Careers for Highly Extraverted Individuals

Those who are extraverted tend to be energetic and confident. Indeed, these people are often found in social situations where they can entertain others. In this article, we will take a closer look at the “Extraverted” personality trait. What are their key strengths in the workplace? What careers are they best suited to? And, what careers may they find frustrating or draining?

Overview of the Extraversion Trait

When exploring personality using the Big Five, all of the five very different traits are considered. One of these five traits is “extraversion”. People who score higher on extraversion than any of the other traits will have particular strengths, and therefore may thrive better in particular careers. However, it is important to note that potential jobs for highly conscientious people could vary if that person has an additional strong trait.

The extraversion scale indicates how much a person enjoys social interaction and how outgoing they are. At one end of the scale, those who score high on extraversion tend to seek stimulation from the outside/external world. This means that they are outgoing, sociable, energetic and enthusiastic. At the opposite end of the scale, individuals who score low on extraversion (called introverts) seek stimulation from their internal world. Introverts tend to appear quiet, l0w-key and deliberate.

The Facets of Extraversion

Each of the Big Five personality traits measure very broad aspects of our personality. Due to this, each of the broad OCEAN traits is measured by six more precise ‘facets’. Each facet is related to the other, but they are not identical and are measured on separate scales.

To give a deeper and more precise understanding of extraversion, it is measured on the six facets (sub-scales within the test) of: warmth, gregariousness, assertiveness, activity, excitement seeking and positive emotions.

Career Considerations

Someone who is highly extraverted has many strengths, such as their energetic nature and confidence. At work, they truly stand out because they have skills such as:

• Teamwork skills. Those who are extraverted enjoy the company of other people, as a result they enjoy teamwork.
• Leadership skills. Those with high levels of extraversion are confident and are therefore comfortable leading large teams.
• Energy. Extraverted people enjoy the company of others. When interacting with others, they are likely to feel in a good mood and exert positive energy.
• Negotiation skills. Extraverted individuals are able to strategically negotiate and argue with others.

Best Careers for Those who Score High on Extraversion

Extraverts are social, energetic and outgoing. They tend to thrive off interactions with others and will therefore work well in team-oriented workplaces. Careers in sales, waitering/waitressing, event planning or journalism fit this bill. However, on top of this, extraverts really like to form meaningful and genuine connections with others. As a result, they are likely to also thrive as counselors, therapists or healthcare aides.

Extraverts are confident and have the ability to successfully motivate others. As a result, they will often thrive in various management positions. Careers in human resources, operations management or purchasing management allow extraverts to lead a team, whilst building meaningful relations with others.

Worst Careers for Those who Score High on Extraversion

Due to their social nature, extroverts are likely to struggle in careers that require little social interaction and a lot of independent work. Careers as a scientist, truck driver, computer programmer, librarian or network engineer, for example, may frustrate the extravert. However, those who sit at the opposite end of the scale (introverts) like to spend time alone and can become exhausted by social interactions. As a result, they are likely to thrive in the careers that an extravert will struggle in.