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ENTJ Career Interests, Career Matches, and Careers to Avoid

Learn about typical career interests of the the ENTJ personality type, potential career matches, and careers to avoid.

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A photo of the author, Gregory Park, Ph.D.

Gregory Park, Ph.D.

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After a short summary of ENTJ career interests, you’ll find 20 potential career fits for ENTJs, along with several poor fits, identified by combining data about ENTJ personality patterns with detailed occupational information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Table of Contents

ENTJ Career Interests

The chart below shows where ENTJs 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 ENTJs are most likely to fall on each dimension.

ENTJs and RIASEC career interests
Patterns of career interests among ENTJs

Most ENTJs tend to have the following pattern of interests:

  • High 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 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.

  • 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.

  • Average 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 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 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.

However, it’s possible to find ENTJs at any point on any of these six dimensions. While most ENTJs have relatively low Realistic interests, there are still a few ENTJs 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 ENTJs also have intense Enterprising interests, which fit well with roles with heavy demands for persuading, leading, and managing others.

Many ENTJs have strong Conventional interests, meaning they will gravitate towards roles with opportunities to organize, systematize, and develop procedures.

Other ENTJs tend to lean into Investigative interests, pulling them towards roles requiring for analysis, research, and working with complex ideas.

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ENTJ Career Matches

People who work in the following 20 occupations tend to have similar interests to most ENTJs:

Curator

Also known as Collections Curator, Collections Manager, Curator, Education Curator, Exhibitions Curator, Exhibits Curator, Museum Curator, Photography Curator, Vertebrate Zoology Curator

Curators administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. They also may conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

Typical pay range: $33,370 - $96,820 (annual)

Learn more about Curators ->

Network Engineer

Also known as Design Engineer, Network Analyst, Network and Security Engineer, Network Consultant, Network Systems Consultant, Networking Systems and Distributed Systems Engineer, Solutions Architect, Telecommunications Analyst

Network Engineers design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. In addition, Network Engineers

  • perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures,
  • may also design network and computer security measures, and
  • may research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

Typical pay range: $67,190 - $175,570 (annual)

Learn more about Network Engineers ->

Operations Research Analyst

Also known as Advanced Analytics Associate, Analytical Strategist, Decision Analyst, Operations Research Analyst, Optimization Analyst

Operations Research Analysts formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. In addition, Operations Research Analysts

  • may collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products, and
  • may develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

Typical pay range: $48,050 - $144,330 (annual)

Learn more about Operations Research Analysts ->

Lawyer

Also known as Assistant Attorney General, Assistant Counsel, Associate Attorney, Attorney, Attorney at Law, City Attorney, Deputy Attorney General, General Counsel, Lawyer

Lawyers represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. They also may specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Typical pay range: $61,490 - $208,000+ (annual)

Learn more about Lawyers ->

Law Clerk

Also known as Appellate Law Clerk, Career Law Clerk, Clerk to Justice, Deputy Clerk, Federal Law Clerk, Judicial Assistant, Judicial Clerk, Judicial Law Clerk, Law Clerk

Law Clerks assist judges in court or by conducting research or preparing legal documents.

Typical pay range: $34,220 - $105,620 (annual)

Learn more about Law Clerks ->

Technical Products Sales Representative

Also known as Inside Sales Representative, Marketing Representative, Sales Representative

Technical Products Sales Representatives sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from at least 2 years of postsecondary education.

Typical pay range: $42,820 - $171,700 (annual)

Learn more about Technical Products Sales Representatives ->

Detective

Also known as Criminal Investigator, Detective, Detective Sergeant, Fugitive Detective, Fugitive Investigator, Investigator, Narcotics Detective, Narcotics Investigator, Police Detective, Special Agent

Detectives conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

Typical pay range: $46,020 - $146,000 (annual)

Learn more about Detectives ->

Information Technology Manager

Also known as Application Development Director, Computing Services Director, Data Processing Manager, Information Systems Director (IS Director), Information Systems Manager (IS Manager), Information Systems Supervisor (IS Supervisor), Information Technology Director (IT Director), Information Technology Manager (IT Manager), MIS Director (Management Information Systems Director), Technical Services Manager

Information Technology Managers plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

Typical pay range: $90,430 - $208,000+ (annual)

Learn more about Information Technology Managers ->

Administrative Judge

Also known as Adjudications Specialist, Adjudicator, Administrative Hearings Officer, Administrative Judge, Administrative Law Judge, Appeals Examiner, Appeals Referee, Claims Adjudicator, Hearings Officer, Workers’ Compensation Hearings Officer

Administrative Judges conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. They also determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.

Typical pay range: $47,580 - $180,910 (annual)

Learn more about Administrative Judges ->

Airfield Operations Specialist

Also known as Airport Operations Coordinator, Airport Operations Officer, Airport Operations Specialist, Flight Follower, Operations Agent, Operations Coordinator

Airfield Operations Specialists ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. They also duties include coordination between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navigational aids, implementing airfield safety procedures, monitoring and maintaining flight records, and applying knowledge of weather information.

Typical pay range: $28,660 - $98,770 (annual)

Learn more about Airfield Operations Specialists ->

Management Consultant

Also known as Administrative Analyst, Business Analyst, Employment Programs Analyst, Management Analyst, Management Consultant, Organizational Development Consultant, Program Management Analyst, Quality Control Analyst

Management Consultants conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. They also includes program analysts and management consultants.

Typical pay range: $50,990 - $156,840 (annual)

Learn more about Management Consultants ->

Travel Guide

Also known as Cruise Counselor, Guide, Mountain Bike Guide, River Guide, Tour Coordinator, Tour Director, Tour Escort, Tour Manager, Tour Operator, Tours Captain

Travel Guides plan, organize, and conduct long-distance travel, tours, and expeditions for individuals and groups.

Typical pay range: $20,430 - $47,660 (annual)

Learn more about Travel Guides ->

Paralegal

Also known as Certified Paralegal, Corporate Law Assistant, Law Associate, Legal Analyst, Legal Assistant, Litigation Paralegal, Paralegal, Paralegal Assistant, Paralegal Specialist, Real Estate Paralegal

Paralegals assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. They also conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

Typical pay range: $32,900 - $85,160 (annual)

Learn more about Paralegals ->

Private Investigator

Also known as Asset Protection Detective, Field Investigator, Investigator, Loss Prevention Agent, Loss Prevention Associate, Loss Prevention Detective, Loss Prevention Investigator, Loss Prevention Officer, Private Investigator, Special Investigator

Private Investigators gather, analyze, compile, and report information regarding individuals or organizations to clients, or detect occurrences of unlawful acts or infractions of rules in private establishment.

Typical pay range: $31,440 - $96,950 (annual)

Learn more about Private Investigators ->

Urban Planner

Also known as City Planner, Community Development Planner, Community Planner, Development Technician, Housing Development Specialist, Neighborhood Planner, Planning Technician, Regional Planner, Urban Design Consultant, Zoning Technician

Urban Planners develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

Typical pay range: $46,830 - $118,280 (annual)

Learn more about Urban Planners ->

Economist

Also known as Economic Analyst, Economic Consultant, Economic Development Specialist, Economist, Forensic Economist, Project Economist, Research Analyst, Research Associate, Revenue Research Analyst, Tax Economist

Economists conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. They also may collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

Typical pay range: $59,220 - $198,230 (annual)

Learn more about Economists ->

Academic Dean

Also known as Academic Affairs Vice President, Academic Dean, Admissions Director, College President, Dean, Financial Aid Director, Institutional Research Director, Provost, Registrar, Students Dean

Academic Deans plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.

Typical pay range: $56,310 - $199,400 (annual)

Learn more about Academic Deans ->

Budget Analyst

Also known as Budget Analyst, Budget Coordinator, Budget Officer, Financial Services Officer, Management and Budget Analyst, Policy Analyst

Budget Analysts examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. They also analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

Typical pay range: $51,220 - $121,360 (annual)

Learn more about Budget Analysts ->

Labor Relations Specialist

Also known as Business Agent, Business Representative, Field Operations Coordinator, Grievance Manager, Labor Relations Specialist

Labor Relations Specialists resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.

Typical pay range: $19,520 - $128,600 (annual)

Learn more about Labor Relations Specialists ->

Benefits Administrator

Also known as Benefits Administrator, Benefits Analyst, Benefits Specialist, Compensation Analyst, Compensation Consultant, Compensation Coordinator, Compensation Specialist, Compensation/Benefits Specialist, Personnel Specialist, Position Classification Specialist

Benefits Administrators conduct programs of compensation and benefits and job analysis for employer. They also may specialize in specific areas, such as position classification and pension programs.

Typical pay range: $41,490 - $111,930 (annual)

Learn more about Benefits Administrators ->

ENTJ Careers to Avoid

Most ENTJs would struggle to enjoy careers that primarily demand Realistic, Social, and Artistic interests. These careers give ENTJs fewer opportunities to use their analytic, leadership, and organizational strengths.

A few examples include:

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