Best Career Paths for Each Personality Type That Don’t Require a Degree
Jumping into the university pool can be a game-changer for your career, no doubt. But not everyone is willing (or can afford) to go into formal higher education.
The good news is there are many career paths out there that don’t require a degree. Nowadays, you can break into many lucrative fields through a vocational certificate and even self-learning.
So, let’s take a look at the best non-degree career paths for each Myers and Briggs personality type.
ESFJ: People supervision jobs
ESFJs are social, nurturing and methodical. They are eager to take charge and tend to gravitate to roles where they can organize people to work towards a set goal. They are great facilitators, combining a systematic approach with genuine care for those under their supervision.
Given their organizational chops, ESFJs can find their stride in supervisory roles (especially when it comes to supervising people). They would do well in any role that requires a high level of organization and attention to detail, such as a secretary or executive assistant, wedding planner, conference organizer, store manager or lodging manager.
ENFJ: Counseling roles
ENFJs are natural leaders with a charisma that brightens up any room. They have great interpersonal intuition, and tend to be drawn to careers in which they can guide people and support their growth or well-being.
ENFJs are likely to be drawn to non-degree career paths such as recruiters and counselors. Nowadays it’s possible to pursue some types of counseling without a degree, such as drug addiction counseling, camp counselor or related fields like a career or life coach.
ISFJ: Practical jobs that help others
ISFJs are practical, organized and detail-oriented. They like to do work that allows them to produce observable results and take care of others in a practical sort of way.
Some non-degree career options for ISFJs include massage therapists, cosmetologists and flight attendants. They would also do well in caretaking roles such as a community health worker, serving as the liaison between a patient, their community and their care teams.
INFJ: Creative and helping jobs
INFJs live by a strong set of personal values. They're on the lookout for career paths that resonate with those values, driven by a desire to help people and make a positive impact in the world.
In terms of non-degree careers, opportunities such as counseling, life coaching, or work in the charity sector may be particularly appealing to them. INFJs are also often creatively inclined, so careers with an artistic element (e.g. graphic design, freelance writing) could appeal as well.
INFP: Independent creative careers
INFPs are idealistic, creative and compassionate souls who couldn’t care less for money and status when it comes to their career. They’d much rather do work that allows them to express their individuality or help the less fortunate.
Luckily for INFPs, there are many career options that meet these criteria and don’t require formal schooling. For example, INFPs could go into charity work or one of the many types of counseling that don’t require a degree. Creating a “build-your-own” career in freelance domains such as photography, nutrition and art is another option.
INTJ: Analytical jobs
INTJs are strategic and analytical individuals with a knack for seeing the big picture. They thrive and excel in roles that require strategic planning, complex problem-solving, and a disregard for conventional thinking.
Potential careers for INTJs who don’t have a college education include software engineering, data analysis, and paralegals – basically, anything that provides an intellectual challenge and allows them to harness their strategic mind.
INTP: Jobs that can be done independently
INTPs are analytical folks who gravitate towards careers that allow them to exercise logic and solve complex problems. They thrive the most when they feel intellectually stimulated and given plenty of space for independent thought and reflection.
In the realm of career possibilities that don’t require a formal degree, INTPs are well-suited to roles such as technical writers, editors, and web developers, in which they can think logically and enjoy a great degree of autonomy.
ENFP: Outside-the-box careers
ENFPs are creative, people-centered and entrepreneurial souls who thrive in careers that allow them to explore possibilities and think outside the box. They value flexibility and don’t like to be constrained by rules and regulations in their work.
ENFPs can find fulfillment in non-degree careers that allow them to express their creativity (e.g. photography, social media manager, brand design). Mentorship or coaching, and entertainment fields (e.g. dancing, singing, DJing, acting) are other areas where they might shine.
ESFP: People and sales jobs
ESFPs are often dubbed "the performer," and they truly live up to this moniker. They have a knack for engaging others, and they thrive in work environments that keep them moving and interacting with people.
ESFPs seeking to pursue a non-degree career may want to explore options such as an event coordinator, a tour guide, real estate agent or a salesperson – anything that allows them to utilize their natural charisma and people skills, and satisfy their love for excitement.
ENTJ: Goal-driven jobs
ENTJs are dynamic, ambitious and assertive individuals known for their natural leadership abilities and strategic vision. They tend to lean towards goal-driven roles where they can work towards something and affect big change.
Considering non-degree career paths, the entrepreneurial route is a natural fit. This is where they can really unleash their persuasion potential while enjoying the thrill of never-ending challenges. Their knack for negotiation also positions them well as sales closers, real estate agents, or insurance agents.
ENTP: Jobs with influence
ENTPs are energetic, innovative and competitive. They thrive in dynamic workplaces where they can take on varied challenges and solve difficult problems. Many ENTPs are also on the lookout for careers that connect them with influential people because they highly value power and status.
Some non-degree career options that are likely to appeal to ENTPs include actors, stock brokers, and customer success representatives. Pursuing entrepreneurship is another excellent non-degree career path for the ENTP, providing them with constantly evolving challenges and opportunity to leverage their innovative mindset.
ISFP: Practical jobs
ISFPs gravitate towards occupations that involve hands-on activity. It’s also important for them to do work that feels significant, so an ideal job for an ISFP is one that involves practical action in a context they find meaningful.
In terms of degree-free career options, ISFPs could find fulfillment in fields like fitness training, massage therapy, cosmetology and cooking / chef careers. And given their eye for aesthetics, they could also explore career paths such as a costume designer or a personal stylist.
ISTJ: Structured jobs
ISTJs are known for their reliability, practicality and organized approach to life. They gravitate to the types of work where they can solve logical problems in a structured context.
In the realm of non-degree careers, these traits make the ISTJ an excellent fit for roles such as an executive assistant and a bookkeeper or auditing clerk.
ISTP: Building and designing jobs
ISTPs are logical, efficient and practical folks. They like hands-on learning and aren't big on theory, so it only makes sense for them to be eager to jump straight into the workforce.
For ISTPs eyeing non-degree careers, potential options include construction workers, plumbers, electricians, and landscape gardeners – basically, professions that involve working with tools or machinery or solving concrete problems at hand.
ESTJ: Coordination and supervision jobs
ESTJs excel at organization and leadership. They like to be in control and tend to prefer roles where they can make executive decisions, set expectations and enforce policies and procedures.
In terms of non-degree careers, ESTJs would excel in roles that leverage their strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Roles like supervisor, event coordinator, and travel coordinator align well with their predisposition. Their preference for order and adherence to established rules can also make them valuable assets in inspector roles (e.g. quality control inspectors).
ESTP: Action jobs
ESTPs are sociable, action-oriented and hands-on workers. They gravitate towards jobs that provide a lot of novelty, excitement, and opportunities for social interaction. They also often choose careers that take advantage of their athleticism, their mechanical skills, or their ability to navigate the physical surroundings.
They are likely to be drawn to non-degree career paths such as tour guides, outdoor guides, climbing or surfing instructors — they are really in their element when there is plenty of action and a lively crowd involved.
Final Words
While a degree can definitely open doors when it comes to one’s career, it’s not the only key to success. Today, the emphasis is shifting towards skill-based hiring, and many skills can be learnt independently or through vocational training.
If you are not yet sure what career is right for you, start by taking our free Career aptitude test. This will help you learn about your work-related strengths and motivations, and you’ll get a long list of careers that could be a perfect fit for you.
