INTPs are rational, logical people who love systems and design. They’re constantly seeking to understand the universal laws that govern the world around them. This can make them seem dispassionate or even ignorant to their surroundings, but in reality, they’re just focused on understanding the complexities of life.
INTP is quite an interesting personality type and we will explore more about it in this article. We will also discover the career options that suits them.
What does INTP stands for?
INTP stands for introverted, intuitive, thinking, and perceiving. This personality type is often described as “the thinker.” The INTP is introspective, analytical, and objective. They are often more interested in theories and concepts than in actual people or events. Their minds are constantly churning out new ideas and they have a great need for intellectual stimulation.
INTPs are generally quiet and reserved people. They like to sit back and observe rather than jump into the fray. They’re not usually comfortable with conflict or small talk.
Combination of personality traits in INTP
The different types of personality traits in INTP are:
1. Dominant – Introverted Thinking
INTP personality types are known for their dominant introverted thinking. This means that they tend to be more internal and introspective than other personality types. They are often good at problem solving and have a strong sense of logic.
2. Auxiliary -Extraverted Intuition
Auxiliary extraverted intuition helps INTPs to see the bigger picture and to understand how things are interconnected. This can make them good at seeing patterns and making connections that others might miss.
3. Tertiary -Introverted Sensing
Tertiary introverted sensing gives INTPs a keen sense of detail and helps them to remember facts and information accurately. This attention to detail can sometimes make them seem pedantic or nit-picky.
4. Inferior -Extraverted Feeling
Inferior extraverted feeling means that INTPs may have difficulty understanding or expressing emotions. They may seem cold or aloof, but usually they simply don’t know how to express what they’re feeling internally.
Personality Type of INTPs in details
INTPs are passionate about rationality, analysis, and invention. They construct complicated understandings to unify environmental ideas. Their thoughts are busy and sophisticated, and they’ll go to tremendous lengths to solve difficulties.
INTPs are non-traditional and more prone to follow their own path than the majority. INTPs are wary of assumptions and customs and willing to challenge accepted beliefs.
INTPs can be harsh when evaluating concepts and beliefs. People who follow illogical ideologies confuse them.
Hobbies and interests
Here are some of the hobbies and interests of INTPs:
- Playing Strategy Games:INTPs are known for their love of strategy games. They enjoy the challenge of trying to outwit their opponents and come up with new ways to win. Games that require a lot of abstract thinking are especially appealing to them.
- Building Things:INTPs often enjoy building things, whether it’s a model car or a piece of furniture. They like working with their hands and creating something that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Solving Puzzles:INTPs love a good puzzle. They enjoy the challenge of figuring out how something works or putting together a complex jigsaw puzzle. Puzzles that require lateral thinking are especially appealing to them.
- Reading:INTPs enjoy reading, particularly non-fiction books that teach them something new or provide food for thought. They also like novels that make them think about the world in different ways.
- Browsing Internet:INTPs enjoy spending time on the internet, looking up random facts or researching topics that interest them. They are also known for their love of online gaming and often spend hours engaged in complex strategy games.
Strengths and weaknesses
INTPs is one of the most interesting MBTI personality types and it has its own set of strength and weaknesses.
Strengths
Here are the strengths of INTPs:
- Analytically brilliant:INTPs are some of the most brilliant minds when it comes to analysis. They are able to see both the big picture and the smaller details with equal clarity. This allows them to make very accurate predictions about future events and trends.
- Creative problem solvers:INTPs are also very creative problem solvers. When they encounter a problem, they will often come up with original solutions that nobody else has thought of before. This creativity is one of their biggest strengths.
- Lifelong learners:INTPs have a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. They are constantly seeking out new knowledge and understanding, sometimes at the expense of other areas of their life such as socializing or relaxation time.
- Remains objective:INTPs are usually able to remain objective, even in the face of strong emotions. This allows them to make decisions based on logic and reason, rather than on emotion. This strength can sometimes be seen as a weakness, as INTPs may have difficulty empathizing with others.
Weaknesses
Here are the weaknesses of INTP:
- Absent-mindedness:INTPs are notorious for their absent-mindedness. It’s not that they don’t care about the people and things around them, it’s just that their minds are always somewhere else. This can make them seem aloof and uninterested, when in reality they’re just lost in thought.
- Difficulty Expressing Emotions:INTPs have a hard time expressing their emotions. They tend to keep them bottled up inside, which can lead to outbursts of anger or frustration. This is often misunderstood by others as coldness or indifference, when really the INTP is just struggling to express themselves.
- Overthinking Everything:INTPs are known for overthinking everything. They analyze and scrutinize every detail until they’ve found the perfect solution. While this can be a strength in some situations, it can also lead to paralyzing indecision or anxiety in others.
- Condescension:INTPs can come across as condescending, especially when they’re talking about something they’re passionate about. They can get so wrapped up in their own ideas and theories that they forget to consider other people’s feelings or perspectives. This can make them seem arrogant or insensitive, even if that’s not their intention.
Career Options
INTPs tend to innovate outside of organizational conventions, preferring to focus on concept creation rather than execution. They may find the bureaucracy and regulations of some organizations constricting, preferring instead to operate in a more theoretical realm where ideas can be explored without practical constraints.
Careers to choose as an INTP
- Software Developer
- Computer Network Architect
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Architect
- Biomedical Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Statistician
- Surgeon
- Epidemiologist
- Financial Analyst
- Actuary
Careers to avoid as an INTP
- Preschool Teacher
- Elementary Teacher
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Dietitian
- Retail Salesperson
- Restaurant Manager
- Sales Manager
- Recreation Worker
- Graphics Designer
- Electrician