Ideal Jobs for Introverts 

Introverts are energized and empowered by alone time. While they enjoy social interaction, they prefer to spend time with loved ones in calm, low-stimulation environments. Introverts also typically need time to rest and recharge after socializing. Individuals with an introverted personality type are often deep thinkers, attentive observers, and able to perform their jobs with little oversight.

One common misconception is that introverts are limited in their career choices when compared to extroverts, But introverts are, in fact, particularly well-suited for many different types of jobs. This article explores some of the best jobs for introverts, including the requirements, benefits, and potential earnings you can expect in each profession. If you're seeking a great job that matches your introverted personality, read on to learn more. 

The terms “introvert” and “extrovert” were first popularized by psychiatrist Carl Jung in the 1920s. He explained that individuals with extroverted personalities love social gatherings and feel most comfortable when surrounded by people. Introverts, on the other hand, can become overwhelmed by loud, hectic environments and prefer one-on-one or small group settings. Individuals on the introverted side of the personality spectrum are often quiet, contemplative, and thrive in solitude. They focus their attention inward and have the capacity for intense focus, thoughtful introspection, and internal motivation. These attributes can be highly advantageous in certain professions. 

Accountants manage financial data for businesses and organizations. They develop, oversee, and ensure the accuracy of financial records; help companies make sound financial decisions; prepare tax returns; and much more. If you enjoy working with numbers, have a strong eye for detail, and can use programs like QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel, you may want to consider the accounting profession.

Introverts can flourish in the accounting field. Their propensity for analytical thinking, attention to detail, and ability to work alone make them well suited for careers involving financial record-keeping and analysis. 

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting is the first step toward becoming an accountant. Once you have your bachelor’s degree, you may want to expand your job opportunities by earning your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. A CPA certification shows that you have taken the extra step to increase your skills and accounting knowledge. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that accountants earn a median annual salary of $77,250.

Content managers direct a company’s content strategy and help their employer reach marketing goals through engaging, consistent, and informative content. The job typically involves overseeing the development of online and print advertisements, working with writers, graphic designers, and other creative professionals, and ensuring a consistent brand. 

Professionals in the content management field spend much of their time working independently to develop content strategies that align with the business’s marketing goals. Content managers do collaborate with others to fulfill their work duties, but much of this communication is done through emails, written comments, and online messaging, which is ideal for many introverts. 

Most employers expect content managers to have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as marketing, English, journalism, or communications. The average salary for content managers is $118,280 per year. Individuals with extensive experience or a master’s degree in marketing can expect to earn higher salaries than those with only a bachelor’s degree. 

Information technology managers or IT managers oversee technology-related operations in a company. They maintain the company’s IT infrastructure and ensure that servers, hardware, and networks function smoothly. Many IT managers lead a team of programmers, cybersecurity analysts, network engineers, IT support specialists, and other IT professionals.

Introverts are often drawn to professions in the technology sector because those roles involve solitary work environments and provide the worker with a great deal of autonomy. IT management requires analytical thinking, strong problem-solving skills, and technical proficiency, which are all skills that many introverts excel in. While managers in any industry will need to communicate with others, IT managers typically collaborate with colleagues during one-on-one meetings or small group discussions. 

According to the BLS, employment opportunities for IT professionals are growing much faster than the average for all professions, so it’s a great line of work to get involved in. If you're interested in a career in IT management, you’ll most likely need at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as computer science, information technology, or IT management. The median annual salary for IT managers is $159,010.

Software test engineers develop and implement strategies to test software functionality. They ensure that software applications are reliable, free of errors, and meet performance expectations. Software test engineers often work for software development companies, telecommunications companies, e-commerce companies, research institutions, and in-house IT departments of corporations. Some software test engineers are freelancers who provide testing services on a contractual basis. 

The software test engineer career path can be perfect for introverts who enjoy working independently and using their analytical skills and creativity to solve problems. Most of a software test engineer’s workday will be spent at a computer running tests and confirming the quality of software products. 

A bachelor’s degree in software engineering is the foundation of a career as a software test engineer. This degree will teach you valuable skills and industry knowledge in full-stack engineering, data management, programming, web development, and much more. The BLS reports that the median annual salary for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is $109,020. 

Cloud computing is a fundamental component of modern IT infrastructure. Cloud architects build, manage, and maintain cloud computing solutions for companies and organizations. They work closely with business leaders to understand a company’s technological needs and business objectives and then devise an optimal cloud strategy to meet those needs. Cybersecurity is a crucial concern when utilizing cloud computing, so cloud architects must also implement robust security measures to ensure that information stored in the cloud is safe and meets industry standards. 

The cloud architect career and similar cloud computing roles align with many introverts’ strengths and preferences for self-directed projects that require deep focus and analysis. 

To become a cloud architect, you’ll typically need at least a bachelor’s degree as well as cloud computing certifications. A bachelor’s degree in cloud computing will teach you skills not only in cloud applications but also in web development, network security, scripting and programming, information technology management, and other IT fundamentals. The average annual salary for cloud architects is $142,107. 

Digital marketing managers manage marketing campaigns through websites, social media, email, chatbots, pay-per-click advertisements, and other digital channels. They research competitors, build the company’s brand, assess key performance indicators, develop and analyze SEO strategies, and advertise the company’s products and services. Digital marketing managers can work in nearly any industry, from advertising agencies to B2B and B2C companies. They often manage a team of content managers, SEO specialists, social media specialists, and other digital marketing professionals. 

Introverts tend to possess certain talents that make them perfect for marketing positions. An article published in Time magazine explains that introverts are often strong observers. Many introverts notice things that others don’t, and they store the information in their memories for later use. They’re excellent listeners and take the time to really understand what someone is saying before responding. These abilities make introverts adept at understanding customers’ needs and developing effective marketing campaigns. 

If you’re an introvert considering the marketing industry, the best way to get started is to acquire a bachelor’s degree in marketing. A marketing degree from a credible university will help you understand the tools, techniques, and philosophies involved in effective marketing. You’ll learn about brand management, marketing strategies, analytics, economic principles, business management, and other key subjects. 

If you want to expand your marketing knowledge and skills, you can obtain a master’s degree in digital marketing. A master’s degree is not necessarily required for entry-level digital marketing roles, but getting additional education will expand your career opportunities and industry knowledge. The BLS reports a median salary of $133,380 per year for digital marketing managers. Individuals with postgraduate degrees and experience in marketing often earn higher salaries. 

There’s never been a better time to be an introvert. With the rise in remote work environments and work-from-home options, introverts have ample opportunities for rewarding careers that fit with their personality traits. 

When people hear the word “introvert,” they often picture someone who is quiet and shy. However, introverts are so much more than this. Introverts are often keenly aware of what’s going on around them and can forge deep, authentic connections with other people. They tend to have excellent critical thinking skills and a capacity for deep focus and deliberate contemplation. The best careers for introverts are those that allow them to utilize these natural abilities.

Whatever your professional direction, the career-aligned degree programs at WGU can help you gain the knowledge and abilities needed to succeed. WGU consults with industry experts to ensure that our degree programs teach students the skills employers are looking for. WGU degree programs are taught online, and you can progress through courses as quickly as you master the material. This makes WGU perfect for anyone who wants to upgrade their skills and credentials while still having time for work, personal responsibilities, and family life.