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Personally I'd go for physics or chemistry. I'm not so much interested in the social sciences, myself. Unfortunately I'm not that technically gifted with math, so its not something I could logistically pursue, but no doubt physics and to a lesser extent chemistry interest me beyond any other topic so it would be a dream of mine (albeit an unrealistic one) to work full-time in those fields.
 
I am an INFP who has done Computer Engineering (big mistake I keep on feeling). I now work at a large IT services company for past two years, and I am really trying to seek out some other options so I can quit this job.

I enrolled with a career counselor recently who made a pinpoint analysis of all my INFP traits and said that it was a miracle that I managed to survive engineering. I told him that it was still not hard (being academics) as doing a job. I asked him what would be a good idea for me at this point.

He said career-wise it would not make any sense to go into another line at the moment because the pay would be quite less and job satisfaction even lesser. He advised me to go for an MS in Computer field, suggesting that I should build on my resources at the moment.

I am now in two minds whether I should go for this option or do something else. It feels that career wise the only other track that provides employment here (I live in India) is MBA. But he advised me to not go for that as it went totally against my personality.

So I am now considering applying for MS in Computer Science. Does anyone with grad level Computer Science experience have any idea of its aptness for my INFP profile?
 
Hi! This is my first post here, so sorry if I miss some sort of forum etiquette.

Anyways, I'm trying to list jobs I'd like to think about in the future. A major want of mine is something in the field of science, but everyone always says I'd be better as an artist or as a writer. Those are the only suggestions people give me; they also suggest being a psychiatrist, but.. Just no....

Art and writing are the things I do for fun. I could never make a job out of them. That and money might be problematic.

Any suggestions?
Right now I'm majoring in Mechatronics. (If you don't know what that is you can Google it but it is basically the combination of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering for making products) It is some what hard to sit down and focus on concrete stuff. But the reason I'm taking it is because I want to invent. I want to start an inventing company. I plan to take many classes to learn a wide variety of things (electrical engineering, computer engineering, bio-tech, aeronautics which I really like the idea of, and many more) It may make me a jack of all traits but how else can one connect say, Bio-tech and smart materials?

What I'm getting at is that an INFP can pursue sciences and other hard fact based things, but it really helps to take those facts and go "Well, why don't we do this?" or "If that is true and works, I wonder if this will?" Asking questions about everything will help you so much. I would also advise using your art and writing skills to help you. There is a fact with nature and it's properties that very few people, if any, will tell you: The more beautiful, elegant, and simple something is, the more likely it will be true. That doesn't mean this is always the case, but it does mean that is is more likely. Use you art skills to help you judge that. If something is ugly, bulky, and/or complicated there is a very good chance there is a better way to do it. Writing will help when you need to describe your findings, or a project. Everything ties into each other, but it's up to each of us to find out how.

Good luck to you, and may you never lose your sense of wonder.


P.S Anyone else find the aspect of making something fly and everything with it fascinating?
 
I may be an exception as an INFP: Some month ago I struggled to decide between studying maths or physics. Now I will go for physic in half a year or so. An understanding of the fundamental principles of nature is my wish. :happy:
(On a side note: I will also start learning an instrument in two month (sitting on a waiting list...) and I will start to write or draw/paint, to comfort my split mind. Also I will try and I am trying a lot of different sports.)

A year ago I struggled between psychology, philosophy, sociology, maths and physics. But I was able to pinpoint it now.
 
The more beautiful, elegant, and simple something is, the more likely it will be true.
You know, I was just feeling something akin to this, a few hours ago, as I was driving. I find it odd to be classified as not-a-rational; not because I don't feel a tad bit irrational now and again, but because I actually feel that my strongest feelings are actually very complex thoughts, which, if properly explained, would fail to offend the T's logical value system. It is for this reason that I actually see T's as rather blind to a higher-order reality, and not the other way around. Please forgive my imprecise language.

It's not that I cannot think, but that I cannot think without also feeling. And, perhaps I am too irrational to be of any real use to modern science, but I tend to wonder if perhaps science currently awaits another paradigm shift in a strange, new direction.

I decided a few months back to return to college. I dropped engineering school eight years ago, etc., etc., because I was terribly far from well-adjusted, etc., etc.; anyhow, few of the suggested careers hold any weight with my preferences (again, the imprecise language—I'm in a hurry here), with the noted exception of writing; but becoming a successful writer seems like such an unattainable, unreasonable, ill-conceived idealistic goal. And I've always been pretty decent at science and math. Not scary good, but pretty decent. So, I thought, hey, I'll go into physics, because, hey, it's pretty fun to learn about. I'm still trying to figure out if my decision is one of delusion.

-Jeremiah
 
But then, I suppose I could damn the torpedoes, and become a writer. It's just that I'd probably never find any financial security, and that would just be sad. But then, I'm a huge slob, so being relatively poor fits me.
 
I think research in general is awesome for introverts, as there is lots of reading and thinking to be done. Social science research could be a good avenue, as there is lots of room for idealism. You can pick a social issue that you find important and work to increase society's understanding of the issue and suggest solutions.

I'm involved in experimental research in psychology. It's highly technical, so not everyones cup of tea, but I love it. Lots of social research has room for interpretation, which actually makes it quite hard, from my perspective. There are so many variables involved and very hard to control for all of them. The type of research I'm involved in is much more controlled than most social research, so in someways the results are easier to interpret. There is much more ambiguity and interpretation in all areas of scientific research than most people believe, which can appeal to the "P" in us.
 
I'm majoring in sociology, but generally i'm interested in most social sciences and I love learning about 'underground' history. I think Infps would be good researchers if we are researching something we are passionate about. I'm torn between getting into social work or becoming some sort of researcher, because i'm fascinated by humans and society. I also think infps could be good environmental scientists as well, but only if they are willing to put in the work to overcome the math and science that comes a long with it. I love nature and learning about animals, but environmental science bores me because of the fact that most of it is focusing on the little details, measuring things etc.
 
I decided a few months back to return to college. I dropped engineering school eight years ago, etc., etc., because I was terribly far from well-adjusted, etc., etc.; anyhow, few of the suggested careers hold any weight with my preferences (again, the imprecise language—I'm in a hurry here), with the noted exception of writing; but becoming a successful writer seems like such an unattainable, unreasonable, ill-conceived idealistic goal. And I've always been pretty decent at science and math. Not scary good, but pretty decent. So, I thought, hey, I'll go into physics, because, hey, it's pretty fun to learn about. I'm still trying to figure out if my decision is one of delusion.

-Jeremiah
If you really want to do writing, do it. You just need to do a lot of research to find out what type of writing job you want. And even where you would want it. There is plenty of financial security in writing, you just need the right career. Writing books? Good luck, you may get it, but most likely not. Mean while, the entry salary for a writer for a popular TV show (like the Simpsons) is around 250,000 a year. That's starting salary. Most shows won't pay that much but from what I've heard, it's a pretty good career to go into. You need to be a good writer and know some people though. I mentioned earlier that everything connects in some way. Knowing a few sciences will help you be a better writer because you can gain a feel for how things are supposed to work.

But I don't know everything. You know you better than I do. Maybe physics is the thing for you or something else that no one on this thread has thought of yet. I'm just trying to help show open doors that I know of. You choose the door.
 
You could always be a science teacher ~

I'm kidding. I mean, unless you think you'd like teaching, in which case, it can be a great job for an INFP.

But I think the most important thing for an INFP is caring about what they do. I really need to love something to commit to it for any period of time (i.e, I don't have such a great job history.) I eventually want to be a midwife but I'm studying business right now, because a midwife I once worked with told me her biggest regret was not having a business education when she opened her practice. I took her advice to heart and when I had an opportunity for a degree in business, I took it. Plus it's something practical to fall back on. I'm actually rather good at accounting, which I never expected. You might surprise yourself if you explore different fields.

What I'm saying is.. If you have a goal in mind that is something you can believe in and be proud of, every step to getting there will have the potential to be beautiful. Try and think of who you'd like to be in ten years, rather than in two. Imagine your happiest self - What are you doing? Then figure out the steps to do that.
 
Yes, these are good ideas. However, I'm not sure how I would enjoy the vast majority of writing jobs. Writing, which I love, can become something awfully terrible when I am forced to write for someone else's purposes. There's little I can do to stall the inward rebellion, I don't know what it is. I hate economies, markets, all of it. I literally despise the current state of the world, but I see no justification for changing it. I don't really necessarily want to be a part of the world, it's just that I have no choice. Other than suicide. Or inventing some sort of device that would allow me to live out the rest of my life on the moon, with moon-ducks, who always appreciate everything I say and make corporate decisions based on my irrational ideological whims. I'm poorly adjusted for life, I need an outlet, and I hate being pigeon-holed into weird, boring, useless careers just because I'm an INFP. Science is cool. Scientists are probably all asses. To hell with them.
 
I'm majoring in molecular and cellular biology and have worked in several research labs. I've come to realize that I love learning about biology on the theoretical level, but I hate doing research. And throw any sort of math in there and I'm done. Now I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to do with my life. I'm considering becoming a biology teacher, though.

However, every INFP is different. I would suggest maybe doing an internship in a lab to see if you like doing that kind of work. And realize that you need a Ph.D or at the very least a masters' to do most jobs in science. And definitely read up on what grad school is like and what the job prospects are like before you make any long-term commitments.

As other people have said programming is also a good bet if you like that kind of work. That is one of the only fields that is doing well right now. You have to have an analytical and systematic mind though which most INFPs don't have, Ti being their lowest function.

I wouldn't recommend psychology simply because 20% of psychology majors are unemployed.

EDIT: Oh also have you considered public health or something environmental, like environmental engineering? Those are definitely stable jobs in fields that are growing and many of the available jobs are in the public sector. And you only need a bachelor's or a master's to do most of them.
 
I have also become frustrated with the all the effort that goes into an article but who really reads it (like I want to do something positive for the world but this form of 'helping' feels so blunt..). Like, surely instead of writing about the agricultural problems of a valley in Africa and presenting it at an International Geographical Conference (and being applauded on your academic and scientific brilliance) it would be a more worthwhile to actually go there and help out physically when there's a drought etc.. It feels this (Western?) desire to document and write about everything (particularly in academia where you are judged on the number of articles/books you write) is getting a bit extreme.

I would love to use my knowledge of the natural environment in an applied manner, to help solve problems on the ground, but those kind of positions seem few and far between; there are positions where you can do research but when the research is hardly ever applied it just seems that academics are doing it for the sake of it.
I feel the same way, bro...; seems like you are reading my own mind...
 
I am an environmental chemist and I enjoy it. If you like chemistry, then it is a good job.

Or, what I originally wanted to pursue with my chemistry degree, a forensic chemist. The only caveat to that job is testifying in court. :confused:
 
I am an environmental chemist and I enjoy it. If you like chemistry, then it is a good job.

Or, what I originally wanted to pursue with my chemistry degree, a forensic chemist. The only caveat to that job is testifying in court. :confused:
Sounds interesting - what kind of job is that - working for a private consultancy or government department? What are the good things about it? Cheers
 
Science Writing - books, articles, blogs,
Patent attorney - approving patents
computer scientist - programming
Anatomist - Human body knowledge
Zoologist - Animal knowledge
Microbiologist - dealing with bacteria and viruses
Botanist - plants and their properties (medicine)
Cell and tissue biology - as it sounds
Biomedical science - uses of biological functions in medicine
Biotechnology - uses of biology in technology
Physics - must like maths and theory
Astrophysics - physics in space and of things in space
Stellar astrophysics - stars
Applied physics - applying physics to the world, quite associated with engineering
Nuclear physics - studying the reactions within nuclei
Particle physics - studying particles
Optics - physics of light/waves and applications e.g. telescopes and lasers
Quantum physics - physics of quantum particles (crazy shit, lots of maths, questions everything)
Nanotechnology - study of the chemistry and biology at a super small level in technology
Material scientist - science behind materials
Theoretical physicist - physics theories
Chemistry - studying reactions and properties of things
Organic chemistry - organic molecules. Concerns medicine and lab work mostly.
Inorganic chemistry - inorganic molecules. Work more with metals and catalysis, overlaps with organic.
Physical chemistry - more maths and graphs. All three main chemistrys overlap a lot.
Analytical Chemistry - analysing graphs and data for results.
Environmental chemistry/physics - concerns the world, e.g. green house gases
Quantum chemistry - like the physics one, probably more orbital related.
Drug Design - use of knowledge of science (lot of chemistry) being applied to software to model what drugs would react best with different proteins for example. Coding and chemistry together.
Theoretical Chemistry - more maths, theories in chemistry.
Mathematics - maths
Oceanographer - study oceans
Geology - study rock formations
Crystallography - study of crystals, chemistry
Paleontology - studying fossils
Combustion scientists - combustion/engines
Meteorology - studying weather science
Science teacher
Science lecturer
Science Promoter - workshops and talks
Optician - eye doctor
Medicine - specialise later
Prosthetics - make prosthetics
Orthoptist - fix squints and eye problems
Radiologist
Radiography
Pharmacy
Science board
Researcher (in any of above)
Lab technician
Industry worker

Find something you love. I wasn't sure so I did a general science degree to start, picking maths, chemistry, physics and computer science. I'm majoring this year in Chemistry, with plans to follow the physical/theoretical/computational chemistry route (note: you only specialise in a masters or PhD.) I like the imaginations behind it, I'm good at visualising and understanding concepts and I enjoy working in the lab but research would suit me: work alone and in team, paid well, you're kind of your own boss flexible hours. But that's just me. I also love and am very good at English and Music, so I did a TEFL/TESOL course for 40 bucks over a couple of months from home and can teach English as a foreign language abroad if I wish. Music is a hobby. Science was my career choice too. it's rewarding, ever changing and evolving, a life of learning and you can dabble in other sciences. Pick your favourite(s) I.e. physics, chemistry, biology and develop it later. Enjoy!
 
Sounds interesting - what kind of job is that - working for a private consultancy or government department?
I work for a private company but you could work for the government as well. Private industry, while not as stable, suits my personality better. Government jobs have a lot of rules.

I test water, soil, and air samples.

What are the good things about it?
It is an introverted job. The only people I have to work with are my coworkers but mainly I am responsible for my own work. It is detail-oriented which I am good at. If you can follow a recipe, you can follow an SOP on a laboratory procedure. There is opportunity to learn many different types of analyses. That is actually desired. I find a lot of people I work with want to do their same job and not many people are interested in cross-training. I always took the opportunity to learn something new and that proved to work in my advantage in the future.

There is also opportunity for "unlikely" candidates to move into positions of supervisor or management because the kind of people that excel at this work are typically introverts who are a little socially awkward.
 
I'm a PhD student in environmental modeling, and I definitely enjoy what I'm doing. I studied Geography, which is a very broad field between the social and natural sciences, and I've always been more interested in the physical/natural side of it. Ever since we first created simple mathematical models on spreadsheets in the first year of my studies I've been very passionate about modeling. I find it extremely fascinating to reproduce what's happening "out there" with just some equations and computer code. Plus, I get to make maps, which is another long-term passion of mine.

For me, the sense of purpose is important too. I think I wouldn't be able to keep on doing what I do if I had the feeling it was done just for its own sake. But unlike for other commenters, this doesn't mean that everything I do should have immediate practical relevance. Contributing to humanity's body of theoretical knowledge on ecological processes is just as satisfying to me as applying this knowledge to solve practical problems, as long as I feel that what I'm researching on could be used one day.

Regarding the working environment, my experiences so far have been overwhelmingly positive. People in my institute and other researchers I've interacted with generally have a respectful and constructive attitude. Of course, humans being humans, there are stories of rivalry, pettiness and miscommunication, but this is not worse than what I've seen in my former, non-academic jobs. Even my experiences with the dreaded peer-review process have been positive so far, with reviewers going great lengths to improve an article, without (directly) gaining anything from it.

I have to admit that being a Dreamer makes it sometimes a bit hard to focus, as I'll regularly find myself contemplating how awesome my job is, or considering what I could investigate next, instead of getting into thinking mode and focusing on the task that's right in front of me. Then again, I know many people who would kill to have this kind of problems at work. :D
 
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