7 Ideal Careers for Introverts
Choosing a career that aligns with your personality offers a number of benefits — especially if you’re an introvert. Although being introverted doesn’t necessarily mean you’re shy or feel anxious in social situations, it does mean that you’re likely to feel more comfortable in certain types of work environments.
While careers such as event planner and public relations specialist might be fun choices for extroverts, they’re unlikely to be on a list of the top 10 career paths for introverts.
If you’re among the 25%–40% of the population who feels more comfortable focusing on your inner ideas and thoughts — and prefer interacting with a limited number of people — below are just a few elements to consider when evaluating potential career paths.
4 Things That Introverts Should Look for in a Job Description
Different types of people thrive in different work environments. Introvert-friendly job posts often describe the following settings and features:
- Positions that stress independence and autonomy: Introverts tend to feel drained and exhausted after spending time with large groups of people. Positions that are highly autonomous and allow workers to perform most of their duties while working independently or with a limited number of people are often a good fit for this personality type.
- Positions that don’t require public speaking: The mere thought of public speaking, whether it involves presenting ideas to department heads or moderating a speaker session at a corporate conference, can be highly uncomfortable for introverts. Professionals with introverted personalities are more likely to excel in jobs that don’t require oral presentations.
- Companies that offer quiet spaces: Loud, bustling environments with lots of stimulation, such as newsrooms and sales floors, can leave introverts feeling distracted and overstimulated. Positions that allow applicants to work from home or in quiet workspaces are likely to be a better fit.
- Jobs that involve one-on-one interactions as opposed to frequent group-based work: Introverts are more likely to thrive in positions that don’t require a lot of group-based work, such as editor, graphic designer, or computer programmer. Jobs that provide a lot of independence often better align with introverts’ personality traits.
Top 7 Careers for Introverts
Introverts who are at the beginning of their careers or interested in shifting to a new one may find themselves drawn to the following positions that offer independence and autonomy — and are less likely to require working in large groups.
1. Accountant
Accountants use their accounting knowledge and business leadership skills to prepare financial statements and tax documents and maintain financial records. Many professionals working in this field work independently and, in some cases, from home. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that as of May 2021, the median annual wage for accountants was $77,250. It also projects the employment of accountants to grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031.
2. Editor
Editors plan and edit written material for publications such as websites, newspapers, periodicals, and books. Although some editors work at a dedicated job site, many work remotely. The BLS reports that as of May 2021, the median annual wage for editors was $63,350. It expects approximately 10,200 jobs for editors to become available each year between 2021 and 2031.
3. Computer Programmer
Computer programmers test, write, and modify scripts and code for software and applications. Professionals in this field often work autonomously, although they may also collaborate with a small team. The BLS reports that as of May 2021, the median annual wage for computer programmers was $93,000, adding that it expects approximately 9,600 positions in this field to become available each year between 2021 and 2031.
4. Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts study consumers’ preferences to help businesses assess the viability of potential new products or services. This research-based position often provides workers with a high level of independence. The BLS reports that as of May 2021, the median annual wage for professionals in this field was $63,920. It projects jobs for market research analysts to grow by 19% between 2021 and 2031.
5. Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists use their specialized knowledge of life and earth sciences to advise policymakers, help industries reduce waste, and advise on the cleanup of pollution, among other related responsibilities. Many of these professionals work in small offices, in the field, or in laboratories. As of May 2021, the median annual wage for environmental scientists was $76,530, according to the BLS, which projects 5% job growth in this field between 2021 and 2031.
6. Social Media Manager
Social media managers help brands market their products or services on various social media channels, including YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. This position is often a good fit for qualified applicants who identify as creative self-starters. The BLS includes social media managers under the blanket category of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers, who made a median annual salary of $127,150 in May 2021. The BLS projects overall employment in this field to grow 10% between 2021 and 2031.
7. Video Game Animator
Video game animators and artists are graphic designers who are responsible for making a video game aesthetically pleasing. Professionals in this field often work independently, although they sometimes need to collaborate with team members. The BLS reports that as of May 2021, the median annual wage for special effects artists and animators, including video game jobs, was $78,790. The future of IT jobs in this field is also steady, as the BLS projects 5% job growth for the animator and artist role between 2021 and 2031.
Choose a Career That Aligns with Your Personality
Students interested in pursuing these and other top jobs for introverts will need to start by investing in their education. Maryville University’s online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs not only offer the opportunity to work and study independently; they also allow students to learn on their own schedules.
Are you ready to take the next brave step toward pursuing a career that aligns with your interests and your personality? Read more about how Maryville University’s online degree programs can prepare you with the knowledge you’ll need to continue your journey.
Recommended Reading
Love What You Do: How to Find the Perfect Career
5 Love Languages for Work: Find Your Perfect Career Path
Self-Improvement Month: How College Can Help with Personal Growth
Sources
Forbes, “How to Align Your Personality with Your Career”
Goodwall, “25+ Best Jobs for Introverts: Top Careers for the Reserved & Reflective”
Indeed, “15 Best Jobs for Introverts”
Payscale, Best Jobs for Introverts
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Accountants and Auditors
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Editors
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Environmental Scientists and Specialists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Programmers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Market Research Analysts
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Special Effects Artists and Animators