Do you consider yourself a people person? Do you like solving problems by discussing them? Do you find crowds energising rather than draining? If so, you probably have a more extroverted personality type. There are many career options that suit this trait and will help you thrive professionally.
What does it mean to be an ‘extrovert’?
According to many personality psychologists, there are five major personality traits that everybody shares, ‘Extroversion’ being one of them. The other traits include: ‘Conscientiousness’, ‘Openness’, ‘Agreeableness’ and ‘Neuroticism’. What kind of person you are, how you react to others and the world around you depend on how much of these areas you have. The ‘Extroversion’ factor represents how much you are an extrovert or its opposite ‘introvert’. Being an introvert means you work the best on your own and prefer one-on-one encounters to public speaking. Most people are in the middle of the ‘Extroversion’ scale, with some veering a little more or less on the extreme ends. If you find that you are the one more inclined on the more extroverted spectrum, there are many career sectors that would welcome your personality type. There is more to being a strong extrovert than someone who just ‘loves to talk’. There is a myriad of different people skills, communication skills and social environments to consider. We have compiled our top ten extrovert styles with a career choice to match it.
- Calm and steady speaker: Medical professional e.g. Nurse, Midwife, Therapist
It is vital for doctors or any health professional to have amazing patient rapport. From conveying simple reassurance to relaying extremely sensitive information, those in the medical world need to be calm but confident speakers. Patients need to feel comfortable with someone who is approachable, assertive and willing to engage with their worries.
- Comfortable under pressure: Law
Lawyers need to cool and clear orators when arguing their case in front of a packed courtroom. They also need to build relationships with clients behind the scenes either on the phone or through intense meetings. Case studies can sometimes take months or even years. You need to able to cope with long-term projects and relationships with the same set of people.
- Direct and persuasive speaker: Sales Representative, Financial Advisor, Consultant
It takes a certain skill to be able to sell things just by using your voice and body language. If you are a particularly good debater, the sales or finance world may be the right place for you. Most of the time you might only be on the phone, so the way you speak must be nuanced and concise. A fast-paced, dynamic and loud business environment are for those who enjoy facing problems head-on and prefer a non-fussy approach.
- Sharer of knowledge: Teacher, Lecturer
If your passion for learning is bursting to be shared, then you are a born teacher. Those in the education sector give daily presentations and talk in front of classrooms, seminars or conferences. Some find it more rewarding engaging with a younger audience, while others are inspired by mature students. There are many lecture styles, but those in a teaching position are expected to be energetic, patient and encouraging with their techniques. A large part of academia involves networking with other researchers and defending your own work to others in the field.
- In charge of everything: Event Planner
If you are organised and love being at the helm, event planning could be a very stimulating environment. From weddings to an art exhibition, event planning can be explored in many sectors. It requires a lot of responsibility and someone who enjoys multi-tasking. It’s also suited for someone who is comfortable working with tonnes of new contacts either for short-term or lengthy projects and can keep a good relationship with all of them.
- Love to socialise: Public Relations
Publicity work, like event planning, involves establishing quick relationships with new people. It also involves a lot of networking and socials that are not necessarily part of the job. It’s suited for someone who has a friendly, open demeanour and enjoys having a chat with everybody.
- Understands people: Human Resources, Recruitment Consultant
As stated in the name, human resources is a people-focused career. From recruitment to employment support, a successful HR representative must understand the way people tick. They will meet a horde of new people every day and decide how their strengths or weaknesses can be applied to a role. They are also called to mediate workplace problems between managers and employers. This requires being a democratic and calm person during meetings.
- The leader of groups: Curator, Tour guide
If you love being followed by crowds, then working in the tourist industry could be one for you. Tour guides regularly talk to groups of people from different countries and cultures. Like a teacher, you are expected to be a friendly, enthusiastic and accommodating speaker for hours at a time. You may never meet the group again, but you enjoy meeting a mixed bag of ages and backgrounds.
- Love the limelight: Actor, Singer, TV Presenter, DJ
Are you the type of extrovert who craves the spotlight? Enter the entertainment industry if you are passionate about all things dramatic. It’s not a path for the faint-hearted, unfortunately. You need to have an inner confidence that will give you the energy to push through competition and shine when the opportunity arrives.
- Customer focused: Flight Steward
If you have strong interpersonal skills, being a flight attendant could be an interesting venture. It’s a career that has a blend of everything; engaging with large crowds, one-on-one, high-pressure situations, and strong responsibilities. You need to be able to assert authority but also be a reassuring and helpful figure for passengers.
