When searching for a new career path, you want to find an opportunity that not only matches your skill set but also your personality type.
Personalities are core to who we are, and they typically don’t drastically change throughout our life. That said, there are ways we can grow into our strengths and overcome our weaknesses.
Understanding your personality and its many facets can be very helpful as you think about where you want to be in life and pursue your career ambitions. Besides, a dream job for one person may be a nightmare for someone else. That’s as true in the tech industry as it is in any other field.
Understanding your personality
To get a better sense of your personality and who you are at your core, personality tests like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® can be highly useful. This test has been around for years and is rooted in one’s preferences in how they approach a situation.
By taking a Myers-Briggs test, you can discover where you fall on four different continuums:
- Extraversion (E) or introversion (I)
- Sensing (S) or intuition (N)
- Thinking (T) or feeling (F)
- Judging (J) or perceiving (P)
What results is a series of four letters. Each letter represents one end of one of the continuums listed above that your personality is closest to. What’s more, each combination of four letters represents a personality type, such as “ISTJ” or “ENFP.” Consequently, there are 16 different Myers-Briggs personality types.
Knowing not only which side you prefer but where you sit on the sliding scale can show you how adaptable and well-suited your personality may be to different situations. Having this foundation can help you determine what types of responsibilities, work environments, schedules, and team dynamics are important to you. Your personality type will help you understand what you need to be most effective and efficient.
Keep in mind that you don’t need to make career decisions based solely on your personality type. While helpful, this assessment is not to be the be-all, end-all way to set the trajectory of your career. We suggest you use it as a tool, not as a restriction, as you consider what career opportunities to pursue.
ISTJ Meaning: What is an ISTJ personality type?
ISTJ personalities are commonly known as “Logicians.” If you discover you’re an ISTJ personality type, you’ve established certain preferences that can indicate which type of career path may fit better for you.
An ISTJ personality has the following characteristics:
- Prefers introversion (I), meaning that you focus more heavily on your inner world.
- In sensing (S), you prefer to focus on the physical reality and what you can experience.
- For (T), thinking, you value logic and consistency.
- Judging (J) indicates that you prefer to have things decided and established rather than leaving options open.
ISTJ Strengths
ISTJ personalities are critical thinking, detail-oriented, and highly organized in their work. They can be relied upon to get things done well and consistently, as they are known for their even-temperedness and grounded, rational decisions.
ISTJs often possess a wealth of knowledge that can be applied to many situations. They better understand facts and statistics than concepts and principles.
‘Logician’ personalities value predictability, and they are committed to bringing order into chaotic situations. For this reason, they serve as great enforcers of rules and processes. In a mess of details, data, information, and other resources, these team members are able to see patterns and consistencies.
Their rational approach to problems allows them to establish structure and rules to help others thrive. They help teams and projects stay on track with their focus on structure and effectiveness.
ISTJ Weaknesses
Because ISTJs are so fact-driven, they can tend to be stubborn and resist new information that they don’t support. This also means that Logicians may have trouble accepting that they’re wrong. ISTJS also appreciate clearly defined rules, though they may be reluctant to accept change or new practices.
ISTJs believe that ‘honesty is the best policy.’ However, this can sometimes lead to hurting others if they don’t adequately consider others’ emotions. ISTJS can also risk being judgmental, especially when people disagree with their beliefs and ideas.
Though ISTJs may be hard on others, they are equally hard on themselves. They put a lot of pressure on themselves, sometimes taking on extra responsibilities under the belief that others may not adequately complete a project. They hold themselves to high standards and blame themselves if they fall short of these standards.
If you find you are an ISTJ personality, you have a wide selection of career opportunities in the tech industry that may suit you and your preferences well.
Best ISTJ Jobs in Tech
As a logical, systematic worker, careers in tech can work really well for ISTJ personalities. To help get you thinking about what career will match you well, here we share a few roles in tech that may appeal to you.
7 ISTJ Personality Careers
These 7 careers align well with the detail-oriented, focused, and dependable approach that ISTJ personalities often take:
- Information Security Analyst
- Database Administrator
- Data Analyst
- Computer Network Architect
- Software Developer
- Web Developer
- Java Developer
Information Security Analyst
As one of the top tech jobs for 2020, ISTJ personalities can fulfill the role of information security analyst well. Information security analysts have an eye for detail and commitment to serving the common good of an organization. Additionally, they are responsible for preserving the security of the organization’s networks and systems.
From generating reports to reviewing in-depth information, organizations need analysts who are consistent and hardworking. The ISTJ’s practical and intentional approach also helps organizations see what’s possible and draw on realistic expectations in the analysis of information security.
Database Administrator
With a craving for order and structure in their work, ISTJs responsibly fulfill detailed work. This trait is helpful in the role of a database administrator. Database administrators must navigate extensive sets of information and data. ISTJs’ organized and intentional approach to work can help processes and projects move forward, thereby helping organizations thrive. The rule-following focus for ISTJs also helps to ensure that processes are followed correctly in the maintenance of an efficient and successful database system.
Data Analyst
Like an information security analyst, a data analyst is responsible for organizing and reviewing data and presenting it in a way that is helpful for the organization. In order for the best decisions to be made, data analysts must be accurate in their findings and presentation of key data. With important roles in organization and processing, the job of an analyst can be considered one of the best careers for ISTJs.
Computer Network Architect
Committed to establishing and maintaining organization in a project, ISTJs have a good personality for computer network architecture as well. With a heightened focus on productivity and hard work, ISTJs can be great at bringing complex systems and processes into an organized workflow that accomplishes the team’s goals. Whether in a large corporation or a small business, the role of computer network architect aligns with the responsible and practical nature of someone with the ISTJ personality.
Software Developer
For many organizations, software development is fundamental for both internal teams and external clients. This type of role is responsible for organizing, building, and maintaining software systems so team members can do their jobs well. With high attention to detail and a need to be meticulous in their work, the responsible and direct approach of an ISTJ employee fits this role well.
This role involves a lot of problem solving. The ISTJ personality is known to be consistent and reliable in supporting decisions with information and being methodical about the next step to take to be successful.
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Web Developer
If you’re an ISTJ interested in programming language and creating innovative websites and applications, web development may be a great field for you. With the constant need for new websites and innovative ideas, web developers are in high demand in large and small organizations.
The web developer role involves innovation and problem solving—work that the strong-willed and dutiful ISTJ may be well suited for. When problems in design or implementation occur, the calm and practical approach of the ISTJ can be refreshing and powerful in moving the team forward.
Java Developer
The methodical, consistent, and dependable nature of ISTJs make Java development a great area to explore. These team members must possess a high level of skill in using Java and all the complexities involved. With problem-solving abilities and a desire to create order from chaos, this role is one worth exploring for ISTJs.
Be Ready For Your Next Opportunity as an ISTJ
Knowing about your personality opens the door to exploring not only something you love but also what aligns well with who you are. By exploring career opportunities that align well with the skills and demeanor of your ISTJ personality, you can thrive in both the work you do and how you go about it. Understanding who you are gives you direction in your search for careers that will bring you meaning and purpose.
Remember that no ISTJ is the same. Where two ISTJs land on the personality continuum can vary. Use knowledge about your personality type as a tool and guide in exploring your next step—not as a strict determiner for what careers you can or cannot pursue.
And in order to chase that dream career, you’ll need to be well equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experience for tech. To close in those gaps you may find between where you’re at now and where to want to be, explore resources and tools available on Career Karma. From bootcamps to blogs, you can discover steps you can take to thrive in a career that inspires you.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
