An INTP geologist?

[nearfantastica]

In typical INTP fashion, I have been having great difficulty selecting a career path. This is a problem as now is the time I should be applying for universities. I don't really fancy changing my major around and wasting money as I've heard of many doing, so I'm trying to come to a conclusive decision (INTP hell).

I am greatly interested in geology. As a matter of fact, few things have held my interest for so long. So, assuming that my intrigue in geology remains steadfast... how do you suppose an INTP would fare in such a field?

I'm just looking for some opinions from like-minded individuals.

 

[Lacplesis]

Well, you are not alone. I also considered geology, but sadly, only after a few years worth of architecture study. If I could choose now, I would go for geology, or computer science, or astronomy, or electromechanical engineering, or whatever.
If I were you, I would consider a few things apart of the subject itself. Most universities have a questionable agenda, and teaching methods that do not fit our mindset. I mean not to scare you away from geology, its that your interest will be tested, you still have to see why geology interests you especially when along comes the drill of mindlessly memorizing raw facts. But that is the easy part. It is much more harder when you look around and see, that maybe other subjects could hold more value and interest, and spend time to explore possibilities while your grades get lower and lower until you drop out at some point. That's bad, I did that and cannot recommend it.

But You will be fine while your interest holds true.

 

[redbaron]

Just try to get into a university with a background in research. Geology at some places is bastardised by corporate investment - curriculum is geared towards having you work for mining and drilling companies as opposed to learning geology.

 

[Analyzer]

I was interested at one time with geology, now I would rather study geography especially human geography.

 

[nearfantastica]

That was actually one of my fears relating to studying geology. I don't fancy working for drilling or mining companies, no matter how good the money is.

 

[Pyropyro]

That was actually one of my fears relating to studying geology. I don't fancy working for drilling or mining companies, no matter how good the money is.

Well you could always work at the academe.

 

[Conciencia]

Geologist is probably a good choice. My ex-husband (also an INTP) is a geologist. It seemed like it is a good profession for introverts. Many geologists seem introverted and some are very quirky. He is an environmental scientist which gives the geologist a lot of control and also the ability to develop creative solutions to problems. If you are a major introvert, there are jobs in far-flung or isolated places that pay well because most people don't want to be there. Many jobs that require a lot of travel often for long enough duration to be considered temporary relocations. It's a challenging, multi-faceted creative science gig that offers a low people environment, field work, and travel. You'll always have others in your profession who are at least as weird as you might be, if not more

 

[nearfantastica]

You give a very appealing description.

 

[Polaris]

^I would have finished a geology/environmental geology major if I hadn't moved universities. Currently finishing an enviro science/ecology major, but really miss the geology aspect of it. It seemed the perfect fit for my personality for the reasons Conciencia mentioned. Currently looking at aiming towards research in chemistry/geology/sedimentology/environmental assessment/ecology combo. Could be interesting attempting to combine across so many disciplines, which my degree will allow me to do thanks to supportive mentors/supervisors.

Combining so many disciplines will also guarantee me work as environmental assessment/remedy is going to be a very busy area. I think the profound understanding of chemical interactions in various ecosystems and the long-term implications is going to be a sought after skill.

 

[Vrecknidj]

...
I am greatly interested in geology. As a matter of fact, few things have held my interest for so long. So, assuming that my intrigue in geology remains steadfast... how do you suppose an INTP would fare in such a field?

It doesn't matter how "an INTP would fare in such a field," it matters how you would fare. And, given your interest, what more are you looking for?

Do it.

 

[Sci Nai]

I'd say go for it. For what it's worth, I used to be into geology when I was younger, I even have a rock collection