which of the extremes you identify with to obtain your four-letter code. Then, you can decipher the meaning of your code by searching online for your personality type. While this method may deliver a less accurate result, it can give you a rough idea of which personality type you are.
- Take an online test. You can take the assessment online at MBTIonline.com through the Myers-Briggs company. A fee of $49.95 applies. Alternatively, you can take a non-official test for free through an online provider such as 16personalities.com, to find which of the 16 personality types you align with best. You’ll be presented with a number of statements and asked to indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each one.
- Go professional. You can take the MBTI assessment with personal feedback offered by the Center for Applications of Psychological Type, which includes an hour of one-on-one feedback from a certified professional by phone after you take the test.
- Rely on your career network. You can find certified MBTI professionals in your geographic area who can administer the test through the MBTI Master Practitioner Referral Network.
What’s the Right Career for Your MBTI Personality?
We’ve compiled a page for each personality type below. First, find out your personality type, and then click on the corresponding page below to find out what careers best fit your personality.
MBTI Personality Types | MBTI Personality Types | MBTI Personality Types | MBTI Personality Types |
---|---|---|---|
ISTJ – The Inspector | ISTP – The Crafter | ISFJ – The Protector | ISFP – The Artist |
INFJ – The Advocate | INFP – The Mediator | INTJ – The Architect | INTP – The Thinker |
ESTP – The Persuader | ESTJ – The Director | ESFP – The Performer | ESFJ – The Caregiver |
ENFP – The Champion | ENFJ – The Giver | ENTP – The Debater | ENTJ – The Commander |
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Your Next Career
Choosing a career path may seem like a monumental, permanently binding decision. While finding the right job is a key determinant of your happiness and financial security, you’re under no obligation to stick with one career path for life. In reality, most people stumble into their “calling” through trial-and-error, after spending years in different roles and industries.
However, if you’re looking for a starting point or are transitioning into the tech industry for the first time, it may help to consider a few “objective” pointers to help you find the right job.
Different occupations call for a different mix of personality traits, technical skills, and soft skills to succeed. For instance, someone who buckles under pressure won’t perform well as an ICU nurse, while someone who craves variety might grow bored working as an accountant.
Selecting a career based on Myers-Briggs can be helpful, but there are also a number of other things you should consider.
Step 1: Consider your strengths and weaknesses
Interviewers ask job candidates about their strengths and weaknesses to assess their self-awareness and honesty, but also to predict whether they would perform well in the role, find satisfaction in their job and fit into the team. Remember, finding the right job is a question of mutual fit. Exploring careers based on Myers-Briggs personality types can help you find a job that makes the most of your strengths.
To identify your strengths, think about where you shine in stressful or challenging situations. Perhaps you can quickly brainstorm solutions—the mark of a creative mind. Or, you’re adept at managing the stress of those around you and restoring calm and order, which indicates leadership traits. Perhaps you adapt easily to changing situations, a sign of flexibility. Your strengths are a strong predictor of the type of work and workplace environment in which you’re likely to thrive.
Here are some examples of professional strengths:
- Taking initiative
- Focused
- Enthusiasm
- Trustworthiness
- Discipline
Weaknesses, on the other hand, signpost the type of work and workplace environment in which you’re likely to struggle. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t overcome your weaknesses or that you should renounce certain professions. For example, if you dread public speaking but you long to become a UX designer, you can alleviate your weakness by practicing your presentation skills.
Recognize which weaknesses are mutable and which ones represent blockers. For example, if you’re reluctant to delegate because you have trouble trusting others, you may be ill-suited for a managerial role until or unless you successfully overcome this. Perhaps you may even derive more satisfaction from remaining as an individual contributor, where you focus on hands-on tasks.
Here are some examples of professional weaknesses:
- Lack of confidence
- Discomfort with ambiguity
- Focusing too much on details
- Impatience with bureaucracies
- A tendency to take on too much responsibility
Step 2: Consider your goals
Your long-term goals and your values are often closely intertwined because most of us perceive our careers as a conduit for self-actualization. More specifically, think about the expectations you have for yourself as a professional. Is it to progress quickly up the corporate ladder? Surpass a certain earnings threshold? Make an impact on other people’s wellbeing? Strike a work/life balance?
Goals take time to achieve, but certain professions may be more conducive to your goals. For example, the banking industry is notorious for poor work/life balance, but the tradeoff is exceptional earning potential and fast-tracked promotions. If you’re hankering after a certain rank or job title, consider whether your chosen profession offers room for advancement and what are the requirements, such as additional licensure or continuing education.
Understanding your goals not only helps you designate the right career path, but also the industries and types of companies you’ll most enjoy working for. It will also help you find the best career based on your personality type. For example, if you’re a product designer who wants to create products that improve people’s wellbeing, you’ll feel more fulfilled at a healthcare company that produces wearable technologies than an entertainment company that sells streaming services.
Step 3: Consider your technical skills
Most people select a career path that aligns with their educational background or formal training. Technical skills are crucial for most jobs—you can’t become a software engineer without training, for example—but some technical skills are transferable. For example, a statistician or actuarial scientist can become a data analyst because they have the required statistical knowledge, and a software engineer can become a machine learning engineer.
If your technical skillset isn’t compatible with your dream job, make a list of what skills you’re missing. Some can be self-taught. Others may be learned through tutorials, short courses, or online bootcamps. Perhaps you elect to take an internship in the field or volunteer to gain on-the-job experience.
Finally, note that some of your “incompatible” technical skills can be reframed as soft skills. For instance, writing is considered a technical skill for a UX designer but a soft skill for a software developer.
Step 4: Consider your soft skills and natural aptitudes
Soft skills are important for any job. Most roles require varying degrees of teamwork, client interaction, problem-solving, and communication. In the tech industry, most recruiters look for leadership traits even when hiring for individual contributor (IC) roles.
This is because ICs in tech must deal with a lot of ambiguity, collaborate with numerous stakeholders and communicate solutions to people with non-technical backgrounds. Those who demonstrate initiative, a strong work ethic and composure in stressful situations are more likely to thrive in such conditions and remain in their jobs long-term.
Consider what soft skills you already possess and which soft skills are expected in your prospective workplace or chosen industry. For example, if you’re good at putting people at ease, you’ll be a shoo-in for a client-facing tech role, such as UX designer. If you’re an idea generator who excels at finding solutions, you might enjoy wading into legacy code and troubleshooting bugs as a software engineer.
Step 5: Consider your personality type
The easiest way to assess your personality type is by assessing who you are when you’re not working. Independent of workplace expectations and social mores of the office, what kind of person are you? Are you talkative or taciturn? Do you relish being the center of attention or do you prefer to let others lead the conversation? Certain personality traits predispose you to certain professions.
Taking a personality type test such as the MBTI helps, too, because it offers insight into your natural aptitudes, strengths, and weaknesses.
Springboard also has a Career Assessment Test built specifically for this purpose. Try the test here!
Step 6: Consider your interests
Your interests may or may not dovetail with your current skill set, but they’re definitely worth exploring if you’re looking for a fulfilling career. What are you naturally curious about? What are the topics you enjoy reading about on Quora or Reddit? What are your hobbies? Your interests give a strong indication of the type of work you’ll enjoy the most.
How Can Springboard Help You Switch Careers?
Now that you have a better idea of the kind of career you want, you’re ready to take the next step. Springboard can help.
- Whatever your personality type, there’s a job in tech waiting for you. Springboard helps mid-career professionals land jobs in tech through courses such as our UI/UX design bootcamp, software engineering bootcamp, machine learning engineering bootcamp, data science bootcamp, data analytics bootcamp, and more. These online, self-paced courses can be completed in nine months while studying part-time.
- Get as much (or as little) help as you need. Each Springboard course matches you with a personal mentor who can guide you through your assignments and job search strategies and offer industry insights. Study at your own pace, and create portfolio-ready capstone projects that matter to you.
- Take Springboard’s Career Assessment Test. Working with our subject matter experts, mentors, and data from our 3,000+ students, we have built the Career Assessment Test, designed to help you identify the right career path for you based on your interests, goals, and experience. Try the test here!
- Have peace of mind with Springboard’s job guarantee. Most Springboard courses and bootcamps feature a job guarantee. If you don’t land a job in your chosen field, you will get a full tuition refund.
- Learn from the best online resources. Springboard works with hiring managers and industry experts to curate a bleeding-edge curriculum for each course and bootcamp, making you job-ready upon graduation.
- Develop job-ready skills with a project-based curriculum. While you learn, build real-world projects that will help you stand out with potential employers and recruiters.
- Flexible payment options. For students looking for ways to finance their educations, Springboard offers multiple payment plan options. The deferred tuition plan does not require any tuition payments (after an enrollment deposit) until you secure your new job. Then, students can make small, monthly payments for a year after they start receiving their first paychecks. Unlike a Retail Installment Contract (RIC) offered by some bootcamps, Springboard’s deferred tuition option does not accrue additional security interest over time. Additionally, Springboard’s partnership with Climb Credit guarantees students a risk-free option for funding your courses via loan over time. To ensure transparency in that students know exactly what they’re paying for their courses, Springboard does not offer an Income Share Agreement option.
MBTI FAQs
Below you’ll find a list of frequently asked questions about the MBTI.
What are the best MBTI personality types for careers in tech?
WhileMyers-Briggs career matches are only suggestions, and should not be taken as definitive, there are a number of studies and sources to show that some personality types are better suited to careers in tech.
- One study published in theInternational Journal of Human-Computer Studies found that ISTJ was the most common personality type in software engineering, with INTJ ranked second (16%) and ENTP third (9%).
- ISTJs are practical, factual, and organized problem-solvers who thrive in careers that emphasize facts, numbers, and data.
- Meanwhile, INTJs are innovative, insightful, and logical. Their penchant for big-picture thinking and problem-solving suits them for technical careers.
- Finally, ENTPs are analytical and theoretical and can solve problems creatively.
Should I take a risk attitudes quiz in tandem with the MBTI to help guide my decision?
A risk attitudes quiz helps you assess your overall risk tolerance. Some people desire stability, order and safety. Others are driven by risk-taking and uncertainty. A risk assessment quiz can help you decide between various career paths, such as whether to start your own business or work for somebody else. It can also help you better understand what type of work environment and role suit you best. Do you want a job that is high-stakes and high-pressure, or low-stakes and low-pressure?
For example, to take a job at Netflix, you need to have a high-risk tolerance. The company’s notorious “keeper test” means that if management deems at any point that someone else could do your job better than you, Netflix will let you go (with a generous severance package). The same applies to working at an early-stage startup that isn’t yet cash flow-positive. On the contrary, working for an established tech company with no stack ranking promises job security, proven procedures and processes, and less of a need to take risks.
Can any personality type get into computer science or a career in tech?
In reality, personality types aren’t cut and dried, and human beings are complex creatures whose ways of perceiving the world and making decisions change over time. While there are certain personality traits that make it easier to succeed in the field of computer science such as an analytical mind and a love of problem-solving, people of any background can become programmers.
While a personality test like the MBTI can be a helpful jumping-off point for figuring out which career paths are right for you, don’t let it discourage you from exploring your interests or limit yourself to jobs based on Myers-Briggs.
Tech companies hire for a variety of technical and non-technical positions, from IT to marketing and finance, so there’s no shortage of opportunities for qualified professionals regardless of their personality type.
Companies are no longer just collecting data. They’re seeking to use it to outpace competitors, especially with the rise of AI and advanced analytics techniques. Between organizations and these techniques are the data scientists – the experts who crunch numbers and translate them into actionable strategies. The future, it seems, belongs to those who can decipher the story hidden within the data, making the role of data scientists more important than ever.
In this article, we’ll look at 13 careers in data science, analyzing the roles and responsibilities and how to land that specific job in the best way. Whether you’re more drawn out to the creative side or interested in the strategy planning part of data architecture, there’s a niche for you.
Is Data Science A Good Career?
Yes. Besides being a field that comes with competitive salaries, the demand for data scientists continues to increase as they have an enormous impact on their organizations. It’s an interdisciplinary field that keeps the work varied and interesting.
10 Data Science Careers To Consider
Whether you want to change careers or land your first job in the field, here are 13 of the most lucrative data science careers to consider.
Data Scientist
Data scientists represent the foundation of the data science department. At the core of their role is the ability to analyze and interpret complex digital data, such as usage statistics, sales figures, logistics, or market research – all depending on the field they operate in.
They combine their computer science, statistics, and mathematics expertise to process and model data, then interpret the outcomes to create actionable plans for companies.
General Requirements
A data scientist’s career starts with a solid mathematical foundation, whether it’s interpreting the results of an A/B test or optimizing a marketing campaign. Data scientists should have programming expertise (primarily in Python and R) and strong data manipulation skills.
Although a university degree is not always required beyond their on-the-job experience, data scientists need a bunch of data science courses and certifications that demonstrate their expertise and willingness to learn.
Average Salary
The average salary of a data scientist in the US is $156,363 per year.
Data Analyst
A data analyst explores the nitty-gritty of data to uncover patterns, trends, and insights that are not always immediately apparent. They collect, process, and perform statistical analysis on large datasets and translate numbers and data to inform business decisions.
A typical day in their life can involve using tools like Excel or SQL and more advanced reporting tools like Power BI or Tableau to create dashboards and reports or visualize data for stakeholders. With that in mind, they have a unique skill set that allows them to act as a bridge between an organization’s technical and business sides.
General Requirements
To become a data analyst, you should have basic programming skills and proficiency in several data analysis tools. A lot of data analysts turn to specialized courses or data science bootcamps to acquire these skills.
For example, Coursera offers courses like Google’s Data Analytics Professional Certificate or IBM’s Data Analyst Professional Certificate, which are well-regarded in the industry. A bachelor’s degree in fields like computer science, statistics, or economics is standard, but many data analysts also come from diverse backgrounds like business, finance, or even social sciences.
Average Salary
The average base salary of a data analyst is $76,892 per year.
Business Analyst
Business analysts often have an essential role in an organization, driving change and improvement. That’s because their main role is to understand business challenges and needs and translate them into solutions through data analysis, process improvement, or resource allocation.
A typical day as a business analyst involves conducting market analysis, assessing business processes, or developing strategies to address areas of improvement. They use a variety of tools and methodologies, like SWOT analysis, to evaluate business models and their integration with technology.
General Requirements
Business analysts often have related degrees, such as BAs in Business Administration, Computer Science, or IT. Some roles might require or favor a master’s degree, especially in more complex industries or corporate environments.
Employers also value a business analyst’s knowledge of project management principles like Agile or Scrum and the ability to think critically and make well-informed decisions.
Average Salary
A business analyst can earn an average of $84,435 per year.
Database Administrator
The role of a database administrator is multifaceted. Their responsibilities include managing an organization’s database servers and application tools.
A DBA manages, backs up, and secures the data, making sure the database is available to all the necessary users and is performing correctly. They are also responsible for setting up user accounts and regulating access to the database. DBAs need to stay updated with the latest trends in database management and seek ways to improve database performance and capacity. As such, they collaborate closely with IT and database programmers.
General Requirements
Becoming a database administrator typically requires a solid educational foundation, such as a BA degree in data science-related fields. Nonetheless, it’s not all about the degree because real-world skills matter a lot. Aspiring database administrators should learn database languages, with SQL being the key player. They should also get their hands dirty with popular database systems like Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server.
Average Salary
Database administrators earn an average salary of $77,391 annually.
Data Engineer
Successful data engineers construct and maintain the infrastructure that allows the data to flow seamlessly. Besides understanding data ecosystems on the day-to-day, they build and oversee the pipelines that gather data from various sources so as to make data more accessible for those who need to analyze it (e.g., data analysts).
General Requirements
Data engineering is a role that demands not just technical expertise in tools like SQL, Python, and Hadoop but also a creative problem-solving approach to tackle the complex challenges of managing massive amounts of data efficiently.
Usually, employers look for credentials like university degrees or advanced data science courses and bootcamps.
Average Salary
Data engineers earn a whooping average salary of $125,180 per year.
Database Architect
A database architect’s main responsibility involves designing the entire blueprint of a data management system, much like an architect who sketches the plan for a building. They lay down the groundwork for an efficient and scalable data infrastructure.
Their day-to-day work is a fascinating mix of big-picture thinking and intricate detail management. They decide how to store, consume, integrate, and manage data by different business systems.
General Requirements
If you’re aiming to excel as a database architect but don’t necessarily want to pursue a degree, you could start honing your technical skills. Become proficient in database systems like MySQL or Oracle, and learn data modeling tools like ERwin. Don’t forget programming languages – SQL, Python, or Java.
If you want to take it one step further, pursue a credential like the Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) or the Data Science Bootcamp by Springboard.
Average Salary
Data architecture is a very lucrative career. A database architect can earn an average of $165,383 per year.
Machine Learning Engineer
A machine learning engineer experiments with various machine learning models and algorithms, fine-tuning them for specific tasks like image recognition, natural language processing, or predictive analytics. Machine learning engineers also collaborate closely with data scientists and analysts to understand the requirements and limitations of data and translate these insights into solutions.
General Requirements
As a rule of thumb, machine learning engineers must be proficient in programming languages like Python or Java, and be familiar with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch. To successfully pursue this career, you can either choose to undergo a degree or enroll in courses and follow a self-study approach.
Average Salary
Depending heavily on the company’s size, machine learning engineers can earn between $125K and $187K per year, one of the highest-paying AI careers.
Quantitative Analyst
Qualitative analysts are essential for financial institutions, where they apply mathematical and statistical methods to analyze financial markets and assess risks. They are the brains behind complex models that predict market trends, evaluate investment strategies, and assist in making informed financial decisions.
They often deal with derivatives pricing, algorithmic trading, and risk management strategies, requiring a deep understanding of both finance and mathematics.
General Requirements
This data science role demands strong analytical skills, proficiency in mathematics and statistics, and a good grasp of financial theory. It always helps if you come from a finance-related background.
Average Salary
A quantitative analyst earns an average of $173,307 per year.
Data Mining Specialist
A data mining specialist uses their statistics and machine learning expertise to reveal patterns and insights that can solve problems. They swift through huge amounts of data, applying algorithms and data mining techniques to identify correlations and anomalies. In addition to these, data mining specialists are also essential for organizations to predict future trends and behaviors.
General Requirements
If you want to land a career in data mining, you should possess a degree or have a solid background in computer science, statistics, or a related field.
Average Salary
Data mining specialists earn $109,023 per year.
Data Visualisation Engineer
Data visualisation engineers specialize in transforming data into visually appealing graphical representations, much like a data storyteller. A big part of their day involves working with data analysts and business teams to understand the data’s context.
General Requirements
Data visualization engineers need a strong foundation in data analysis and be proficient in programming languages often used in data visualization, such as JavaScript, Python, or R. A valuable addition to their already-existing experience is a bit of expertise in design principles to allow them to create visualizations.
Average Salary
The average annual pay of a data visualization engineer is $103,031.
Resources To Find Data Science Jobs
The key to finding a good data science job is knowing where to look without procrastinating. To make sure you leverage the right platforms, read on.
Job Boards
When hunting for data science jobs, both niche job boards and general ones can be treasure troves of opportunity.
Niche boards are created specifically for data science and related fields, offering listings that cut through the noise of broader job markets. Meanwhile, general job boards can have hidden gems and opportunities.
Online Communities
Spend time on platforms like Slack, Discord, GitHub, or IndieHackers, as they are a space to share knowledge, collaborate on projects, and find job openings posted by community members.
Network And LinkedIn
Don’t forget about socials like LinkedIn or Twitter. The LinkedIn Jobs section, in particular, is a useful resource, offering a wide range of opportunities and the ability to directly reach out to hiring managers or apply for positions. Just make sure not to apply through the “Easy Apply” options, as you’ll be competing with thousands of applicants who bring nothing unique to the table.
FAQs about Data Science Careers
We answer your most frequently asked questions.
Do I Need A Degree For Data Science?
A degree is not a set-in-stone requirement to become a data scientist. It’s true many data scientists hold a BA’s or MA’s degree, but these just provide foundational knowledge. It’s up to you to pursue further education through courses or bootcamps or work on projects that enhance your expertise. What matters most is your ability to demonstrate proficiency in data science concepts and tools.
Does Data Science Need Coding?
Yes. Coding is essential for data manipulation and analysis, especially knowledge of programming languages like Python and R.
Is Data Science A Lot Of Math?
It depends on the career you want to pursue. Data science involves quite a lot of math, particularly in areas like statistics, probability, and linear algebra.
What Skills Do You Need To Land an Entry-Level Data Science Position?
To land an entry-level job in data science, you should be proficient in several areas. As mentioned above, knowledge of programming languages is essential, and you should also have a good understanding of statistical analysis and machine learning. Soft skills are equally valuable, so make sure you’re acing problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication.
Since you’re here…Are you interested in this career track? Investigate with our free guide to what a data professional actually does. When you’re ready to build a CV that will make hiring managers melt, join our Data Science Bootcamp which will help you land a job or your tuition back!