Are you an INFJ struggling to decide on a major?
Do you feel like you don’t quite fit into the typical career paths suggested by society?
As an INFJ, your unique personality traits and preferences may make certain fields more appealing than others.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best majors for INFJs, as well as some to avoid.
Whether you’re interested in psychology, social sciences, or non-fiction writing, there’s a major out there that’s perfect for you.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of INFJ majors.
What Should An INFJ Major In
INFJs are known for their empathetic nature, deep intuition, and strong desire to help others. These traits make them well-suited for careers in fields such as psychology, counseling, social work, and education.
If you’re an INFJ looking for a major that aligns with your natural talents and preferences, consider studying the humanities, social sciences, philosophy, religion, critical theory, investigative journalism, or non-fiction writing. These majors allow you to explore complex ideas and understand the human experience on a deeper level.
On the other hand, majors in law and medicine may not be the best fit for INFJs. These professions tend to be better suited for TJ types who thrive in high-pressure environments and enjoy making quick decisions based on logic and facts.
One field that INFJs excel in is psychology. This profession combines all of the best qualities of this personality type, potentially making them very adept in this field. From clinical research in a lab to private therapy practices, INFJs have great freedom in choosing where to develop themselves. Working as a psychologist also often means working individually and relying on their own knowledge and skill sets. This intimate privacy appeals greatly to the reserved INFJs, as they get to practice their deep intuition and understanding of individual human emotions more freely.
Counseling is another field that INFJs are well-suited for. As natural empaths, INFJs are very good at jobs that are oriented towards understanding other people’s feelings. Counselors may work as marriage and family therapists or in a specific counseling field like substance misuse or mental health. Known for their ability to take action, an INFJ can both listen and help develop treatment goals and plans that facilitate positive changes in their clients’ lives.
It’s important to note that any personality type can be successful in any occupation. However, some occupations are better suited to the natural talents and preferred work style of the INFJ. Occupations that require the INFJ to operate outside their natural preferences may prove stressful or draining.
Understanding The INFJ Personality Type
INFJs are introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging individuals. They are deeply empathetic and value-driven, often seeking careers that align with their personal beliefs and desire to help others. INFJs are natural listeners and deep thinkers, making them well-suited for careers in counseling, social work, education, and psychology.
INFJs also have a creative streak that can be seen in their career choices. They often enjoy working with language and can be found in various fields in the arts. Additionally, INFJs appreciate careers that allow them to use their intellect on problems that interest them, particularly those related to people problems.
While INFJs can excel in any occupation, they may find certain fields more draining or stressful if they require them to operate outside their natural preferences. For example, careers in law or medicine may not be the best fit for INFJs as they tend to thrive in environments that allow them to use their intuition and empathetic nature to help others.
Best Majors For INFJs
If you’re an INFJ looking to choose a major that aligns with your personality, there are several options to consider. One of the best majors for INFJs is the humanities. This major allows you to explore complex ideas and understand the human experience on a deeper level. Subjects like literature, philosophy, and critical theory are especially appealing to INFJs because they allow them to use their intuition and empathy to analyze complex human emotions and experiences.
Another great major for INFJs is social sciences. This major includes subjects like sociology, anthropology, and psychology. Social sciences allow INFJs to study human behavior and understand the complex social dynamics that shape our world. Psychology, in particular, is an excellent choice for INFJs because it combines all of their best qualities, including their empathy, intuition, and desire to help others.
Religion and philosophy are also great majors for INFJs. These majors allow you to explore questions about the meaning of life, morality, and spirituality. INFJs are often drawn to these subjects because they seek a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it.
Finally, investigative journalism and non-fiction writing are excellent majors for INFJs who enjoy using their intellect on problems that interest them. These majors allow you to explore complex issues and communicate your findings to others. INFJs who enjoy working with language will find these majors especially fulfilling.
Psychology And Counseling Majors For INFJs
For INFJs interested in pursuing a career in psychology or counseling, there are several majors that may be particularly beneficial. Social sciences majors such as psychology and sociology are likely to do them a lot of good. These degrees provide a strong foundation in understanding human behavior and emotions, which is crucial for success in these fields.
In addition to social sciences, INFJs may also find majors that encourage the expression of their creativity to be beneficial. Majors such as creative writing, painting, or photography can allow INFJs to explore their artistic side while still developing the skills necessary for a career in psychology or counseling.
INFJs often have a passion for contributing to meaningful research, so pursuing a later career in academia isn’t out of the question for them. Pursuing a graduate degree in psychology or counseling can provide them with the opportunity to conduct research and make significant contributions to the field.
Social Sciences And Humanities Majors For INFJs
INFJs are highly empathetic and creative individuals who enjoy helping others and making a positive impact on society. For this reason, majors in the social sciences and humanities may be particularly appealing to them.
Social sciences majors such as Psychology and Sociology offer INFJs the opportunity to learn about human behavior, emotions, and relationships. These majors align with their natural inclination towards understanding and helping others. INFJs may excel in these fields as they have a deep understanding of individual emotions and can use their intuition to better understand people’s motivations.
Humanities majors such as Philosophy, Religion, Critical Theory, Investigative Journalism, and Non-Fiction Writing offer INFJs the chance to explore complex ideas and understand the human experience on a deeper level. These fields require deep introspection and critical thinking skills, which INFJs possess in abundance. They can use their creativity and imagination to express their thoughts and ideas in a unique way, making them well-suited for careers in writing or academia.
It’s important to note that INFJs should choose a major that aligns with their passions and interests. While social sciences and humanities may be a good fit for many INFJs, some individuals may find other fields more appealing. Ultimately, the most important factor is finding a career that allows them to use their natural talents to make a positive impact on society.
Creative Writing And Journalism Majors For INFJs
INFJs are highly creative and imaginative individuals, making majors in creative writing and journalism a great fit for them. As introverted individuals, INFJs tend to be perfectionists and enjoy spending time alone, which is necessary for creating quality content.
Creative writing majors allow INFJs to express their creativity through their writing, whether it be fiction, poetry, or screenwriting. INFJs have a natural talent for storytelling and can use their deep intuition to create complex characters and plotlines. This major also allows INFJs to explore their own emotions and experiences through their writing, which can be therapeutic for them.
Journalism majors are also a good fit for INFJs who have an interest in investigative journalism or non-fiction writing. INFJs with a passion for social justice and advocacy may find this major particularly appealing as it allows them to shed light on important issues and bring about change through their writing.
Both creative writing and journalism majors require strong research skills, which INFJs excel at due to their attention to detail and desire to understand complex ideas. Additionally, having a vast vocabulary and strong command of language is essential in these majors, which INFJs possess naturally.
Majors To Avoid For INFJs
While INFJs excel in certain fields, there are some majors that may not be the best fit for their personality type. Sales, advertising, marketing, and customer service may not align with INFJs’ values and principles, as these fields are often profit-driven rather than focused on helping others. INFJs may struggle with the idea of sacrificing their ideals just to increase sales or meet quotas.
Politics is another field that INFJs may find challenging. Politicians are public figures and must constantly socialize and interact with various personalities. This can be difficult for INFJs who prefer more intimate and meaningful connections. Additionally, being successful in politics often requires manipulating the system and pushing the right buttons, which may not sit well with INFJs who prioritize authenticity and transparency.
Military careers may also prove difficult for INFJs. Military personnel are trained to follow orders without question and adhere to strict schedules and rules. INFJs, who value creativity and individuality, may find it challenging to blindly obey commands and feel restricted by the rigid structure of military life.
Finally, majors in finance and clerical work may not be the best fit for INFJs either. These professions often involve routine work and little opportunity for intellectual growth or innovation. INFJs may feel unfulfilled in these roles and crave more meaningful work that allows them to use their intellect to help others.
In conclusion, while INFJs can be successful in any field they choose, it’s important for them to consider their natural talents and preferences when selecting a major or career path. By choosing a field that aligns with their values and allows them to use their empathy and intuition to help others, INFJs can find true fulfillment and satisfaction in their work.