The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a globally famous personality test that separates people into 16 distinct types using 8 different letters (E&I, N&S, T&F, P&J). These types are formed based on the combination of letters in 4 positions (some examples include ENFP, INTJ, ESTP). Each permutation represents a certain group of similar people, despite differences on the surface level. But is there a way that MBTI can help one in life?
MBTI reveals strengths and weaknesses, helping one understand themselves better. By using MBTI, you may have larger possibilities to find a career path that makes you feel more comfortable or gives you a platform to realize your goals, as MBTI analyzes your ways to deal with the world. According to the survey, 32% of students believe that the accuracy of MBTI is more than 90%, while 53% think that the percentage could go from 60% to 90%. “The personality traits described me pretty much perfectly, and the job list it gave were all jobs I thought about doing,” says Evelyn Renzo 28’. Another anonymous student says, “My result is very much like the way I do act, and my personality often clashes with those different from my results. I also got the same results when taking the test twice,” which shows that the test results are relatively reasonable. 77.9% of students agree that MBTI can serve as a reference for choosing a career path. LT Alleyne 26’ says, “Yes, MBTI can help guide career choices by showing your strengths and preferences, like whether you enjoy working with people or independently. Also, employers can use it to understand you better, but it doesn’t define everything about you. “My results are aligned with my future career goals and prospects,” says another anonymous student.
However, 15.8% of students think that MBTI is not directly related to your career path. and 73% of students believe that MBTI can be changed through circumstances and environments.
Mia Davenport 25’ said, “For some, it might help them realize things about themselves that they did not know, such as collaborating well in groups. However, it should not be the main reason why someone chooses a career path.” This is worth considering. Therefore, it is important to understand that MBTI just provides a reference.
There are several methods of applying MBTI to help you consider your career. In terms of extroversion and introversion: most of the time, extroverts are better at social contact with different people because they gain energy from it. In contrast, introverts are good at communicating with themselves, doing reflection, and seeking inner thoughts. Consequently, extroverts would prefer jobs that require communicating with various types of people, such as in the service industry, politics, or law. This satisfies their energy needs and makes them more excited when working. On the other hand, introverts usually spend more time staying with themselves. Unlike extroverts, who may feel lonely when alone, introverts enjoy this time because they are more willing to communicate with themselves and seek inner thoughts. They are more adept at reflecting on themselves and focusing on their own work. Accordingly, introverts are better suited for jobs that do not require large amounts of conversations and public speaking, such as writers, developers, artists, and analysts.
Another thing that is tested in MBTI is sensing vs. intuition. Generally, sensors tend to be pragmatic. They mainly focus on facts, details, and things that have already happened. In contrast, intuitives have a fertile imagination and curiosity, showing more interest in the possibilities of the future. This can be demonstrated through how people view the world and collect information: “88% of those with the Intuitive trait say they spend a lot of time thinking about ‘What if?’ scenarios, compared to 63% of those with the Observant trait.” (from 16 Personalities thought pattern surveys) Therefore, intuitives are well-suited for technical roles, customer service, management, and accounting audits—jobs that require developing step-by-step processes carefully. On the other hand, sensors may show advantages in jobs that are inspired by thoughts and ideas, such as scientists, designers, and venture capital investment.
The third scale is based on the extent to which you value rationality or feelings when making decisions. Thinkers use logic and facts to solve problems, prioritizing reason and truth. Feelers, on the other hand, make decisions based on their feelings and emotions, prioritizing personal awareness. Due to this, roles that require precision, such as judges, businessmen, scientists, and accountants, are suitable for thinkers. Positions that call for a sensitive mindset, such as counselors, therapists, educators, social workers, and psychologists, are suitable for feelers. Being a feeler helps in understanding people’s feelings and providing emotional value.
The last distinction is based on the Tactics scale which is judging vs. perceiving. Judgers prefer to organize everything, planning clear goals and strictly following them, appreciating a sense of control. They can get frustrated when their plans are disrupted by others. In contrast, perceivers are known for their flexibility and love of freedom, disliking constraints. They prefer to keep more possibilities and changes in their plans, seeking more random opportunities. For example, when judgers and perceivers go traveling, judgers would schedule detailed itineraries, while perceivers would list brief directions and explore things themselves. Summatively, judgers would fit jobs like organizers, project managers, data analysts, and roles in the financial industry. Perceivers would likely show their strengths in positions like HR, administration, or community outreach and advocacy, where flexibility, adaptability, and new experiences are valued.
In conclusion, the MBTI can be a useful tool for self-discovery and career exploration. It helps by showing your preferences, strengths, and work styles. While it gives insights into possible career paths, it is important to remember that MBTI does not decide your success or fulfillment. It should be seen as a guide that works alongside other factors like your skills, interests, and experiences. By understanding your personality type and how it affects your energy, decision-making, and organization, you can make better career choices. Finding the right career is a personal journey, and tools like MBTI can help guide the way, but not the final steps.
