Are you an INFP on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator?
As a dreamer with a knack for creative problem solving, artistic expression, and abstract thinking, you might be wondering what the best career options are for your personality type.
INFPs thrive in mission-driven careers that connect to their values and provide a sense of purpose. They are drawn to jobs that allow them to make a meaningful contribution rather than well-paid positions that leave them unfulfilled.
In this article, we’ll explore the top five career matches for INFPs, as well as jobs to avoid and why. Whether you’re a writer, artist, or healthcare professional, there’s a career out there that’s perfect for your unique strengths and passions.
So let’s dive in and discover what jobs INFPs should do!
What Jobs Should INFP Do
1. Writer/Editor
INFPs have a natural talent for communication, making them excellent writers and editors. Many famous writers, such as J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling, are INFPs. They enjoy expressing themselves through written words and can infuse even the driest of materials with new life. INFPs may also find success in related careers such as copywriting, desktop publishing, and journalism.
2. Counselor/Psychologist
INFPs are compassionate and empathetic individuals who are drawn to careers that help others. Counseling, psychology, and social work are all great options for INFPs who want to make a difference in people’s lives. They have a natural ability to understand people’s needs and can provide valuable support and guidance.
3. Healthcare Professional
Some healthcare roles, such as licensed clinical social workers and occupational therapists, are well-paid and align with INFP values. INFPs who are interested in science and healthcare may find success in these fields while still feeling purposeful and fulfilled.
4. Human Resources Specialist
INFPs have excellent communication skills and can be great at motivating and inspiring others. Human resources roles, such as customer relations manager or human resource specialist, allow INFPs to use their skills to vitalize teams or workforces. They can also excel in marketing, coaching, and training.
5. Non-Profit Worker
INFPs are often drawn to careers that focus on service and making a difference in the world. Non-profit organizations offer many opportunities for INFPs to use their skills and passions for a greater good. Whether it’s working for an environmental organization or a charity that helps disadvantaged communities, INFPs can find purposeful work in the non-profit sector.
The INFP Personality Type: Traits And Characteristics
The INFP personality type is known for possessing strong value systems, being future-oriented, creative, and highly religious or philosophical individuals. They are driven to meet the needs of others and tend to choose careers that allow them to use their instinctive sense of empathy and remarkable communication skills. INFPs thrive in mission-driven careers that connect to their values, and they need to feel purposeful in their work.
INFPs are highly empathetic and compassionate individuals who enjoy learning and discovering truths about people at a deeper level to better understand and help them. They are well-suited to careers related to therapy, psychology, and counseling due to their desire to discover patterns and help people, along with their good listening skills. INFPs also excel in helping and service professions such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, social work, coaching, ministry/priesthood, missionary work, and religious work.
INFPs have a natural talent for communication, making them excellent writers and editors. They enjoy expressing themselves through written words and can infuse even the driest of materials with new life. INFPs may also find success in related careers such as copywriting, desktop publishing, and journalism.
INFPs are drawn to careers that focus on service and making a difference in the world. Non-profit organizations offer many opportunities for INFPs to use their skills and passions for a greater good. Whether it’s working for an environmental organization or a charity that helps disadvantaged communities, INFPs can find purposeful work in the non-profit sector.
INFPs are also well-suited to roles within the creative arts. With their curiosity and love of self-expression, many INFPs dream of becoming writers or pursuing careers in music, drama, dance, painting, sculpting, photography or poetry. They are sensitive to artistic beauty and can draw from their inner depths to pull out exquisite interpretations of a creator’s work.
Top 5 Career Matches For INFPs
INFPs are creative, empathetic, and value-driven individuals who thrive in careers that align with their strengths and passions. Here are the top 5 career matches for INFPs:
1. Writer/Editor: INFPs have a natural talent for communication, making them excellent writers and editors. They enjoy expressing themselves through written words and can infuse even the driest of materials with new life.
2. Counselor/Psychologist: INFPs are compassionate and empathetic individuals who are drawn to careers that help others. Counseling, psychology, and social work are all great options for INFPs who want to make a difference in people’s lives.
3. Healthcare Professional: Some healthcare roles, such as licensed clinical social workers and occupational therapists, are well-paid and align with INFP values. INFPs who are interested in science and healthcare may find success in these fields while still feeling purposeful and fulfilled.
4. Human Resources Specialist: INFPs have excellent communication skills and can be great at motivating and inspiring others. Human resources roles, such as customer relations manager or human resource specialist, allow INFPs to use their skills to vitalize teams or workforces.
5. Non-Profit Worker: INFPs are often drawn to careers that focus on service and making a difference in the world. Non-profit organizations offer many opportunities for INFPs to use their skills and passions for a greater good. Whether it’s working for an environmental organization or a charity that helps disadvantaged communities, INFPs can find purposeful work in the non-profit sector.
Jobs To Avoid For INFPs And Why
While INFPs can excel in a wide range of careers, there are some jobs that may not be the best fit for their unique personality traits. Here are some jobs that INFPs should avoid and why:
1. Police Officer
INFPs tend to shy away from conflict and may struggle with the high-stress environment of law enforcement. Additionally, the rigid structure and rules of police work may feel stifling to an INFP’s creative and independent spirit.
2. Electrical Engineer
INFPs tend to be more focused on people than things, making a career in electrical engineering less appealing. The technical and analytical nature of this job may also be overwhelming for INFPs who prefer to work with abstract ideas and concepts.
3. Systems Analyst/Programmer
Similar to electrical engineering, systems analysis and programming require a great deal of technical knowledge and attention to detail. INFPs may struggle with the monotony and lack of creativity involved in these roles.
4. Judge
The job of a judge requires making tough decisions based on strict legal guidelines, which may not align with an INFP’s values or sense of justice. INFPs may also find it difficult to separate their emotions from the facts of a case.
5. Financial Analyst
INFPs are not typically motivated by money or status, so a career in finance may not be fulfilling for them. The analytical nature of financial analysis may also be too overwhelming for INFPs who prefer to work with people rather than numbers.
How To Find Your Ideal Career As An INFP
As an INFP, finding your ideal career can be a challenging task. However, by understanding your personality traits and values, you can narrow down your options and find a career that aligns with your strengths and passions. Here are some tips on how to find your ideal career as an INFP:
1. Identify Your Values
INFPs are driven by their values and desire to make a meaningful contribution to the world. To find your ideal career, it’s important to identify your core values and seek out careers that align with them. Ask yourself what motivates you, what causes you care about, and what kind of impact you want to make.
2. Consider Your Skills and Passions
INFPs are creative, intuitive, and empathetic individuals who enjoy using their skills to help others. Consider what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing. Are you a talented writer or artist? Do you have a passion for helping others? Use these skills and passions to guide your career choices.
3. Research Career Options
Once you have identified your values, skills, and passions, research different career options that align with them. Look for jobs that allow you to use your strengths and make a meaningful contribution. Consider industries such as non-profit organizations, healthcare, counseling, writing/editing, and human resources.
4. Seek Out Mentors
Talking to people in careers that interest you can be a great way to gain insight into different industries and roles. Seek out mentors or informational interviews with professionals in fields that align with your values and skills.
5. Try New Things
Finally, don’t be afraid to try new things and explore different career paths. INFPs are known for their curiosity and love of learning, so take advantage of this trait by trying out different jobs or volunteering in different industries. You never know where it might lead you!
Success Stories: INFPs Thriving In Their Dream Jobs
INFPs are known for their strong personal values and their desire to make a positive impact in the world. Here are a few success stories of INFPs who have found their dream jobs and are thriving in them:
1. John Green – Writer
John Green is a best-selling author known for his young adult novels, including “The Fault in Our Stars” and “Looking for Alaska”. As an INFP, he is able to use his natural talent for communication to write books that resonate with readers of all ages. Green has also used his platform to raise awareness and funds for various causes, including mental health and education.
2. Brené Brown – Counselor/Researcher
Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston who specializes in topics such as vulnerability, shame, and empathy. As an INFP, she is able to connect with people on a deep emotional level and help them navigate difficult situations. Brown has also written several best-selling books, including “Daring Greatly” and “Braving the Wilderness”, which have helped countless people overcome their fears and live more authentic lives.
3. Patch Adams – Healthcare Professional
Patch Adams is a physician and social activist who is known for his unconventional approach to healthcare. As an INFP, he believes in treating patients as whole people rather than just their symptoms. Adams has founded several organizations, including the Gesundheit! Institute, which provides free medical care to underserved communities around the world.
4. Oprah Winfrey – Humanitarian/Philanthropist
Oprah Winfrey is a media mogul and philanthropist who has used her platform to promote education, health, and wellness. As an INFP, she is passionate about helping others and has donated millions of dollars to various charities and causes over the years. Winfrey has also interviewed countless inspiring individuals on her talk show, “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, which ran for 25 seasons.
5. Jane Goodall – Non-Profit Worker/Activist
Jane Goodall is a primatologist and conservationist who is best known for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees. As an INFP, she has always been passionate about animals and the environment. Goodall founded the Jane Goodall Institute, which works to protect chimpanzees and their habitats while also promoting conservation education around the world.
