MBTI ^® Type and Careers

Research data seems to support the trend that the function pairs, ST, SF, NF, and NT, have the most influence on job selection. Studies have found that the amount of overlap on lists of most chosen occupations within pairs of opposite types ranged from 2% to 14%. This means, that for each pair of opposites only one to seven job titles out of more than 200 occupations appeared among the top 50 occupations for both types. For example, NT’s are more likely to be found in jobs similar to one another and more likely to be in different jobs than SF’s.

ST’s are often found in occupations where they can focus on pragmatic ways to use data. Many ST’s gravitate towards jobs in business.

SF’s like to help people in practical ways. Many are found in jobs in education and
health care.

NF’s want to help people through working in areas such as religion, counseling, and the arts.

NT’s focus on theoretical frameworks and keeping themselves challenged. They are often found in science, technology, and management occupations.

While similar types tend to gravitate toward similar occupations, and the amount of overlap between different types can be small, it is important to remember that there is a lot of type diversity within an occupation. Within most occupations there are people with each type preference who are satisfied and effective. Considering the number of niches and specialties that can be found in many occupations this is not surprising.

Since the function pairs play the largest role in occupational choice, it is useful to help career clients consider how to access their function preferences in the jobs they are considering. Counsellors should also encourage clients to examine careers for specialties that will allow for a closer fit between the types of activities performed and the clients’ type preferences. The research data available shows patterns and trends in occupational selection by type. However, it is necessary to keep the big picture in mind and avoid encouraging clients to pursue a career simply because they are the right type.

Solutions

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MBTI ^® Type and Careers