The Best Degrees for Introverts (and Careers Path)
Choosing a major is the most crucial decision you’ll ever make as a student.
It’s a big deal you’re going to spend the next several years of your life studying and working in that field, so it’s essential to choose something that will be fulfilling and rewarding.
- But what if you’re an introvert?
- What if you’d rather spend time alone than with people?
Introversion is not the same as being shy or socially anxious; it’s just a part of who you are.
Some people are born introverts, while others become more introverted as they mature.
Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, there are plenty of ways to succeed in your career without being an extrovert.
In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the best degrees and careers for introverts so you can get started on your path toward finding one that fits your needs.
Looking for a job for introverts without a degree? Read this other article to find out where you can start.
Overview of Introverts:
Introverts are typically less talkative and reserved and feel more comfortable in smaller groups.
They tend to be more analytical and prefer to work independently.
Definition of Introversion:
Introversion is a psychological term that refers to the fact that introverts are more likely to be internally focused than extroverts. This means they are more likely to focus on their thoughts and feelings rather than the external world around them.
Critical Traits of Introverted Individuals:
Introverted individuals tend to be quiet, shy, and reserved. They often prefer solitary activities instead of socializing with others.
They tend to think before they act instead of acting impulsively or without thinking things through first.
Introverts are often described as “solitary” or having a “quiet personality.”
Best Majors for Introverts
Software Engineering:
Software engineering is one of the best jobs for introverted people. Many people in software engineering are introverts and don’t necessarily have to interact with many people to do their jobs. Software engineers usually work in teams and communicate with other team members via email or chat.
Software engineers need to be detail oriented and good at problem-solving. They must also be able to think critically about systems, which introverts enjoy doing. The ability to problem-solve and analyze strategies may come naturally for some introverted people.
Chemistry:
Chemistry can be an excellent choice for those who are more introverted, as it requires reading, composing, and contemplation. It isn’t necessary to be especially chatty to do well; you need to have an enthusiasm for chemistry and be prepared to invest effort in acquiring knowledge.
Many introverts love chemistry because it allows them to understand how things work at a fundamental level, giving them a sense of control over the world around them.
Information Technology:
If you love computers, why not turn that passion into a career?
The field of information technology is booming right now, and it’s an excellent place for an introvert to thrive.
Information technology careers have some of the highest starting salaries, so if you’re looking for a way to make a bank while still enjoying quiet, this might be the perfect fit.
You’ll also get to work with some fantastic new technologies every day, and let’s be honest: who doesn’t love tech?
Accounting:
Accounting jobs are often more solitary than other careers, and in some cases, you can work from home.
This can be an excellent option for people who need to work alone or do not like socializing with colleagues. Accounting majors are also typically well-paid, so you can earn a solid income while working from home.
Psychology:
Psychology is a major that’s all about understanding why people do the things they do. And that’s something an introvert can relate to.
You spend a lot of time observing other people, trying to figure out what makes them tick and how they act in different situations.
Psychology allows you to learn more about it and even help other people by using your knowledge to help them understand themselves better!
Psychology majors learn about many topics, including personality disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychopharmacology (medication), child development, and abnormal psychology.
Graphic Design:
Graphic designers have to be able to listen to their client’s needs and come up with solutions that will meet those needs while also being aesthetically pleasing.
Depending on the project’s demands, they must work well in groups or independently.
This is a great career path for someone who likes working independently but also loves collaborating with others and making a difference in someone’s life through their work.
Biology:
Biology is a great major for introverts because it lets them focus on the natural world and their thoughts.
Biology students have to learn to be self-driven, but they also get to work in groups, which helps them develop teamwork skills.
Even though biology majors need to be self-driven, they must collaborate with other students and professionals to get their work done.
Biology students need to learn how to balance their interests with the needs of others, which can help them become more open-minded and collaborative when they enter the workforce after graduation.
Careers for Introverts
Software Developer:
When you’re an introvert, your natural inclination is to stay inside and avoid social interactions. But the truth is that there are plenty of careers you can pursue that will allow you to work from home and still interact with people.
Software Developer is an excellent example of this. Many software developers work remotely, so they can stay in their houses if they want to.
If you’re an introvert who wants to work from home but also have a career where you occasionally get out of the house, software development is a perfect choice!
App Developer:
If you’re an introvert, you prefer to work alone. And if you’re looking for a job that allows you to work at home or remotely, consider becoming an application developer.
This career involves creating computer applications to meet the needs of clients. You’ll need to be comfortable with technology, but even if it’s not your area of expertise, plenty of online courses and resources are available to help you get started.
It’s a great option if you’re looking for a career where you can work independently and have some flexibility in terms of location and hours.
Data Analyst:
Data analysts help collect and organize information to make decisions and solve problems.
Data analysts are often required to work independently and may be tasked with creating reports or presentations based on their collected information.
The work of a data analyst can be very solitary, which may appeal to those who prefer quiet environments.
However, it is essential to note that data analysts need frequent interaction with their clients to determine their needs and how best to meet them.
Video Game Animator
Are you an introvert who loves to play video games? This might be the perfect career for you.
Video game animators work with programmers and designers to create characters, animations, and environments used in video games. They typically do some level of writing, as well.
Video game animators usually work freelance, from home, or at a studio where they can collaborate with other animators. The hours are often flexible as well.
Researcher:
Researching is a great way to use your natural strengths as an introvert: patience, attention to detail, and the ability to work well independently.
The best part about researching as a career is working with people on your terms.
You can choose who you want to work with, when you want to work with them, and how you want to collaborate with them.
This means that if you have trouble working in groups or talking on the phone, research may be an ideal career choice for you!
Librarian:
Introverts are often people-pleasers and like to help others, so working as a librarian would be the perfect job for an introverted person.
Librarians spend their days organizing and alphabetizing books, creating new systems to make their work more accessible, and helping patrons with their research.
It’s a job that requires a lot of sitting quietly and listening, which is where introverts can shine!
Writer:
Writing is a great way to express yourself without having to be around other people all the time.
You can write in your office or at home, and as long as you have a computer and an internet connection, you can do it from anywhere.
Writing also requires little social skills or interaction with other people.
It is all about sitting down at your desk, getting into work mode, and writing whatever comes to mind.
If you are good at writing, then this career choice will be easy for you because there will be plenty of opportunities for you to make money from it by working from home or setting up a blog so others can read what you write about different topics.
Artist:
Artists are people who love to create things that they can look at and admire. They may naturally have a talent for drawing, painting, or music.
They may also enjoy performing their art in front of others. Some artists create art by carving wood or stone. Others use paint to make paintings or sculptures that they display in galleries.
Artists must be able to think about what they want to create before starting work on it. They also need patience because some creations take a long time to complete.
Artists may find it challenging to work with other people because they often enjoy being alone with their thoughts when working on new projects.
Project Manager:
As a project manager, you will be responsible for managing the flow of tasks from beginning to end, which means that you need to be organized and able to juggle multiple responsibilities at once.
Project managers also have to be able to think on their feet and adjust plans quickly if necessary.
While being an introvert can make it hard for you to work in large groups or collaborate with people who are not like-minded, it makes you more equipped for this type of position because you are better at thinking independently and problem-solving.
How Introverts can excel in their chosen field
Introverts can be successful in any industry, but some careers are better than others for those who prefer to work alone.
Introverts are especially good at jobs where they have to think creatively because those kinds of environments give them the space to process their thoughts without interruption from others.
That’s why introverts in creative fields like art, writing, and design tend to do well in their careers; they know how to use their imagination and problem-solving skills effectively.
It’s also vital that introverts find a job that allows them to work alone as much as possible.
While having a quiet environment is ideal for an introvert’s productivity levels, it’s not always possible (especially if you’re working with other people!).
A good rule of thumb is to find an office where everyone has their workspace (preferably no one else). That way, your colleagues will only bother you when they need help and vice versa.
Common misconceptions about Introverts
1. Introverts are shy.
Shyness and introversion are two different things.
The former involves being afraid of social interaction, while the latter is more about a preference for spending time alone.
2. Introverts can’t be leaders.
Many introverts are great team leaders and managers because they’re quiet and thoughtful they don’t need to be the center of attention to lead effectively!
3. Introverts always want to be alone.
Many introverts enjoy spending time alone, but it’s important to remember that solitude isn’t their only source of happiness; in fact, it’s often one of many ways they recharge themselves so they can go out into the world again feeling refreshed and energized!
Successful Introverts in various industries
1. Introverts in the Media Industry
You might not realize it, but some of your favorite media personalities are introverts.
For example, Oprah Winfrey is a famous media personality who has succeeded in her industry due to her unique personality type and skills.
She comes across as friendly, outgoing, and chatty on television. Still, she’s an introvert who relies on her ability to listen carefully and connect with others deeply to achieve success.
2. Introverts in Business
Introverts can also be successful in business by using their ability to listen carefully and communicate thoughtfully with others.
For example, Bill Gates is an introvert who has succeeded in business by communicating effectively with others through email rather than face-to-face or phone calls.
He has also been known to express himself through writing rather than speaking publicly, another way introverts can succeed in business!
Should Introverts Go to College?
Yes! College is a fantastic time for anyone but especially for introverts, who can use the time to explore their interests and hone their communication skills.
College is also a prime opportunity to meet people with similar interests and learn how they became successful in their fields.
- But what if you need help figuring out what you want to do?
- Or what if you need to figure out if college is right for you?
Here are some tips for deciding whether college is right for you as an introvert:
- Think about your current lifestyle.
- Consider what you want to do for the rest of your life, then look for schools that can help get you there.
- Talk with people who have been successful in their fields, and ask them what they did in college that helped them achieve their goals.
- Take a Self-Assessment Test: Many tests assess personality traits like extroversion and introversion.
Still, we recommend the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test because it’s easy to understand and has been around for decades.
It’s also one of the most widely used tests by employers.
Conclusion:
We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the best career paths for introverts. If you still need to figure out what kind of career is right for you, we recommend taking a personality test or speaking with an expert.
A career coach can help you identify your ideal career and guide you through getting there!
If you’ve any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below!
