Careers for Investigating Types

Investigative types, or otherwise known as “The Thinkers” work best with data. They tend to be action-oriented and want to understand information, rather than persuade others. They have many strengths and will thrive in the right career. In this article, we will explore these strengths. We will also explore, based on these strengths, what careers an Investigative type might thrive in and what careers may frustrate them.

Overview of the Investigative Type

The Investigative personality type, or “The Thinker”, is one of the six personality types included in the Holland Code model of personality. Typically, Investigative types are analytical, logical and data-driven. They are intellectual, inquisitive and tend to enjoy solving complexed problems using mathematics and science.

They get their nickname “The Thinker” because they like working with ideas and theories. They love exploring their thoughts and they enjoy building their knowledge to gather a deeper understanding of the world.

Career Considerations

Many of an Investigative types strengths lie in their intellect and inquisitiveness. At work, they truly stand out because they have skills such as:

• Problem Solving. The Investigative type is able to use logic to solve high complexed problems.
• Idea-generating. Investigative types are thinkers and, as a result, they like to focus on their thoughts and generating new ideas from these thoughts.
• Curiosity. The Investigative type likes expanding their knowledge and gathering more information about the world.
• Independent. Investigative types are happy exploring the world on their own terms and are often happy to work independently.

Best Careers for Investigative Types

In general, Investigative types are logical, scholarly and curious. They are often best suited to careers in serious environments. These careers should allow them to behave analytically, focus on data and solve complexed problems. Due to this, it is common to find many investigative types in careers as an actuary, computer programmer or petroleum engineer.

It is important to note that although you may relate most to the Enterprising personality type, your ‘ideal’ career may be influenced by your secondary (and then tertiary) type.

• Investigative types with a secondary type of ‘Artistic’ focus on solving problems with a hint of creativity. As a result, these types may be more likely to thrive as historians, carpenters or brickmasons.
• Investigative types with a secondary type of ‘Conventional’ are exceptionally accurate, organized and reliable. They are more likely to thrive in careers that solve problems with precession, such as a web developer or computer programmer.
• Investigative types with a secondary type of ‘Enterprising’ are influencing and entrepreneurial. They may thrive in careers as a journalist, detective or management consultant.
• Investigative types with a secondary type of ‘Realistic’ like to solve practical problems. These types enjoy being outdoors, operating machinery or working with their hands. They are likely to thrive as a landscape architect, civil engineer or geologist.
• Investigative types with a secondary type of ‘Social’ like to help others. Based on this, they may be found in more compassionate roles such as psychology, counselling or midwifery. 

Worst Careers for Investigative Types

Due to their curious nature, “Thinkers” are less likely to thrive in careers that are not data-driven, complexed or focused on solving problems. This may include careers such as a sales representative, real estate agent or travel agent.