So, do INTPs really excel at anything at an early age? Something that an employer would value? Seems a lot of INTPs dont have any real skills. Just a knack for analyzing information. How easy has it been for any of you to even get part time jobs through the years?
I've been working part-time and full-time at a suburban grocery store for the past four years while attending college. I think it’s a great job for young INTPs to have, if not one of the best—this is why (although many of these INTP strengths could also apply to many other jobs):
First, as you say, INTPs have “a knack for analyzing information.” The wording of that statement implies that other types lack such a knack, and my experiences on the job confirm this. There is a huge amount of information to learn and evaluate at a grocery store and a massive number of possible action-plans available for implementation.
Second, I suspect that some INTPs—as well as other iNtuitives—have a different environmental awareness than other types; I know this is true for me (INTP), my ENTP brother, and an INFP I know. In my opinion, the SJs and SPs tend to exhibit a highly repetitive, almost herd-like pattern with regard to what they pay attention to and what they overlook, meaning that there is always some work to be done that exists outside the boundaries of the awareness of the Sensors. There is always an item in the wrong place on the shelf, always a gum wrapper on the floor, always a misplaced tag, always a cobweb in a corner somewhere, etc.—and the Sensors will overlook many of these on a daily basis.
Third, the INTP’s introversion combined with our odd “social chameleon” tendencies are perfect for this kind of job. Your combination of introversion and iNtuition can enable you to focus on work while the SJs and SPs may be much more prone to devoting a portion of their neurons to Sensor-level conversations—and hence they’ll repeatedly work at a level lower than their actual potential, with their attention divided as it is. However, the INTP’s mirror-like personality will ensure that when you do have to engage in social interaction—e.g., with other employees, with your bosses, with customers—you’ll be able to do so in a way that conforms to everyone’s social expectations while simultaneously not diverting you from your work to the same extent that conversation tends to do for the Sensors. I’m not sure how to express in words how beneficial this is for the perceptive INTP—you can be well-liked by all the employees and bosses while somehow outworking basically everyone.
As long as you choose a position that allows some autonomy (e.g., stocker) and don’t work at a store with rigid routines and supervision, I’d say that this is a great job for younger INTPs.
Also, if you really are an NT, then the characteristically NT cravings for achievement and competence should enable you to excel at practically anything--I know for me that it has. And as I said, many of the observations I typed above could apply to many more jobs and tasks than just working at a grocery store. NTs in general and INTPs in particular really are in a unique position, in my experience.
I have quickly become one of my bosses favorites at every job I have done, but in terms of part time jobs or any non career type jobs I don't think it is really your personality type or skills that make you successfull or not. In the end it really just comes down to having high standards for your own work and not being lazy and accepting the minimum.
But overall INTPs are one of the most valuable emplyees to have in most everything.
I think both of your conclusions here are spot-on.
. then i wanted to be an engineer. now i want to become a businessman. now the main question: i still want to become an engineer. the thing that stops me from applying for university is that i'm bad at physics. my grades are usually 7 in 10 grade system. the problem is that i don't enjoy it. and i think my life would be miserable if i choose a career i hate. so i begging for advice wheather i should apply anyway. i am interested in robotics and automotive engineering. maybe there are a few INTP engineers that could help me? i know engineering is very challenging and i'm very inpattient. i am worrying that if i apply i might regret this
. thank you again!
. Thank You.
