Environmentalism/Conservation Biology as an INFJ college major/career

Anima XI said:

Hi everyone roud:

So I just started college a few days ago, and since I like to plan ahead so much I've been thinking intensively about what I'd like to go into. At first I was adamant on going the pre-med - med school route and pursuing a career in medicine, but lately I've been doubting my choice. I've been thinking about other options, while still considering this one, but less strongly now.

Still, I really want a career that is fulfilling, and that I know will make a difference in the world. There's this major at my school called Biological Aspects of Conservation, and this inspired me to look into a career in Conservation Biology, or other related "green" jobs. I've always loved nature and animals, and basically this career path is all about saving the environment, maintaining biodiversity, saving endangered species and stuff like that :happy: I'd also love to double major or minor in a "traditional" INFJ thing like Psychology or Philosophy.

So, are any of you guys in this field, or something similar? If not, do you think that I would thrive in a career and college major like this as an INFJ? Would a typical INFJ have the necessary qualities for this kind of career?

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Yes, I think so. There are several INFJ subtypes, one of which is more academic. Is that you? You would be called upon to think like a scientist more than a philosopher. As long as you have a really strong tertiary function (Ti I believe), this could work for you.

Scientists are generally not encouraged to make intuitive leaps, which is what we do best. Wanting to use your Ni in situations where it's inappropriate might become an issue, but not if you are aware of this tendency and realize when it's appropriate and helpful, and when it's not.

Our incredible scope and vision can be an outstanding strength for an ecologist. After all, ecologists have to be able to see the wide ranging impact of things.

I'll bet there is a way that your interest in ecology could be combined with something INFJ's are more traditionally suited for. Any ideas?

soul searcher said:

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Yes, I think so. There are several INFJ subtypes, one of which is more academic. Is that you? You would be called upon to think like a scientist more than a philosopher. As long as you have a really strong tertiary function (Ti I believe), this could work for you.

Scientists are generally not encouraged to make intuitive leaps, which is what we do best. Wanting to use your Ni in situations where it's inappropriate might become an issue, but not if you are aware of this tendency and realize when it's appropriate and helpful, and when it's not.

Our incredible scope and vision can be an outstanding strength for an ecologist. After all, ecologists have to be able to see the wide ranging impact of things.

I'll bet there is a way that your interest in ecology could be combined with something INFJ's are more traditionally suited for. Any ideas?

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How can one judge the strength of their Ti? I apologize, I'm not very knowledgeable about the functions, besides my dominant Ni. Ti is all about organizational power, right?

Well, I think this career may suit an INFJ because, first of all, it's a good cause. Second of all, maintaining biodiversity may not seem important at first, but in the big picture it is integral to a functioning planet. We all rely on diversity in the animal and plant world to thrive as a species ourselves. For example, scientists go to biologically diverse rainforests all the time and work on finding medicinal uses for all the plants there. Also, biodiversity maintains the cycle of life; that is, if one species dies out it could affect others.

Also, species do have important intrinsic values, rather than just practical ones. Animals are just as much a part of life on the world as us humans, they deserve to be saved as well.

Also, going into a field like this, I could also fulfill my dream of joining the Peace Corps, and by helping the environment I'd also be helping humanity roud:

I just re-read my post, and now I can see how it might appear that I was being a little discouraging. I didn't mean to be at all! I truly think we need more INFJ scientists, we are so good at seeing the big picture. I was just trying to look at all sides of the issue.

Anyway, I think as long as you can keep yourself as objective as possible when actually engaging in scientific pursuits such as observation, testing, experimenting and so forth, that your INFJness could be a real asset. I agree with all of your points about the importance of maintaining biodiversity. One of my heroes is author Barbara Kingsolver, who has a degree in biology. She's written many essays about the importance of biodiversity and the effects of modern civilization on the integrity of the planet.

One of the strengths of the INFJ is that we know how to communicate through writing. We can make difficult but important scientific subjects interesting and understandable to the general public. That's something that many INTP and INTJ might have a hard time doing. That's one of the reasons why I say we need more INFJ scientists. Especially in the area of ecology, as this is a crucial subject for the whole planet right now.

I'm in my last semester of a Conservation degree. While I do enjoy what I've learned, my degree program seems focused more on the practical side of ecology and biology rather than theoretical. With this degree, I am pretty much guaranteed a job after I graduate (it's all pretty much difficult but rewarding field work); the same doesn't seem to hold true for other science majors.

During the process of experimentation, I've noticed that it's really easy for me to jump to conclusions with my intuition (Ni), but actually putting my thoughts into a system (Ti) to support and test what I'm experimenting is difficult. I feel like I can always see the big picture and it seems that's a good quality to have when ecology is concerned, but it's a pain in the ass when trying to come up with and set up an experiment because I don't want to leave any important facets left untouched... The scientific method is awfully restricting in that regard. I'd have to do hundreds of experiments to prove just one theory and there just isn't enough time nor funding for that.

From what you've said, you'd enjoy majoring in Conservation Biology. It sounds like you have a real passion and love for the earth and its species, but don't let subjective feelings get in the way of an objective science.

Anima XI said:

Hi everyone roud:

So I just started college a few days ago, and since I like to plan ahead so much I've been thinking intensively about what I'd like to go into. At first I was adamant on going the pre-med - med school route and pursuing a career in medicine, but lately I've been doubting my choice. I've been thinking about other options, while still considering this one, but less strongly now.

Still, I really want a career that is fulfilling, and that I know will make a difference in the world. There's this major at my school called Biological Aspects of Conservation, and this inspired me to look into a career in Conservation Biology, or other related "green" jobs. I've always loved nature and animals, and basically this career path is all about saving the environment, maintaining biodiversity, saving endangered species and stuff like that :happy: I'd also love to double major or minor in a "traditional" INFJ thing like Psychology or Philosophy.

So, are any of you guys in this field, or something similar? If not, do you think that I would thrive in a career and college major like this as an INFJ? Would a typical INFJ have the necessary qualities for this kind of career?

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Ok, I know this thread was posted like a million years ago, butttt



I am an INFJ and I am a vertebrate paleontologist and I believe I have very relevant information for you. As an INFJ, my natural instincts pulled me to things like psychology and philosophy and english. I changed my major my sophomore year, and it was the BEST decision of my life. This degree has been like clawing my way up a brick wall by my fingernails, but having made it, I am the most happy, most strong, and most satisfied with my life that I have ever been. This has been the accomplishment of a lifetime and I would HIGHLY recommend something similar to any young INFJ starting college.

Now, that said, PLEASE look into this green stuff more before you go throw yourself into it too far. Its a fad. Most of it is lies and propoganda. If you need evidence, the most concise is on a show called "Penn and Teller's Bullshit." They have an episode on the green movement that is very informative.

My degree is in Biology. We have a choice at my university of several concentrations within biology, but I chose to stick with the most general because I wanted to keep my options open. My minor is geology. Which brings me to another important point. Be careful when you pick your minor. I would recommend doing something that complements your scientific education and what you think you'd like to do with it. A philosophy or psychology minor probably will not teach you nearly as much or challenge you as much.

An INFJ absolutely has the skills to excel in science. You can do it. Use that good old fashioned INFJ will power and grab onto your dream like a bull dog and refuse to let go. When I started in this, I made a poster for my wall that said "No class is going to stop me from having the life I want to have." Keep this in mind every time you have a real winner ahead that you think you're going to do crappy in.

Also, general college knowledge--Pre med kids are bullshitters. They will lie through their teeth. They are the most competitive assholes I've ever seen, none of them will be INFJ. They will not understand you. They may be friendly, but they will all tell you they have a 3.6 GPA or higher. This is probably untrue. If you do anything in biology you will be taking a lot of basic biology and chemistry alongside them and they will try to make you feel inferior. You're not. You're just different. Your special skill set may not shine as well in school as theirs do, but it will have its own special niche in the career world that none of them can fill. Don't let them take away your confidence. And if you can find a really cute one to help you with chemistry, snag him while you've got the opportunity--bake cookies for study groups--this always helps.

And finally, chemistry and math will be intense. Don't let it phase you. Most people graduate with at least one grade on the record that they just didn't have time to change. It happens. One D won't keep you out of graduate school. Just work hard, do your best, and find your favorite method of studying early on. I know its hard for an INFJ, but work hard to endear yourself to professors, because you never know when you will need a recommendation. Go to their offices and ask quesitons, always. Keep the lines of communication open. Make up questions if you have to. A professor who knows you are working your tail off is a lot more likely to boost your final grade a little than one whose hardly seen your face and doesn't know your name. And General Chemistry II is going to eat your face, but if I can do it, you can do it, so don't let anything stop you. You'll make an excellent whatever you decide to be, and biological science is a damn fine place for an INFJ to be.

I am planning on majoring in Psychology, but I am unsure as to what I am going to minor in. I was thinking Environmental Science or Geology. Maybe Marine Biology. I'm a science geek. I believe that it is highly unlikely we are actually killing our planet, but I do believe that there is a cycle the earth goes through, Ice ages and periods of extreme weather a droughts. I believe that we are speeding up that process, and killing off some species more quickly than they would do naturally. The disappearance of certain species is inevitable, but it is being quickened. I believe that we should try and impact the earth as little as humanly possible, live more natural, less artificial lives. Plastic is useful, but it doesn't break down and isn't bio-degradable. It would remain in the earth millions of years from now unless it was turned into another substance. Just doesn't seem that natural to me. Not here to debate though.