Marketing, psychology, math: Why these degrees are perfect for introverts

Picture this situation at school or university. 

Amidst the bright and cheery chatter, you’re the type to slip away – hopefully – unnoticed to the back of the room. After all, you find people draining to be around, unless they’re your close friends.

Time for roll call. You sink lower in your seat, practising silently to yourself nine different ways to say “present” without stuttering or fumbling your words. As the list grows closer to your name, you find your heart starting to beat a little faster.

As the day passes on, it calls for a group project. You groan to yourself at the thought of having to interact with people you don’t know, much less care about.

If any of these situations resonated with you, you’re likely an introvert. You likely prefer working independently, perhaps even look up the best degrees for introverts before planning out your academic and career path. 

Don’t worry, you’re not alone – 56.8% of the world’s population are introverts, according to a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) global sample. 

MBTI is one of the world’s most used psychological instruments. Developed by Isabel Myers and her mother, Katherine Briggs (based on their work with Carl Jung’s theory of personality types), this indicator is a self-report inventory designed to identify a person’s personality type, strengths, and preferences. 

The world is said to be made of 40% extroverts, 40% introverts and 20% ambiverts (people who straddle both personalities). 

How do you know which group you fall into?

4 traits of an introverted learner: Lessons from a neuroscientist

Introverts are more than those who appear to be quiet.

There are many myths about introverts, like how they’re bad at socialising, they’re shy and socially awkward, and they are bad at reading social cues. 

But don’t count them out – they are simply skilled in other aspects. Some of the world’s biggest leaders, inventors and trailblazers are introverts – look at Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, or talk show host Oprah Winfrey. 

Friederike Fabritius, MS, a neuroscientist and trailblazer in the field of neuro leadership, shared with CNBC four traits that set introverts apart:

Thinking more

Grey matter, which exists in the outermost layer of the brain, plays a significant role in mental functions, memory, emotions and movement. One Harvard study found that introverts have thicker grey matter compared to extroverts. They also show more activity in the frontal lobes, where analysis and rational thought occur. 

Focusing longer

Teachers thought Albert Einstein — a known introvert — seemed lost in his thoughts. The most influential physicist of the 20th century reportedly said: “It’s that I stay with problems longer.” So don’t be surprised if an introvert doesn’t respond immediately – they’re just collecting their thoughts before they open their mouths.

Stronger moral compass

Introverts can stand their ground, even if it’s not popular. Less swayed by external events, they let their inner moral compass guide them. One 2013 study on social conformity proves this true, showing extroverts are likelier to follow the majority opinion, even if it’s wrong. 

Have unique traits

On average, introverts and extroverts are said to possess the same amount of intellect — but statistics show that around 70% of gifted people are introverts. To be considered “gifted,” one must show above-average intelligence or a superior talent in a particular area, such as music, art or math.

 

The best degrees for introverts understand these aspects, and play into these traits well. Let’s take a look at some of them:

 

Best degrees for introverts: Be selectively social and earn bank with these 10 courses

1. Veterinary Medicine

Average annual salary: US$124,300

Veterinary practice is one of the best degrees for introverts. After all, you’ll be working with patients who can’t exactly talk or complain incessantly. 

Jokes aside, being a vet is an ideal career for introverts due to its focus on animals and one-on-one patient care. Develop deep, meaningful connections with animals – it’s a win-win situation that lets you communicate effectively without requiring extensive social interaction.

Unlike regular medical professions, there aren’t giant halls for you to make speeches in, or many work meetings to present and discuss findings. Besides the odd conference once in a while, you’ll likely be working independently or at least with a small, trusted team. 

A degree in veterinary medicine can lead you to work in one of the following careers: 

• Animal nutritionist
• Veterinary surgeon
• Environmental consultant
• Lecturer 

2. Accounting 

Average annual salary: US$64,440

If numbers are your thing, this math-heavy major will land you a job that requires independent, detailed, analytical work – most likely in the finance or legal field. Most students will spend their time alone learning how to prepare tax documents, financial reports and other paperwork. 

Once in the field, aim to go into private client services such as payroll or quality assurance. Introverts won’t enjoy client-facing roles like financial advisory, insurance or auditing – then again, having to answer a million questions a day would tire anyone out. 

Seek out careers such as:

• Accountant
• Actuary
• Budget Analyst
• Financial Analyst

3. Computer Science

Average annual salary: US$122,890

Most people call this a degree for nerds in the basement. We say it’s for the intellectual! 

After all, it’s no easy feat to deal with complex computer programmes and codes for hours a day. Its solitary nature is a plus for those who dislike interacting with others – after all, code can’t argue with you, right? 

A computer science programme is a perfect degree for introverts, especially detail-oriented ones. You need all the quiet you can get to focus, especially when a single misplaced semicolon could make the entire code fail.

A degree in this field can lead you to work as a:

• Data scientist
• UI/UX designer
• Web developer
• Software developer

4. Liberal arts

Average annual salary: US$66,000

Love the arts but can’t stand the idea of performing in front of a crowd? Liberal arts may just be the perfect fit for you.

A liberal arts education requires countless hours of reading at home, in the library and pretty much anywhere else. It best fits anyone who can withstand days in solitary exploration of complex ideas through reading and reflection. 

Liberal arts colleges also often design their classes to be small, creating more comfortable and engaging learning environments for introverts, and allowing for meaningful discussions and relationships with their peers. It’s truly one of the best degrees for introverts out there.

Graduates of this degree will often find themselves working as a:

• Writer
• Human resources specialist 
• Graphic designer 
• Mediator

5. Engineering

Average annual salary: US$103,150

There are different types of engineering, ranging from petroleum engineering to environmental engineering. None, however, is as popular as mechanical engineering due to how transferrable knowledge is within this field. 

As engineering students progress through their academic year, their curriculum can vary widely, depending on the chosen major. But regardless of the field of engineering, the qualities necessary for students to do well are similar. 

Since this is a STEM field, it requires sharp analytical, precision and problem-solving skills — traits which are more likely found among introverts.

Most engineering graduates tend to work in the field they’ve graduated in. That said, here are some popular engineering careers:

• Mechanical engineer 
• Electrical engineer 
• Engineering consultant
• Civil engineer

6. Chemistry

Average annual salary: US$81,540

Most chemistry majors and chemists in various industry settings often work independently in labs — focusing and concentrating are critical when dealing with all sorts of chemicals. 

Those sharing the same lab reportedly tend to leave one another alone too,  especially while handling dangerous chemicals. After all, you’d want to avoid inhaling any deadly gas by mistake!

Materials aside, the nature of the field makes for a conducive environment for deep analytical thinking and complex problem-solving to take place — which are crucial for any chemist to succeed.

This degree can open up opportunities for you to work as a: 

• Chemist
• Chemical engineer
• Biotechnologist
• Environmental scientist.

7. Psychology

Average annual salary: US$108,655

One of the best degrees for introverts, as it involves listening, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and patience, rather than just talking. These are the essential skills needed to become effective counsellors and psychotherapists, and are found often among introverts.

What’s more, a psychology degree offers a range of career options that allow introverts to work on their own, conduct research, and provide one-on-one counseling (or, at most, to a couple or a family), thereby catering to their preference for smaller, quieter environments.

Of course, your career options aren’t just limited to being a psychologist upon graduating. Other career options include:

• Counsellor
• Educational psychologist
• Human resource manager
• Coach

8. Public Policy

Average annual salary: US$82,240

If you think all public policy students have to become members of parliament or Congressmen and Congresswomen, think again. Public policy is all about crafting and understanding the laws that govern everyday life, including how they affect people. 

Knowing the right laws and regulations to put in place can be a delicate act of balancing conflicting interests, which requires a great deal of analytical skills and attention to detail. 

It also takes a big team. You don’t need to be an MP or a politician to use your public policy skills. Instead, you can be the people behind the scenes in one of the following roles:

• Community relations coordinator
• Policy researcher
• Market researcher
• Political analyst

9. Architecture

Average annual salary: US$106,760

It’s true that architects have to have meetings with clients, other architects, and the rest of the team, especially if they are involved in a large project. Most of the time, however, they work alone. Just ask the architecture student in your university and ask how many sleepless nights they’ve spent alone in their workroom.

Whether it’s developing reports and drawings at their office desks, driving to sites, or meeting clients, it’s likely for architects to spend hours and days by themselves. After all, sketching schematics for a building plan requires grit, focus, and creative thinking — there can’t be distractions when one is tasked with developing designs to tackle modern engineering problems. 

Being able to listen and empathise with clients — another special strength of introverts — is also a handy skill to have as an architect since you’ll be able to discover the exact problem they’re facing.

While most architecture graduates tend to work in the field, this degree can open up careers in other areas, such as: 

• Interior and spatial designer 
• Town designer 
• Surveyor 

10. Creative writing

Last but not least, writing is one of the best degrees for introverts as it lets them focus on their favourite mode of expression. Just ask us!

Most writers either have an associate degree in English or a bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis on writing or creative writing, while others may choose a journalism degree. 

Writing is often a solitary endeavour, allowing introverts to work independently, free from the constant need for social interaction that may drain their energy. Many forms of writing, such as journalism or non-fiction, require research and analysis, which can cater to an introvert’s natural inclination for in-depth investigation.

The career possibilities are also endless. Graduates in this field can work as:

• Journalists
• Freelance writers
• Technical writers
• Copywriters 

Disclaimer: This article was last updated on October 22, 2024.