Best business careers for introverts

Alexandra is a driven, high-spirited, unapologetically energetic, and optimistic person. She prides herself on her devotion to becoming a better business leader and overall human. She has an insatiable hunger for knowledge, asks a million questions, and thrives on making change.

She has reached many populations throughout her career. She's studied recidivism, helped prior criminal offenders reintegrate into society, and built trusting relationships while working at a homeless shelter. 

Her passion for education also shines through in her work. She taught younger children for many years, but has since turned her focus to higher education. She loves collaborating with others to be a disruptor in the education industry, creating and delivering programs that are unlike others — all while building a better future for her clients and students.  

When she's not working, you can find her in and around Washington, D.C., hiking on local trails, off-roading in the forest in her Jeep, or reading a good book with a homemade iced white chocolate mocha in hand (usually accompanied by her three dogs and three cats).

Tapia is a paid member of the Red Ventures Education freelance review network. 

Page last reviewed on January 31, 2022.

Business and Management

12 Ideal Jobs for Introverts

1. What Is an Introvert?
2. 12 Good Jobs for Introverts
3. Introverts Are Business Assets

The stereotypical business leader or entrepreneur is someone who is extremely outgoing and charismatic. They go out of their way to talk to others and get deals done. While this may be the impression many people have, in reality, some of the most influential business leaders of the past few decades have been introverts. Steve Wozniak, for example, was revolutionary in the design of Apple products, but he much preferred to work by himself. In fact, his advice to artists and inventors is to “work alone.” As he put it in his book iWoz, he describes himself as “shy.” He even says that being an engineer or artist is one of the best jobs for introverts.

Wozniak isn’t the only one who feels this way. Research from Virgin Money found that nearly 40 percent of all entrepreneurs described themselves as introverted. So, it’s clear that you don’t always need to know how to be charismatic to be successful. Take famous introverted leaders like Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Page, and even Albert Einstein for example.

Many people think extroverts are more successful because they are people-oriented and show confidence, but that is no guarantee of success. Introvert or extrovert, a leader must have a distinct vision of a better tomorrow and execute upon the goals that lead them to achieve it. They need to be action-oriented, passionate, optimistic, inspiring, and resilient. Inward-facing people can demonstrate good team leadership and coordination in jobs that suit their personality type.

In this article, learn which top-tier jobs make for excellent careers for introverts.

Key Takeaways

• Introverts are individuals who recharge their energy through alone time or with small groups of familiar people.
• Jobs that don’t require a lot of socialization are perfect for introverts.
• Introverts often thrive in jobs that encourage independence.

An introvert is someone who recharges mentally, emotionally, and physically through limited social interaction. For this reason, they often excel when working alone or in a less stimulating environment. They are usually reserved and need alone time in order to re-energize themselves.

Introverts often prefer to spend an evening by themselves or with their closest friends and family rather than going out on the town. They don’t always shy away from social interaction, but they don’t actively seek it out either.

Many people have become familiar with the introverted personality type thanks to the Myers-Briggs personality test. In this classification, those with more introversion prefer deep social interactions and love to spend time deep in thought. A few examples of personality types that feature the introvert characteristic include The Thinker (INTP), The Artist (ISFP), and The Architect (INTJ).

Working as an introvert can be beneficial in certain jobs. Don’t let a more introverted personality dissuade you from pursuing your dreams. The following are some ideal jobs that introverts tend to enjoy.

Entrepreneurs take ideas or visions and turn them into businesses. They bear the weight of risk, but they also receive the perks and rewards that come with it. They are their own bosses, so they can decide what their business culture is like and how they get the job done. Entrepreneurs don’t have to be smooth-talking sources of charisma. They just need to believe in what they’re doing and keep working tirelessly to succeed. So, if you’re an introvert (or an ambivert or omnivert), an entrepreneur may be just the thing for you.

• Work independently as much as you like
• Set your own schedule
• Create your own work culture
• Determine how much direct interaction with others you have
• Spend hours alone to bring something new to life

Average Salary: Largely depends on the success of the business

Requirements: Again, it depends on what you intend to do—many entrepreneurs have an MBA, while some have no college degree at all

When technical problems threaten to derail a project, the engineer comes in to save the day. Engineers are part of nearly every industry you can think of. Some jobs in this field include mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and civil engineering, meaning you’re bound to find a job in an area that interests you. Engineers are all about using science and technical expertise to solve problems and make breakthroughs.

• Take a deep dive into problem-solving on your own
• Work with only a handful of people each day
• Have a mostly isolated work environment
• Little to no interaction with customers

Average Salary: ~$83,000

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in engineering

If you have a way with words, you’ll want to look into becoming a technical writer. This job involves taking complex topics and instructions and boiling them down to terms and steps that almost anyone can follow. If you’ve ever read a how-to guide or an instruction manual, it’s likely you’ve read something written by a technical writer.

• Get the chance to determine how to best tackle projects independently
• Work from home (most technical writer jobs support this)
• Write on your own
• Receive written feedback

Average Salary: ~$75,000

Requirements: Bachelor’s in writing, English, or communication

Graphic designers use artistic software tools to create pleasing visuals and images. These images convey a voice, personality, and message a company wants to share with prospective customers. As one of the top jobs for introverts, it requires an active imagination and a creative flair. 

• Largely work on your own
• Attend occasional meetings
• Work remotely if your employer supports telecommuting

Average Salary: ~$45,000

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, certification in tools such as Adobe Creative Suite

5. Architect

For stimulating independent work, architecture is hard to beat. Architects spend much of their time focusing on creative pursuits, using their knowledge to solve problems in style. The design of buildings is just the sort of thing that can keep the mind sharp. If you don’t mind the occasional client meeting, few careers for introverts are as good a fit as an architect.

• Design on your own
• Run your own office just the way you like
• Interact with others mostly through email or other messaging apps

Average Salary: ~$80,000

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree in architecture, paid internship

Social media is where most customers now interact with companies. As a social media manager, you will create the content that customers and fans see. Social media managers plan out their content strategies and create marketing campaigns that get the most interaction with people, elevating the brand while also providing substance.

• Enjoy remote work, as most companies offer it now for this specific job
• Work by yourself or with a small team
• Engage with customers mainly online and not in-person

Average Salary: ~$52,000

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, experience in social media content creation

Another one of the best introvert jobs is becoming an information technology manager. If you have an interest in technology and solving problems for people and companies, this might be for you. IT managers help upgrade software and hardware while troubleshooting problems. They are also at the forefront of providing security for an organization’s most sensitive systems.

• Have the real possibility for remote work
• Work with computers all day
• Focus more on technology issues and less on people problems

Average Salary: ~$85,000

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, industry certifications

8. Scientist

The role of a scientist can fall into many fields. A scientist can be an expert in chemistry, physics, astronomy, biology, and much more. Scientists conduct research into areas where they have the most curiosity, so you are only limited by your own interests. They’re knowledge-seekers with a desire to improve the world through their work. 

• Work alone or with a small team
• Spend time in the field away from crowds
• Conduct extensive research
• Study and read independently

Average Salary: ~$70,000

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree in a scientific field

For those who have a way with math and numbers, an accountant is one of the best jobs for introverts. Accountants can work for a specific company, or they can help a lot of clients. Their main duties include preparing the necessary financial records to be filed and ensuring organizations stay within an allotted budget.  

• Work mostly on your own
• Have customer and client interactions that are usually one-on-one or in small groups
• Think deeply about numbers and financial documents

Average Salary: ~$70,000

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, CPA license

You use apps every day on your smartphone or tablet. Why not be the person behind a helpful app that millions can use? App developers are the architects behind the design and creation of applications that make life easier for countless people all over the world. They are limited only by their imagination and creativity. In many ways, app developers are like the inventors of the modern technological world as they present solutions to life’s problems. App developer is a high-paying job that utilizes computer science skills and creativity.

• Be self-employed and set your own schedule
• Work by yourself to create the software
• Have a strong possibility of remote work

Average Salary: ~$75,000

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, certification (usually through Google and Apple Developers)

11. Actuary

An actuary is another job for people who love to work with numbers all day. Their main task is to analyze the financial risks companies are taking with some of their strategies and policies. As such, they play an important role in the growth and success of an organization. If you enjoy statistics and helping a company thrive, working as an actuary might be for you.

• Work independently a large majority of the time
• Find a remote job opportunity
• Interact mostly with people you already know

Average Salary: ~$95,000

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, certifications (Society of Actuaries and Casualty Actuarial Society)

A data architect uses computer science and math skills to design data systems for an organization. Working as a data architect can be pretty challenging, but the rewards make it worth it both financially and personally. After all, the data architect can discover new opportunities that companies can take advantage of or spot problems that might fly under the radar. 

• Have the ability to work from home
• Work on your own
• Experience minimal social interaction

Average Salary: ~$115,000

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, industry-specific certifications

For too long, people have looked at having an introverted personality as a weakness in the business world. That’s simply not true. There are plenty of jobs for introverts where they can thrive and help their respective companies. You don’t have to be outgoing all the time to do a great job at work. If you spend your time working hard, collaborating with others, and demonstrating a commitment to your growth, there will always be a place for you. The best jobs for introverts will utilize your strengths.

Don’t let being an introvert keep you from pursuing your passions. Step into your strengths. When you understand what they are and harness them, you can have a successful career no matter what you choose to do.

For more about personality types in business, discover the answer to the question, “Are leaders born or made?“

Can an introvert become a successful entrepreneur? — Career on vc.ru

Hello! I'm Vera Ivanova, lead tracker at Admitad Projects startup studio. Today I would like to share my observations about introvert entrepreneurs. It used to be kind of indecent to be an introvert.

3120 views

Remember all these motives from the last century: "Strength in the team" and others "It is important to be open to comrades." Well, if a person lives more “in himself”, then he is secretive - you can’t trust him!

Such stereotypes have been hammered into the heads for years and quite successfully formed a certain structure "introvert = almost a loser. " What kind of entrepreneurship are we talking about here?

But has this model of perception passed from the system of the past to the modern one, or is it not a stereotype at all, but a harsh truth? And an introvert is such a 100% exclusively hired worker who does not want and does not know how to build a business with all its complex components: daily communication, expanding connections, the ability to defend one's position, and so on?

It looks like quite the opposite

The International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development noted an interesting fact recorded by scientists in a number of field studies: introverts have their own management style - Servant Leadership. And it is this style that allows them to become more successful leaders, outdoing extroverts in their achievements.

How so?

After all, an open and energetic extrovert-boss, radiating confidence - here he is, the image of a classic leader_successful_businessman? We constantly see such guys around us: in public life, at work, on YouTube and on TV, after all! And this seems to be logical: people who like to be in the spotlight, recharged from the energy of other people - these are the true leaders, aren't they?

But introverts, with their eternal detached position of a solitary observer, are not so simple.

We don't understand introversion in business?

Yes, it may be uncomfortable for them to communicate with a large number of employees or clients, but they can see the situation from the outside. A detached, coldly calculating view of business is no less important than the ability to actively and aggressively overcome all sorts of work difficulties. Yes, and face-to-face negotiations for an entrepreneur are no less, and often more important, than the ability to stay “in public”.

It is in such negotiations that an introvert can show his strong side: listen and hear the opponent, think over his words and give a balanced answer. Or take a pause for such an answer: after all, an introvert is usually not about fleeting decisions.

In addition, it is easier for an introvert to increase his presence in communication with a client, and this will most often be taken as a sign of rapprochement. But it is still more difficult for an extrovert to “reduce” his obvious bright personality, because this is a way of life.

It is also impossible not to note the advantage that is extremely relevant in modern society with its post-pandemic realities of remote communication. Here, by the way, well, it’s impossible not to remember this meme:

After all, extroverts are used to 100% use their personal charm and literally put pressure on a person with their charm, but now this possibility is severely curtailed in many industries.

And introverts, on the contrary, got new opportunities - to use the power of their "textual" charm in correspondence or in remote negotiations through the same Zoom. When they don’t even have discomfort from the physical presence of a person at arm’s length (of course, there is no escape from the very need to communicate).

Of course, it would be wrong to say that extroverts are not good at entrepreneurship, because various social skills such as the ability to sell and acquire connections are important. Here 1:0 in favor of extroverts.

But is it enough to achieve business goals? Is it possible to increase its value by selling only and expanding its own network of conditional sellers-buyers?

After all, you can expand the network, or you can understand whether the product has additional value.

And if it exists and the audience is willing to pay, then raising the price x3 will generate more revenue than another open store. More income and significantly less effort. It is at such moments that an introvert comes in handy with his habit of looking at a problem from all sides, rolling it inside himself.

But introverts, due to their psychotype, have advantages not only in analytics and co. Strange as it may sound, sometimes an introvert is a much better conversationalist.

Greg McKeown, best-selling author of Essentialism writes, “No one wants to have a 'business conversation', especially those at the highest levels of business and politics. They crave real conversations and real relationships. You have to be authentic and sincere."

Judge for yourself, with whom would you like to communicate more: with a dominant speaker or a person who knows how to listen and hear not only himself?

Total: Introvert Entrepreneur Advantage

The issue discussed in this article has been repeatedly discussed in various venerable publications - Business Insider, Industry Weeks, Inc.

The same idea runs through all materials: it is easier for introverts to find a solution to a problem, and their thinking allows them to see the whole picture of the business. Introverts are better at resolving conflicts and are better leaders.

Let's try to collect in one list the traits common to most introverts and evaluate their possible importance for business. So, introverts:

• are more often realists than builders of cloud castles;
• put their peace of mind first;
• avoid contact with toxic/cynical people;
• do not try to please everyone, are picky in their social connections;
• listen more carefully than extroverts, can better understand the problem.

Each of these features can help the entrepreneur solve the problems of his company. And some of them will allow you to solve the same problems with really high quality.

So is it worth it for introverts to "get into business"?

Ask Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Larry Page, Mark Zuckerberg or Elon Musk. On the one side.

On the other hand, they took their places on the business Olympus not because they were introverts, but because they were able to develop in the right direction. Including using the strengths of the personality type.

If the introvert who reads this article is ready to work on himself, by analogy with these guys, then yes, he has every chance of becoming a successful entrepreneur.

And if not - ...well, being hired or freelancing can also get a good job. True, you may have to carefully hide your features and pretend to be an extrovert - because that's what management likes so much.

P. S. Both extroverts and introverts successfully coexist and work in our startup studio Admitad Projects. Look into our chat and Telegram channel - perhaps you will find something interesting for yourself.

The best career paths that help introverts

A job that best suits your personality will help you feel productive and bring you maximum satisfaction and happiness, which will help you in the long run.

Every introvert is likely to thrive in a work environment where they are encouraged to work on their own tasks with minimal social interaction or meetings that drain their energy.

The good news is that there are actually many career paths that are best for introverts. Let's look at it. Check out the Best Online Communities for Introverts.

1. Application Developer

As an introvert, you are likely to be fascinated by the complexity of tasks that will help you better use your problem-solving skills. Application and software development can be an ideal path, requiring you to use your programming skills to code, test, run, and improve various applications to suit various needs.

With software development skills in high demand, the career is very rewarding and has many opportunities. According to the Salary Scale, an App Developer earns an average of around $89.000 per year.

2. Freelance Writer

Introverts may not be great communicators, but they often express themselves best in writing. Freelance writers can be creative introverts with exploratory abilities and excellent written communication skills.

As a freelance writer, you will write compelling content or transcribe any digital format - blogs, social media posts, e-books, flyers, brochures and more. According to Indeed, in the US, a freelance writer earns an average of $58.507 per year. However, the potential for further scaling – for example, by creating your own products – is huge. Check Ideal habits that will increase your productivity while writing.

3. Graphic designer

While every writer puts his thoughts into words, a graphic designer expresses them through visuals and images. The graphic designer is responsible for creating illustrations that convey the vision of the brand. This includes developing creative designs, logos, and other visual formats using various design applications such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Sketch, and more.

The career path is best for introverts because it requires more attention to detail and allows them to work independently most of the time for longer periods of time without interruption. According to In fact, the average graphic designer earns about 59$.194 per year.

4. Data Analyzer

Because huge amounts of data are generated every day, companies rely on it to make their most important business decisions. This is where the data analyst comes into play. It is responsible for analyzing these huge amounts of data, interpreting them into useful insights for business success, and filtering them as required.

The path to becoming a data analyst requires good organizational and analytical skills, as well as providing an environment for freelance work, making it one of the best career options for introverts. according to Glassdoor The average data analyst earns about 69$517 per year. Check out How to Become a Market Analyst: The Complete Guide.

5. DBA

As a DBA, you will be responsible for maintaining database servers - maintaining performance, developing installations and security, managing access, updating, setting database standards, and more.

Choosing a career is one of the highest paying jobs on this list with an average annual salary of 9$0,802. Indeed. This position is best suited for introverts with excellent analytical skills, knowledge of database languages, and anyone familiar with database architecture. Check out Some High Paying Data Analyst Jobs.

6. Social Media Administrator

To become a social media administrator, you must manage your client/company profiles, stay up to date with the latest social media trends, brainstorm for publication, and more.

Most of the work involves you working on your own. However, depending on the size of your company, you may need to collaborate with a team to communicate your strategies and plan. Reports indicate Pay scale The average social media administrator earns about $57,449 per year. Check out the Most Important High-Paid Jobs on Social Media.

7. Market Research Analyst

The Market Research Analyst is responsible for studying the demand for a product or service by conducting surveys, collecting data, and helping companies gain insight into a potential market. The career path requires critical thinking, analytical skills, and an understanding of customer behavior.

As a market research analyst, you can work independently except when you need to present data to clients or executives. according to Indeed For example, the average salary of a market analyst is $51,147 per year.

8. Virtual Assistant

As the name suggests, a virtual assistant helps clients or businesses with various online administrative services, including email processing, phone call scheduling, social media profile management, meeting scheduling, and more.

The Virtual Assistant role allows you to work from anywhere on the Internet, as long as you have a stable Internet connection and a working computer. According to Salary Scale The average salary of a virtual assistant is $43,965 per year.

9. Actuary

An actuary is a business expert who measures and manages risk based on a deep understanding of mathematics, statistics and business management. Essentially, an actuary predicts the financial future of a company using math and science.

Do you like working with numbers? Companies look to actuaries for help in developing policies to mitigate the financial risks associated with certain outcomes.

An actuary uses various reporting applications to interpret his research data. An introvert who enjoys counting numbers and working alone may find this a great career choice.

According to Indeed, the average salary for an actuary is around $111,045 per year, making it one of the most lucrative career paths on this list.

10. Virtual Accountant

Another suitable profession for introverts who like to play with numbers is the virtual accountant. This includes keeping records of financial transactions, invoicing, preparing monthly account statements, and summarizing the transactions of a client or the company you work for.

According to Glassdoor, a hypothetical accountant makes about $41,391 a year on average.

11. Online translator

You will be responsible for converting documents or audio from one language to another as an online translator. This role will suit you best if you have excellent writing skills and can write fluently in different languages.

As an online translator, you will mostly be working from the comfort of your own home, making this profession ideal for introverts. According to Indeed, the average salary for a freelance translator is roughly $54,601 per year.

12. Voice transcriber

Like translation, audio transcription also involves converting an audio document to another format. After listening to the audio file, the audio transcriber is responsible for preparing a written document of what was said.

This is an excellent career choice for introverts with excellent listening and writing skills. Indicates In fact, the average salary of a sound engineer is around $44,608 per year. Check The best way to easily transcribe your podcast.

13. Video editor

Video editing is another lucrative career for introverts. As a video editor, you will be responsible for editing videos according to requirements and scenarios using various video editing applications such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects and more.

The video editor is creative, pays great attention to detail, and is well versed in video editing applications. According to Indeed, the average annual salary for a video editor is around $52,048.

14. Data Entry Specialist

Data Entry Specialist is another career for introverts who like to work long hours and track records in front of a computer with minimal human intervention.

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