5 best careers for introverts that lead to both success and fulfilment

Your morning routine isn’t just about caffeine; it’s a well-thought plan where you avoid eye contact with your colleagues, who are all bright and cheery. You make your way to the office kitchen like a ninja, carefully pouring your coffee and slipping back to your desk unnoticed.

Then dread begins to creep in as you realise there’s a meeting scheduled for noon. The thought of speaking in front of others makes your heart race, and you pray that you won’t have to contribute much.

You strategically position yourself at the back of the room, hoping nobody calls on you. Throughout the meeting, you take notes down, not just to refer to later but also to avoid eye contact and keep busy.

If you ever find yourself doing this, you are most likely an introvert. But do not worry. You are not alone. 

According to the Myers-Briggs Company, in 2021, over 57% of the general population of the US identified as introverts.

In 2023, a report revealed that Gen-Z has a higher percentage of introverts compared to other generations. Between them growing up with smartphones and social media (which may have created social anxiety due to the increased social comparisons) and COVID-19 slashing opportunities to properly socialise for close to two years, the results of the report aren’t too surprising.

Still, interaction is important, especially in the working world. But fret not — there’s a way to make full use of your unique strengths.

What is an introvert?

Introverts typically get their energy from solitude rather than socialising, which doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy social interactions.

It’s just that you may require more alone time compared to extroverts. While some introverts may prefer solitude or small gatherings, many are able to overcome shyness and build meaningful social connections.

The concepts of introversion and extroversion were first introduced and popularised by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung in the early 20th century. In his work, “Psychological Types,” Jung introduced the idea that individuals have different personality types, with introversion and extroversion being two of the most fundamental dimensions. 

He defined introverts as individuals who focus their energy and attention inwardly, often finding solace and rejuvenation in solitude. While extroverts were described as individuals who direct their energy outward, seeking social interaction and external stimulation to recharge.

At the end of the day, introverts are found everywhere, in every career imaginable.

From the billionaire founder of an internationally used software or platform (like Microsoft or Facebook) to Academy Award-winning actors or actresses (Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy has been adopted by introverts everywhere for his introversion tendencies), you might even mistake them for extroverts too.

Introverts vs extroverts at the workplace: Who’s more in demand?

The common stereotype surrounding introverts is that they are usually withdrawn, shy, and antisocial.

In comparison, extroverts are assumed to be charismatic, outgoing, boisterous, and assertive — the kind who fit the requirement for “dynamic, outgoing candidates with exceptional communication skills” in job posts.

And they’re the ones 25% likelier to land a higher-earning job like consulting and investment banking.

However, like extroverts, introverts can adapt to different environments and workplaces. They can even thrive in “extroverted careers” including the #1 job today: being CEO.

According to Susan Cain, author of “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking,” leadership does not require someone to be “highly sociable.”

Instead, she believes good leaders “are motivated by the desire to advance ideas and new ways of looking at the world or to improve the situations of a group of people.”

A study found that, unlike extroverts, introverts are great at making more accurate observations about human behaviour.

They are excellent at “reading” people and understanding them better. This results from them spending a lot of their time observing people rather than interacting with them. 

With this skill set, you can progress to the highest levels of a company as bosses are always in need of someone who can read their employees well, possibly giving way to a  C-suite position with a six-figure salary.

But if you’re looking for a more relaxed career path with just as much financial rewards, the following list of best careers for introverts has a good balance of jobs for a diverse range of needs.

5 best careers for introverts to earn well and live well

1. Database Architect

In an increasingly data-driven world, any expertise or knowledge with computers is well-valued. 

Database architects, in particular, have become indispensable — they’re earning median annual salaries of up to US$134,870, and the demand for them is ever-growing. 

The role is one of the best careers for introverts because they often work in the background, crafting intricate frameworks for data storage, retrieval, and analysis. They’re the masterminds behind designing and constructing the data infrastructure that underpins modern organisations.

Their responsibilities involve designing data models, establishing data governance, and ensuring data quality — all tasks that require deep concentration and attention to detail.

Where should you study?

To become a data architect, you need a degree in computer science, computer engineering, data science or a related field.

Here are some of the best schools to study in this field:

• Purdue University 
• Stanford University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• University of Melbourne
• University of Oxford

2. Software Developer

In the same scene as a database architect, software developers are high in demand.

The US Bureau of Labour Statistics projected a 25% increase in job openings from 2022-2032, with 2022 numbers at almost 1.8 million. The pay is high too, with median annual salaries at US$127,260.

Software developers use programming skills to create new software and improve existing software applications. They are often given a task in which they’ll then need to build the code for the software requirements, like an operating system or even a mobile app.

Their tasks involve assessing and improving software systems, performing maintenance to those systems, creating code for new software and updates, and more.

Where should you study?

To become a software developer, you need a degree in software engineering, computer science, or a related field

Here are some of the best schools to consider:

• University of Texas at Austin
• Imperial College London
• Delft University of Technology
• University of Toronto
• Tsinghua University

3. Actuary

Anyone who knows numbers wants to reduce their financial uncertainties and minimize risks, so that’s where actuaries come in.

The role often involves assessing and managing the risks of an individual, group, or company’s financial investments, insurance policies, and other risky ventures. It’s one of the best careers for introverts because you’ll be spending most of your time building financial models, analysing risk, and working within spreadsheets.

However, introverts should be aware that some parts of the job call for socialisation, mainly around communicating your findings to your own team or to outside parties, like auditors and clients.

Still, the job pays well, with an annual median salary of US$113,990.

Where should you study?

To land a job as an actuary, you need a degree in actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, or business.

Here are some schools with actuarial science programmes to consider:

• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Toronto
• Erasmus University Rotterdam
• London School of Economics and Political Science
• Ohio State University

4. Graphic Design

Graphic design is a visually captivating field that caters to introverts with a creative flair. 

It involves creating visual content for various media, including websites, advertisements, and branding materials. 

A key role in most companies, they earn a median annual salary of US$57,990 and can progress up to the C-suite as a Chief Creative Officer, which pays up to US$181,325 a year in the US according to Glassdoor.

Graphic designers can often work remotely or in quiet studio settings, which allows introverts to focus their creative energies without the pressure of constant social interaction.

Where should you study?

Here are universities with some of the best graphic design courses:

• Loughborough University
• The University of Edinburgh
• Royal College of Art, London
• Rhode Island School of Design
• Politecnico di Milano

5. Content Writer

You might think AI has a content writer’s job prospects going downhill, but the truth is, content writers are still the wordsmiths of the digital age, shaping narratives and conveying messages through the written word. 

It is one of the best careers for introverts because, more often than not, they work independently and have the freedom to immerse themselves in the creative writing process. 

Whether crafting blog posts, articles, website content, or marketing materials, introverts can find solace in the quiet act of putting words on paper (or screen). 

Specific writing roles can land you big bucks too — technical writers earn a median annual salary of US$79,960, while medical writers earn an average base salary of US$94,067.

Where should you study?

Depending on your interests, there are numerous degree options you can explore. 

A degree in English or literature provides a strong foundation in writing, grammar, and literary analysis, which are essential for content writing.

Numerous prestigious schools are offering an English language or literature degree. These include: 

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• Harvard University
• University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
• Yale University

Journalism and communication studies programmes offer research, interviewing, and storytelling training, skills valuable for content writers, especially in news-related content.

Here are some excellent universities to pursue journalism, communication or media studies:

• University of Amsterdam
• University of Southern California
• Northwestern University
• University of Texas at Austin
• New York University (NYU)

For the extreme introverts, here are two more careers to consider

Librarian 

A career in library science makes for one of the best careers for introverts because this profession allows you to cultivate a love for learning and contribute to your communities without the need for constant social interaction.

And even when dealing with library patrons, conversations are easy, at a low volume, and on something you can be passionate about: books. 

There are many degree options available to becoming a librarian, but pursuing a Master in Library and Information Science (MLIS) is the most direct path to becoming a librarian. 

Archivist

Being an archivist is one of the best careers for introverts because they often work behind the scenes in quiet, controlled environments, meticulously cataloguing and curating historical materials. 

Here, responsibilities include maintaining the integrity of documents and artefacts, digitising records for future generations, and conducting research to uncover hidden historical gems. 

Archival science programmes are the way to pursue this career, and some universities even offer the Archives & Record Association-accredited degrees.

Disclaimer: This article was updated on Apil 17, 2024.