ESTJ personality types—one of the 16 delineated by the Myers Briggs test—are also known as “the supervisor” or “the executive,” and are often described as practical, efficient, and organized individuals with a strong sense of duty and responsibility.
So if you have an ESTJ personality type, and are at the beginning of your career, you’re probably looking for a career that naturally fits your temperament and demeanor. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 13 awesome careers for ESTJs to consider. From management and leadership roles to farming and law enforcement, there are plenty of options for ESTJs to find their perfect fit.
What Does ESTJ Mean?
ESTJ stands for extraverted, sensing, thinking, and judging. Individuals with these characteristics prioritize practicality, efficiency, and structure, making them natural leaders who excel at organizing people and processes to achieve objectives.
What Kind of Roles Are Best Suited for ESTJ Personality Types?
ESTJ personalities tend to shine in roles that require structure, organization, and leadership. They thrive in positions where they can use their practical and analytical skills and enjoy making decisions based on logic and reasoning.
ESTJ Personality Type: Strengths and Weaknesses at Work
Let’s discover how the ESTJ personality type can thrive or struggle in different work environments.
Strengths
ESTJs often bring many strengths to the workplace, including:
- Strong Organizational Skills: ESTJs are naturally organized and thrive in structured environments. They enjoy creating plans, schedules, and systems to ensure everything runs smoothly.
- Attention to Detail: ESTJs are generally detail-oriented and focused on accuracy. They can break down complex processes into simpler steps and be relied upon to catch oversights or mistakes.
- Decision-Making: ESTJs tend to be logical and analytical thinkers. They make decisions based on objective facts and data and can quickly weigh the pros and cons of different options.
Weaknesses
While ESTJs bring many strengths to the workplace, they may also face some challenges due to their personality traits. Some potential weaknesses of ESTJs at work include:
- Rigid Thinking: ESTJs have a tendency to resist change and stick to established methods and processes, even if they are no longer effective.
- Struggles with Creativity: ESTJs tend to be logical and concrete thinkers, and may need help with more abstract or creative tasks.
- Difficulty with Ambiguity: ESTJs may feel uncomfortable when faced with ambiguity or uncertainty.
What Are the Best Careers for ESTJs?
Here are the top career options that suit ESTJ personality traits:
Business Manager
A business manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a company. They must ensure the business runs efficiently and effectively, including managing employees, finances, and resources. They must also make strategic decisions to help the company grow and succeed in the long term.
General Prerequisites
Becoming a business manager typically requires a combination of education and experience. Most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field. However, some may consider applicants with a degree in a different area—such as business analytics—if they have relevant experience.
What Makes This Career Suitable for ESTJs?
As natural leaders, ESTJs are effective at managing teams and delegating tasks. They are also skilled at creating and implementing strategies to achieve business goals. Their attention to detail and practicality make them adept at managing finances and resources.
Data Analyst
A data analyst is tasked with collecting, analyzing, and interpreting extensive data sets using statistical and computational techniques. They design and implement data collection systems and databases, ensuring the accuracy and quality of data.
General Prerequisites
To become a data analyst, you’ll need a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and computer science. You’ll also need a working knowledge of programming languages like Python or R, which are used to clean and analyze data.
What Makes This Career Suitable for ESTJs?
As data analysts, ESTJs can use their analytical skills to interpret complex data sets and identify patterns and trends. They can also use their extraverted thinking and attention to detail to ensure data accuracy and quality. ESTJs are known for their ability to organize and manage data, which is essential in this field.
Sales Representative
Sales representatives drive revenue growth by identifying prospects, presenting solutions, and closing deals. They must also maintain accurate records of sales activities, communicate with customers to understand their needs, and deliver exceptional customer service.
General Prerequisites
As a sales representative, having excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills is very important. Sales courses can help you learn the skills needed to succeed in this field.
Experience with customer support is also beneficial as it helps you understand the customer’s perspective. Finally, having a passion for sales is vital as it can drive you to succeed and continuously improve your skills.
What Makes This Career Suitable for ESTJs?
ESTJs are natural leaders who enjoy being in control and thrive in competitive environments. They are also practical and results-driven, focusing on achieving goals efficiently.
With their excellent communication skills, ESTJs can easily connect with clients and customers, building solid relationships and closing deals effectively.
Engineer
One of the key roles of an engineer is to use their technical knowledge and problem-solving skills to design or improve products, systems, or processes. They are responsible for ensuring their work meets quality and safety standards and any environmental regulations. Engineers may manage projects or collaborate with other professionals, such as architects or scientists.
General Prerequisites
Engineers need a strong foundation in math and science. You’ll also need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field to become an engineer, which normally takes four years of full-time study. Some engineering programs require students to complete an internship or hands-on experience before graduation.
What Makes This Career Suitable for ESTJs?
The engineering career suits ESTJs, as they are logical, analytical, and detail-oriented individuals who enjoy working with systems and structures. They have a strong sense of responsibility and can make tough decisions based on practicality and efficiency.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators oversee the daily operations of healthcare organizations, including managing finances, developing policies and procedures, hiring and training staff, and ensuring quality patient care. They must also maintain compliance with regulations and laws and stay current with advancements in healthcare technology and practices.
General Prerequisites
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a healthcare administrator, you will typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field. Additionally, most employers prefer candidates with several years of experience working in healthcare, such as in a clinical or managerial role.
What Makes This Career Suitable for ESTJs?
Healthcare administrators must make decisions based on data and evidence, which ESTJs appreciate and are skilled at analyzing. Additionally, ESTJs are natural leaders who value order and a sense of stability, which is essential in overseeing complex healthcare community organizations.
Realtor
Realtors help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. They have a deep knowledge of the local estate market and must be able to negotiate deals and provide guidance throughout the transaction process.
General Prerequisites
Becoming a realtor usually includes completing a pre-licensing real estate education course and passing a state-administered real estate licensing exam. Some employers may also prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as business or finance.
What Makes This Career Suitable for ESTJs?
ESTJs are practical, detail-oriented, and results-driven, all valuable traits in this field. With their strong work ethic and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, ESTJs may thrive in the fast-paced and challenging real estate environment.
Farmer
A farmer’s primary role is cultivating crops and raising livestock for food and other products. They must also sustainably manage their land and resources, make decisions based on weather and market conditions, and constantly adapt to technological changes and consumer demand.
General Prerequisites
Aspiring farmers should possess a strong work ethic, a deep respect for nature, and a willingness to learn from their mistakes. You’ll need to be comfortable with risk-taking and navigating complex regulatory systems and also possess a solid grasp of financial planning and record-keeping.
What Makes This Career Suitable for ESTJs?
ESTJs are well-suited to a career in farming due to their natural strengths and preferences. As decisive and pragmatic individuals, they excel at making tough business decisions and managing complex operations. As farmers, ESTJs can use their analytical skills to identify the most profitable crops and livestock to raise and their organization skills to manage their resources effectively.
Quality Control Manager
Quality control managers ensure products and services meet or exceed customer expectations by establishing and enforcing quality standards. They oversee the testing and inspection of products, analyze data to identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions when necessary. Quality control managers also collaborate with other departments to develop training programs and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
General Prerequisites
To pursue a career as a quality control manager, it’s usually necessary to have a degree in a relevant field, such as engineering or quality management. You should also have strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate effectively with other team members. Prior experience in quality control or a related field is typically required to demonstrate your expertise.
What Makes This Career Suitable for ESTJs?
The ESTJ personality type’s strengths in practicality, attention to detail, decisiveness, and organization can make them well-suited for a career in quality control management. ESTJs are also typically organized and methodical, which can be beneficial in managing quality control processes and ensuring that products and services meet or exceed customer expectations.
Lawyer
A lawyer’s role is to provide legal advice and representation to clients. They protect the legal rights of their clients, maintain confidentiality, and must always act in the best interest of their clients.
General Prerequisites
To become a lawyer, you must complete a bachelor’s degree, take the LSAT exam, and earn a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school. Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll need to pass the bar exam in the state where you plan to practice law.
What Makes This Career Suitable for ESTJs?
ESTJs are logical, analytical, and detail-oriented, which are all important traits for a lawyer. They are natural leaders and enjoy taking charge, which can be helpful when managing a team of legal professionals.
Stockbroker
A stockbroker buys and sells securities on behalf of clients. They must stay up-to-date with market trends and forecasts and advise clients on investment decisions.
General Prerequisites
As a stockbroker, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field, and you’ll need to pass a few licensing exams, such as the SIE, Series 7, and Series 63.
What Makes This Career Suitable for ESTJs?
ESTJs tend to have a natural aptitude for careers in finance, including stock brokerage, as ESTJs are typically analytical and detail-oriented and enjoy working with concrete facts and data. They are also natural leaders who thrive in fast-paced environments and are comfortable making decisions quickly.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
As the highest-ranking executive in a company, the CEO is responsible for setting the overall strategy and vision of the organization. They oversee all aspects of the company’s operations, including finance, marketing, human resources, and product development, and make critical decisions that impact the growth and success of the business.
General Prerequisites
Becoming a CEO includes having a solid educational foundation, gaining experience in various roles within your industry, and developing strong leadership skills. Remember that becoming a CEO is a long-term goal that requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
What Makes This Career Suitable for ESTJs?
ESTJs are well-suited for a career as a CEO due to their natural strengths and abilities. They are highly organized and efficient, with a strong sense of responsibility and a desire to see tasks through to completion. They are also excellent leaders with a no-nonsense approach to management that allows them to motivate and inspire their employees effectively.
Police Officer
Police officers’ civic duties include maintaining law and order and protecting people and property. They enforce laws, investigate crimes, and respond to emergencies.
General Prerequisites
To become a police officer, you must meet some general prerequisites. This includes being a US citizen, having a high school diploma or GED, and a valid driver’s license. You’ll also need to pass a physical fitness test and a background check.
What Makes This Career Suitable for ESTJs?
ESTJs are often organized, detail-oriented, and practical, all of which are essential qualities for a police officer. They are also decisive and assertive, which can help them make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity analysts analyze system vulnerabilities and develop strategies to mitigate cyber-attacks. They also monitor network activity, perform security audits, and provide technical support to ensure that systems are secure and protected.
General Prerequisites
If you’re considering a career as a cybersecurity analyst, you don’t necessarily need a college degree. Springboard’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp will have you job ready in less than a year and comes with a money-back job guarantee.
What Makes This Career Suitable for ESTJs?
ESTJs tend to be highly organized, detail-oriented, and systematic, all essential qualities in this field. Their logical and analytical nature allows them to assess complex systems and identify potential vulnerabilities quickly and accurately. They also have excellent problem-solving skills, which are critical in the constantly evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats.
What Are Some Tips for ESTJs To Succeed?
If you are an ESTJ and looking to be more successful in the workplace, consider these tips:
- Use your natural leadership skills to your advantage.
- Focus on collaboration and teamwork with your colleagues.
- Work on developing your emotional intelligence.
- Set clear goals and prioritize your tasks based on their importance and urgency.
- Actively listen to your colleagues and seek feedback to improve your performance.
FAQs About Careers for the ESTJ Personality Type
We’ve got the answers to your most frequently asked questions.
Are ESTJs Good at Math?
Yes! ESTJs tend to excel in math due to their natural inclination towards structure and organization.
What Majors Are Good for ESTJs?
Some majors that may appeal to ESTJs include business management, finance, accounting, engineering, computer science, and law. These fields require logical thinking, attention to detail, and a systematic approach to problem-solving.
What Are Some Careers Suited for ESTJs That Don’t Require a Degree?
Several careers may be well-suited for ESTJs that do not require a degree. Some options may include logistics management, operations management, sales, or administration.
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