Blog / 5 Perfect Jobs for Extroverts
6 February 2023 | Author: Staff Writer | Read Time:
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Signs You’re an Extrovert
Extroverts typically thrive in social settings. If you love meeting new people, and are energized by social interactions, you may be an extrovert. Also known as a “people person” or “social butterfly,” this personality type tends to be talkative, active, impulsive, charismatic, and confident.
The term ‘extrovert’ was first introduced by the psychologist Carl Jung to describe outgoing personalities. Unlike introverts – another Jungian term – extroverts focus their attention on the outside world. (Introverts, on the other hand, tend to prefer their inner world and may experience anxiety in large social situations.)
Of course, the introvert/extrovert binary fails to capture every nuance of human experience. People are typically a mix of both psychological types, feeling energetic and social in some situations, and introspective in others. Nonetheless, these broad categories are a way to reflect on your natural strengths – and identify the right job for your personality type.
Misconceptions About Extroverts
There’s a natural rivalry between introverts and extroverts, resulting in misconceptions on both sides.
For example, some introverts assume that extroverts are so focused on the social world, they lack inner depth – which isn’t true! Just like introverts, extroverts can be creative thinkers, have deep conversations, and listen actively.
Introverts are also subject to mischaracterizations. Don’t underestimate their ability to be confident, charming, and fun; shyness doesn’t need to equal seriousness.
The biggest myth, however, is that extroverts and introverts can’t get along. The strongest teams are usually made up of complementary personalities, who fill in each other’s gaps. Every workplace would benefit from employing a mix of introverts and extroverts.
Jobs for Extroverts
Extroverts tend to shine in fast-paced jobs with lots of human interaction. If their workday contains frequent change and variety, rather than repetitive tasks – even better! Here are 5 career paths that could be excellent options for extroverted people:
1. Hospitality Management
About the Job
Hospitality management involves working for hotels, resorts, airlines, and other tourism-related organizations. As someone in this field, you might manage a hotel, coordinate events, or even work on a cruise ship!
Why It’s Perfect for Extroverts
Hospitality is all about impeccable customer service. Your job in hospitality management would be to create a stress-free experience that makes every guest feel special. Since this role typically entails managing teams, collaborating with other departments, and interacting with guests, people skills are a huge asset.
Extroverts tend to enjoy group projects, and their talent for making others feel welcome will help them provide unforgettable guest service. Plus, the exciting nature of the hospitality industry (again: you could work on a cruise ship) may appeal to extroverts’ love of adventure.
2. Addictions And Community Health Professional
About the Job
Addictions and community health professionals help vulnerable populations live safely and with dignity. The many branches of this career include working with people experiencing addiction or mental illness, victims of domestic abuse, and incarcerated people. If you work in this field, you could be employed by a women’s shelter, mental health center, or corrections facility.
Why It’s Perfect for Extroverts
Interpersonal skills are integral to this field, which often involves working closely with individuals and families, as well as facilitating group and one-on-one counselling. These interactions may be emotional and require a high level of care and empathy. In this role, extroverts could use their gift for human connection to change lives.
3. Medical Office Assistant
About the Job
Medical office assistants support the daily operations of hospitals, doctor’s offices, and medical clinics. In this role, you may be expected to schedule appointments, greet patients, and contact insurance companies, along with other duties.
Why It’s Perfect for Extroverts
From helping patients get settled in treatment rooms to delivering lab results, this job is fundamentally social. Extroverts are sure to enjoy meeting new people every day and building relationships with regular patients. Additionally, medical office assistants are the first point of contact in the workplace – a responsibility that’s perfect for outgoing personalities.
4. Pharmacy Assistant
About the Job
Pharmacy assistants typically perform tasks related to inventory management and order preparation, in addition to providing customer service. This role may involve ordering stock, packaging pharmaceuticals, and helping people who are picking up their medications.
Why It’s Perfect for Extroverts
As a pharmacy assistant, you would work closely with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians – so teamwork is essential. You may perform high-stakes tasks like measuring doses, counting tablets, and labelling bottles, which means you need to be comfortable communicating openly with your team and asking questions as necessary.
In community pharmacies, customer service would be a large part of your day-to-day duties. You would be expected to interact with the public in person and over the phone, handling payments and answering questions. This social aspect of the job has “extrovert” written all over it!
5. Business Management And Entrepreneurship
About the Job
Business management encompasses careers in administration, human resources, sales – and even entrepreneurship. This widely transferrable skillset could land you a job in almost any sector, working for a large corporation, a small business, a non-profit, the government – or yourself.
Why It’s Perfect for Extroverts
Business management would require you to work closely with employees and customers, so social acumen is a must. Additionally, entrepreneurs and business owners are often required to act as the face of the business. This could mean being front-and-center for media releases, networking, and investor pitches. While a shy person may cringe at back-to-back social engagements, an extrovert would thrive as the center of attention.
The Best Jobs Let You Be Yourself – Introvert or Extrovert
Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, the best jobs let you be yourself. You shouldn’t have to hide your personality to get ahead at work. Instead, focus on using your natural strengths to your advantage.
Of course, a big part of being yourself at work is choosing a career that fits your personality (which is likely a blend of introverted and extroverted tendencies). You don’t need to fit yourself into either box to choose a job that complements your unique goals and abilities.
Ready to make the change? Sundance College can help you launch your new career. To learn more about your social style and career match, take the Sundance College Career Quiz.