Despite seeming quiet or withdrawn, introverts are just as interesting, creative and valuable to the workplace as their extroverted counterparts. Perhaps they're not fond of attending company meetings or social events, but give introverted professionals a job to do, and you'll get results if they're properly matched to their career.
Introverts are often associated with shyness, but the trait is often not the case. According to Swiss psychologist Carl Jung (who invented the term in the 1920s), an introvert is simply more concerned with the "inner life of the mind" and in solitary activities than in the society of others. They have a keen interest in solving problems, working creatively in solitude, and designing solutions without distractions.
Top careers that attract introverts
Introverts make up just a quarter of the general population, however they're said to make up 60 percent of the population that is considered "gifted." They're not frightened of working around other people, they just prefer not to. Career consultants at Minnesota's JIST Publishing say that introverts make terrific problem solvers, gravitating toward positions as computer systems and software analysts, accountants and financial advisers, civil engineers, heating and air conditioning mechanics, and graphic artists.
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Let's take a closer look at the professions for which introverts are well-suited, along with the training needed and the earnings available.
Computer software engineers
Most software engineering professions fall into two general categories: systems and software. The work entices introverts because they work independently to solve problems based on the needs of the people who will use the software and the business needs for the application. The best news for introverts is that job growth for computer software engineers is predicted to be among the greatest of all professions during the 2006-2016 decade, adding the single-most new positions in technology.
To join the field, you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree in computer science or engineering. To compete for the best jobs, you'll need to update your training frequently to keep pace with emerging technology. Wages are good, too, with a reported 2007 median annual wage of $83,130 for applications engineers and $89,070 for systems engineers. Top salaries are in the six figures.
Accountants and auditors
Introverts are often considered strong applicants for the accounting professions, but not because they're shy or retiring. They just have a great aptitude for problem solving, conducting independent analyses and developing long-term strategies. Opportunities will be best for accountants who complete a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance and who continue with their training to attain certified public accounting status or earn a master's degree. You can begin work as an auditor with as little as an online associate degree.
Median earnings for accountants and auditors in 2007 were $57,060, with top earners taking home annual wages above $98,000.
Personal financial advisors
Introverts in this career group still meet with people or businesses, but they work independently. Despite the ups and downs in the economy, they remain in high demand, with a 37 percent increase in jobs predicted between 2006 and 2016.
Prepare by earning an online undergraduate degree, then gain experience working for a financial services company while you pursue an M.B.A. The median 2007 annual wage was $67,660 -- however earners at the top of the scale surpassed six figures.
Graphic designers
Web and animation designers will have the best job opportunities among the design professions through the 2006-2016 decade. Web design is a great role if you're an introvert because you won't find too many coworkers looking over your shoulder as you create advertisements, games or entertainment animations. You can start by completing an online associate or bachelor's degree while specializing in animation software. The median annual 2007 wage for graphic designers was $61,010.
Civil engineers
With a new national priority to rebuild America's roads, bridges and other infrastructure, civil engineers should see jobs opening up. Collaboration is part of the job, but there are also opportunities to work solitarily. Add an educational focus on environmentalism and green engineering, and you should be a solid candidate. You'll need at least a bachelor's degree to get a job as a civil engineer.
Many professionals pursue a general engineering degree and then focus on a specialization; however, you can complete an undergraduate degree with a major in civil engineering. Most engineers need to complete a master's degree to take a leadership role. The median 2007 wage for civil engineers was $71,710.
Heating and air conditioning mechanics
Heating and air conditioning mechanics keep our environmental systems in check and often enjoy problem solving on their own. Job growth for HVAC specialists is predicted at 9 percent during the 2006 to 2016 decade. You'll need online career training in reading specs and blueprints, temperature control systems, thermodynamics and more. Top-earning technicians took home $61,390 in 2007.
Market research analysts
Market research analysts also topped the JIST Publishing list of jobs for introverts. Market research analysts round up data on how people think, then help businesses target their sales campaigns to reach the greatest audience. For this job you'll need career training in research methodology, statistics, marketing, social trends, economics, psychology and more.
Many research analysts begin careers with an undergraduate degree in marketing or business, and then go on to complete an M.B.A. later. Job growth is predicted to reach 20 percent from 2006 to 2016, with the best positions going to professionals holding graduate degrees. The top 10 percent earners in 2007 drew wages over $100,000.
So, there you go, introverts. These jobs should suit you fine. Just keep it to yourselves.
