While many high profile careers require extrovert traits, some of the most high demand jobs are suitable for introverts. Introverts derive energy from within rather than through interaction with others, and work well in environments where there are opportunities to work alone. Although most jobs require interaction with coworker and clients, certain jobs provide more quiet time to work than others. The following high demand jobs often require working alone, and might be suitable for the introvert personality.
Accountant
Accountants analyze and prepare financial information for individuals, businesses and organizations. An accountant’s or auditor’s work requires concentration, a strong skill for many introverts. Also, most accounting work involves working alone. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, a growth rate of 22% is projected through 2018*.
Biomedical Engineer
With a projected growth rate of 72% through 2018, biomedical engineering offers promising opportunities. Biomedical engineers help develop artificial limbs, prostheses, instrumentation, and other health products. A four year degree is the minimum requirement for entry-level jobs, but many biomedical engineers have graduate degrees.
Clinical Laboratory Technologist
Clinical laboratory technologists help diagnose and treat diseases by analyzing cells and body fluids. Most clinical laboratory technologist work in hospitals, while others worth in physicians’ offices or independent laboratories. Demand for clinical lab technologists is expected to exceed the supply of trained technologists, leading to excellent job prospects. A four year degree in medical technology or life sciences is required for most positions.
Environmental Scientist
Green jobs are in particularly high demand as concerns over the state of our water, soil and air continue to grow. Environmental scientists play a key roll identifying solutions to our biggest environmental problems. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for most positions, but a graduate degree can provide even more opportunities in the field.
Network Administrator
Jobs in information technology are generally good options for introverts, because most positions require working alone or in small teams. Projections point to faster-than-average job growth over the next decade for many of these jobs, including network administrators. Network administrators install and maintain network systems, including local area networks and intranet. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is the requirement for most positions.
While personality is an important factor when choosing a career, values, interests, and skills should also be considered. Read What Color Is Your Parachute? 2012: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers
*All growth statistics from BLS.gov/oco/