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January 11th, 2009 
collegecareerlife 
I’ve focused on introverts in a past article because I know that introverts are more limited in terms of what careers they can pursue. Since I don’t want to leave extroverts out, I’ll suggest some good jobs for introverts and extroverts within each field. Many introvert career suggestions will suit extroverts and visa versa. This post is meant for those that fall at an extreme end of the introvert/extrovert spectrum and want a career that is most likely to suit this particular personality aspect.
Accounting and Finance:
Extroverts are more likely to prefer management positions while introverts will prefer to stay behind the scenes doing research or financial analysis. Extroverts also make good entrepreneurs because they can make connections easily.
- Introvert jobs: credit analyst, financial analyst, staff accountant
- Extrovert jobs: personal financial adviser, financial manager, financial services sales agent
Marketing and Sales:
Jessica, in a comment to a previous post, mentioned that she loves the creativity used in marketing but she feels overwhelmed as an introvert. For creative introverts, marketing can be a good field if you choose a job that allows for some quiet time to concentrate.
- Introvert jobs: market research analyst, web/internet marketing analyst, marketing copywriter
- Extrovert jobs: advertising sales agent, public relations specialist, marketing manager*
*Marketing manager can be a great job for both introverts and extroverts, depending on the responsibilities of a particular position. Some marketing managers focus a large portion of their time on research and designing promotional material. Presentation and communication skills are essential for marketing management, but extroversion is not.
Information Technology:
You may think that only introverts would enjoy computer-related occupations, but extroverts can actually excel in jobs that require good marketing and public relations skills. Introverts will probably enjoy work within an organization where they can remain in the background working on projects without worrying too much about promoting their ideas or products.
- Introvert jobs: software engineer, computer systems analyst
- Extrovert jobs: independent web developer/designer, professional tech blogger, entrepreneur
Education:
You might be surprised to learn that many teachers consider themselves introverts. Don’t rule teaching out if you are introverted because many teaching jobs allow for down-time between classes. If you are interested in teaching a certain subject, don’t let your personality stop you.
- Introvert jobs: librarian, school psychologist, guidance counselor, college professor
- Extrovert jobs: elementary school teacher, education administrator
Health care:
Empathy and patience are two important traits for health care workers to have. Introverts are often very sensitive and contemplative, making them excellent candidates for many jobs the health care field. Extroverts usually do well in jobs that require both good interpersonal skills and stamina.
- Introvert jobs: pharmacist, anesthesiologist, family physician, nutritionist, home health nurse
- Extrovert jobs: emergency medical technician, physical therapist, emergency room nurse
For more research about personality and career choice read Career Match: Connecting Who You Are with What You’ll Love to Do
For more career planning books visit the College Career Life store.
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Very informative post. I never realized how being a teacher is suited for introverted people. Another surefire job for introverted people is anything that pertains to the Internet. Online work allows employees to be removed from actual contact with co-workers as their communication is reduced to IM or chat. If you happen to be questioning the validity of the Internet, look no further to online school. Even education looks for online assistance to teach their students such as online interior design courses, management webinars, and such.
I am a middle school teacher and an introvert. After teaching for 10 years, I am fried and must find a new career. The problem with a teacher’s schedule is that even though “down-time” may be planned into your day, you DO NOT REALLY GET ANY DOWN-TIME. Your break times are taken up by meetings, planning, tutoring, making phone calls, and grading papers. If you are a true introvert, I recommend a position that is more one-on-one with students. Otherwise, you may find yourself looking for a different job in a few years.
@ Elizabeth
You’re right that K-12 teachers usually have little, if any, down time. I think that post-secondary teaching is the best option for introverts.