Learn about typical career interests of the the ENFP personality type, potential career matches, and careers to avoid.
Reading time: 5 minutes
Gregory Park, Ph.D.
Author
After a short summary of ENFP career interests, you’ll find 20 potential career fits for ENFPs, along with several poor fits, identified by combining data about ENFP personality patterns with detailed occupational information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The chart below shows where ENFPs tend to fall on the classic RIASEC career interest dimensions: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.
Your unique blend of these dimensions dramatically influences how well a career feels like a good fit.
The dark blue areas show where ENFPs are most likely to fall on each dimension.
Most ENFPs tend to have the following pattern of interests:
High Artistic interests: People with strong Artistic interests prefer jobs that require innovation through artistic and intuitive skills in less structured tasks and environments. Examples include artists, novelists, actors or actresses, musicians, curators, and designers.
Average Enterprising interests: People with strong Enterprising interests are often skilled communicators and enjoy influencing, persuading, and leading other people. They actively pursue leadership roles and opportunities to bolster their status and reputation. Examples include sales and marketing directors, politicians and political organizers, and executives.
High Social interests: People with strong Social interests fit well with careers that involve helping, comforting, caring for, and teaching other people. Examples include physical therapists, counselors, clergy, social workers, doctors, and nurses.
Average Realistic interests: People with high Realistic interests enjoy careers that allow them to work with their hands or tools to get a job done, rather than thinking or talking about it. They may also gravitate towards jobs with opportunities for working outdoors, competition, and risk-taking. Examples include police officers, military officers, professional athletes, farmers, builders, mechanics, forest rangers, and woodworkers.
Average Investigative interests: People with strong Investigative interests prefer roles that require observation, researching, and understanding ideas. They tend to prefer working with data and ideas rather than working closely with other people. Examples include medical researchers, chemists, software engineers, scientific reporters, and statisticians.
Low Conventional interests: People with strong Conventional interests excel in roles that require categorizing, planning, and systematizing information and processes. Examples include financial officers, budget analysts, office managers, database analysts, and systems administrators.
However, it’s possible to find ENFPs at any point on any of these six dimensions. While most ENFPs have relatively low Conventional interests, there are still a few ENFPs who score very highly on them. This wide range in interests highlights the problem of using broad personality types to find good career matches.
For a more precise assessment of your unique combination of personality traits, career interests, and much more, try the assessments here at TraitLab.
Most ENFPs have intense Artistic interests, meaning they will gravitate towards roles with opportunities to create, innovate, and experiment.
Many ENFPs also have strong Social interests, which fit well with roles requiring skillful communication and empathy.
Other ENFPs tend to lean into Enterprising interests, pulling them towards roles with heavy demands for persuading, leading, and managing others.
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People who work in the following 20 occupations tend to have similar interests to most ENFPs:
Also known as Anchor, News Anchor, News Reporter, Radio News Anchor, Radio Talk Show Host, Reporter, Staff Writer, Television News Anchor (TV News Anchor), Television News Reporter, Television Reporter (TV Reporter)
News Reporters narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. They also may collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.
Typical pay range: $25,510 - $127,370 (annual)
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Also known as Beautician, Cosmetologist, Hair Dresser, Hair Stylist, Hairdresser, Hairstylist, Manager Stylist, Master Cosmetologist, Stylist
Hairstylists provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. They also may shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.
Typical pay range: $18,840 - $53,410 (annual)
Learn more about Hairstylists ->
Also known as Ballet Director, Choreographer, Dance Director, Dance Maker, Musical Choreographer
Choreographers create new dance routines. In addition, Choreographers rehearse performance of routines and may direct and stage presentations.
Typical pay range: $21,180 - $101,250 (annual)
Learn more about Choreographers ->
Also known as Curriculum and Instruction Director, Curriculum Coordinator, Curriculum Director, Curriculum Specialist, Education Specialist, Instructional Designer, Instructional Systems Specialist, Instructional Technologist, Learning Development Specialist, Program Administrator
Instructional Coordinators develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology into instruction in order to provide guidelines to educators and instructors for developing curricula and conducting courses. In addition, Instructional Coordinators may train and coach teachers, and they include educational consultants and specialists, and instructional material directors.
Typical pay range: $39,270 - $105,650 (annual)
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Also known as Art History Professor, Art Instructor, Art Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Instructor, Music Instructor, Music Professor, Professor, Theatre Professor
Art History Professors teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. They also includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Typical pay range: $34,220 - $153,060 (annual)
Learn more about Art History Professors ->
Also known as Choir Director, Composer, Conductor, Film Composer, Liturgical Music Director, Music Composer, Music Director, Music Producer, Orchestra Director, Songwriter
Composers conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.
Typical pay range: $23,890 - $124,390 (annual)
Learn more about Composers ->
Also known as Agricultural Education Teacher, Allied Health Teacher, Business Education Teacher, Cosmetology Teacher, Drafting Instructor, Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher (FACS Teacher), Instructor, Teacher, Technology Education Teacher, Vocational Teacher
Technical Education High School Teachers teach occupational, vocational, career, or technical subjects to students at the secondary school level.
Typical pay range: $43,410 - $96,020 (annual)
Learn more about Technical Education High School Teachers ->
Also known as Exceptional Children Teacher (EC Teacher), Exceptional Student Education Teacher (ESE Teacher), Inclusion Teacher, Intervention Specialist, Learning Support Teacher, Middle School Special Education Teacher, Self-Contained Special Education Teacher, Special Education Resource Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Teacher
Special Education Middle School Teachers teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. They also includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
Typical pay range: $42,090 - $99,750 (annual)
Learn more about Special Education Middle School Teachers ->
Also known as Bariatric Weight Loss Counselor, Certified Exercise Physiologist (EPC), Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Clinical Exercise Specialist, Exercise Physiologist, Exercise Scientist, Exercise Specialist, Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant
Exercise Physiologists assess, plan, or implement fitness programs that include exercise or physical activities such as those designed to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, or flexibility.
Typical pay range: $36,070 - $78,170 (annual)
Learn more about Exercise Physiologists ->
Also known as English Teacher, Language Arts Teacher, Mathematics Teacher (Math Teacher), Middle School Teacher, Music Teacher, Physical Education Teacher (PE Teacher), Reading Teacher, Science Teacher, Social Studies Teacher, Teacher
Middle School Teachers teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.
Typical pay range: $40,930 - $98,840 (annual)
Learn more about Middle School Teachers ->
Also known as Art Teacher, Dance Instructor, Dance Teacher, Driving Instructor, Flight Instructor, Instructor, Martial Arts Instructor, Music Instructor, Piano Teacher, Teacher
Self Enrichment Teachers teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.
Typical pay range: $21,920 - $82,000 (annual)
Learn more about Self Enrichment Teachers ->
Also known as Activities Assistant, Activities Director, Activity Aide, Activity Assistant, Activity Coordinator, Activity Director, Recreation Assistant, Recreation Coordinator, Recreation Supervisor
Recreation Workers conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies or recreation facilities. They also organize and promote activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, dramatics, social recreation, camping, and hobbies, taking into account the needs and interests of individual members.
Typical pay range: $19,510 - $46,510 (annual)
Learn more about Recreation Workers ->
Also known as Anchor, Announcer, DJ (Disc Jockey), Host, Morning Show Host, News Anchor, Radio Announcer, Television News Anchor (TV News Anchor)
Broadcast Announcers speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. They also may play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.
Typical pay range: $19,580 - $114,050 (annual)
Learn more about Broadcast Announcers ->
Also known as Child Development Teacher, Early Childhood Teacher, Group Teacher, Infant Teacher, Montessori Preschool Teacher, Nursery Teacher, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher (Pre-K Teacher), Preschool Teacher, Teacher, Toddler Teacher
Preschool Teachers instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.
Typical pay range: $21,900 - $58,230 (annual)
Learn more about Preschool Teachers ->
Also known as Adult Basic Education Instructor (ABE Instructor), Adult Basic Education Teacher (ABE Teacher), Adult Education Instructor, Adult Education Teacher, ESL Instructor (English as a Second Language Instructor), ESL Teacher (English as a Second Language Teacher), ESOL Teacher (English for Speakers of Other Languages Teacher), GED Instructor (General Educational Development Instructor), GED Teacher (General Educational Development Teacher), Teacher
Adult Education Instructors teach or instruct out-of-school youths and adults in basic education, literacy, or English as a Second Language classes, or in classes for earning a high school equivalency credential.
Typical pay range: $32,120 - $95,630 (annual)
Learn more about Adult Education Instructors ->
Also known as Adjunct Professor; Assistant Professor; Associate Professor; Health and Human Performance Professor; Health and Physical Education Professor (HPE Professor); Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Professor (HPER Professor); Instructor; Kinesiology Professor; Physical Education Professor (PE Professor); Professor
Physical Education Professors teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. They also includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Typical pay range: $33,140 - $130,580 (annual)
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Also known as Activity Coordinator, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), General Activities Therapist, Recreation Therapist, Recreational Therapist, Rehabilitation Therapist, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Recreational Therapists plan, direct, or coordinate medically-approved recreation programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or other institutions. In addition, Recreational Therapists’ activities include sports, trips, dramatics, social activities, and crafts, and they may assess a patient condition and recommend appropriate recreational activity.
Typical pay range: $31,450 - $79,250 (annual)
Learn more about Recreational Therapists ->
Also known as Art Teacher, English Teacher, High School Science Teacher, History Teacher, Mathematics Instructor (Math Instructor), Science Teacher, Secondary Teacher, Social Studies Teacher, Spanish Teacher, Teacher
High School Teachers teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.
Typical pay range: $41,330 - $102,130 (annual)
Learn more about High School Teachers ->
Also known as Adjunct Instructor, Adjunct Professor, Architecture Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Faculty Member, Instructor, Interior Design Professor, Lecturer, Professor
Architecture Professors teach courses in architecture and architectural design, such as architectural environmental design, interior architecture/design, and landscape architecture. They also includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Typical pay range: $45,960 - $178,310 (annual)
Learn more about Architecture Professors ->
Also known as Career and Transition Teacher, High School Special Education Teacher, Interrelated Special Education Teacher, Learning Disabilities Special Education Teacher (LD Special Education Teacher), Learning Support Teacher, Resource Teacher, Special Day Class Teacher (SDC Teacher), Special Education Resource Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Teacher
Special Education High School Teachers teach academic, social, and life skills to secondary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. They also includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
Typical pay range: $41,270 - $101,050 (annual)
Learn more about Special Education High School Teachers ->
Most ENFPs would struggle to enjoy careers that primarily demand Conventional and Realistic interests. These careers would focus heavily on organizing, rules and regulations, and attention to detail, leaving little room for ENFPs to use their interpersonal, creative, and leadership strengths.
A few examples of poor fits include:
