The 8 Best Jobs for ENTJ Personality Types

Updated on August 17, 2022

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The "commanders" of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator spectrum, ENTJs (extroverted, intuitive, thinking, and judging) are natural leaders. They are hardworking and ambitious, inclined to lead the way toward organizational change. ENTJs enjoy setting and meeting long-term goals in careers that require charisma, confidence, and thinking creatively.

ENTJs are suited to positions that require extraordinary drive and determination. They excel in fields like management, sales, information technology, and arts and media. About 1.8% of the U.S. population identify as ENTJ. Notable ENTJs include Steve Jobs and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The 8 Best Careers for ENTJ Personality Types

Top Executive

Top executives direct the activities of large and small organizations. Nearly every type of organization requires professionals who can be decisive, driven, and outspoken for executive roles. Top executives include CEOs, general managers, mayors, and university presidents.

ENTJs are especially goal-oriented, which is a beneficial trait for top executives in large corporations. These professionals can apply their objectivity and analytical skills to strategize "big picture" goals on behalf of their organization. ENTJs thrive in a structured work environment where hard work is met with big rewards.

Top executives are critical in all job sectors. Large corporations typically require top executives to develop long-term planning strategies, while general managers guide the day-to-day operations of smaller organizations.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 4% increase in top executive jobs from 2019 to 2029. However, the job growth for these professionals fluctuates according to their specific responsibilities. For example, the BLS projects negative job growth for chief executives, but 6% job growth among general and operations managers over this period.

Top executives typically hold at least a bachelor's degree and have years of work experience. Many top executives earn an MBA or a master's degree in a field like law, public administration, or the liberal arts. Large businesses and global corporations often prefer to hire candidates with an advanced degree.

Each career path for top executives includes its own educational requirements. For example, mayors and governors may hold a bachelor's degree in political science. Alternatively, school superintendents and university presidents typically need a master's or even a doctorate.

Sales Manager

Sales managers develop long-term and short-term goals for sales departments and businesses. They often analyze statistics and develop selling techniques and pricing systems. In large organizations, sales managers may oversee multiple regional or local divisions. Managers are responsible for training their sales team.

As passionate and extroverted individuals, ENTJs often make excellent sales managers. They may be especially well-suited for positions that require managers to build long-term relationships with clients, vendors, and distributors. Sales managers benefit from having strong planning and problem-solving skills.

While relatively stable, the job outlook for sales managers fluctuates with the economy. Sales continues to be a critical function of global businesses, with online and brick-and-mortar stores competing for new customers. The sales industry is rife with opportunities for innovative and ingenious ENTJs.

Sales managers often possess natural skills in related fields like marketing and advertising. The BLS projects a 4% increase in sales manager jobs between 2019 and 2029.

Like most management positions, sales managers benefit from extensive work experience. Most employers expect candidates to possess 1-5 years of experience in retail or as a buyer. Most sales managers hold a bachelor's degree, though others may substitute several years of work experience for a college degree.

Employers prefer candidates with strong finance, management, and marketing skills. As confident extroverts with a direct style of communication, ENTJs may impress potential employers with their leadership and problem-solving abilities.

Project Manager

Project managers oversee the completion of a project from start to finish. The best project managers have strong business, financial management, and communication skills. Project managers typically specialize in a particular field, such as construction, information technology, or advertising.

Many ENTJs are naturally inclined to pursue careers in project management. They can keep sight of the "big picture" while managing day-to-day activities. ENTJs maintain a structured and fair work environment, keeping all participants on track. Their natural desire to take command serves them well while meeting deadlines, maintaining budgets, and staying organized.

Management jobs in any field can provide lucrative opportunities for qualified candidates. Between 2019 and 2029, the BLS projects 5% job growth for management jobs. This projected growth is primarily driven by the need for qualified managers in new and existing businesses.

Project managers may find more abundant job growth in a particular field of expertise. For example, the BLS projects 10% job growth for IT project managers between 2019 and 2029.

Most project managers hold a bachelor's degree, though some employers prefer to hire candidates with an MBA or a master's degree in a field like engineering management or technology management. Project managers in all areas can benefit from gaining extensive field experience.

Senior positions and management roles at large corporations often require significant work experience of 10 years or more. Many begin as associate-level managers to gain experience. Additionally, aspiring project managers may seek out corporate business and leadership training to boost their employability.

Physician

Physicians diagnose and treat medical illnesses and injuries. They typically specialize in a particular type of medicine, such as cardiology, family medicine, or obstetrics and gynecology. Physicians must endure rigorous training and obtain licensure from their state medical board.

ENTJs are suited to the demanding career path of an aspiring physician. As long-term goal-setters, they can manage the many requirements necessary to become a physician over multiple years. ENTJs often make excellent physicians thanks to their decisive and measured approach.

The aging U.S. population continues to drive job growth for healthcare practitioners. Seniors with age-related injuries and patients with chronic illnesses may require higher levels of care in the coming years. The BLS projects 4% job growth for physicians and surgeons between 2019 and 2029, which is comparable to the average projected growth for all other occupations.

Physicians need a bachelor's degree, a medical degree, and years of clinical experience. Most physicians obtain an MD (medical doctor) or DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine) degree.

Students can spend up to eight years completing their undergraduate and medical degrees. Physicians also spend 3-7 years gaining experience through internships and clinical hours. All states require physicians to earn licensure through their state medical board.

Civil Engineer

Civil engineers design and implement infrastructure systems and state projects, including airports, roads, bridges, and water treatment systems. Civil engineers supervise and manage the construction of these projects in the public and private sectors.

Many ENTJs possess the leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills required for this role. They are consistent and goal-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and teams toward a long-term objective. ENTJs can be measured yet enthusiastic in their interactions with a variety of colleagues at civil agencies.

Job growth for civil engineers should remain positive, although many states are choosing to repair and upgrade existing structures rather than fund new civil engineering projects. Nonetheless, the growing population still requires civil engineers to create and maintain critical systems, including waterways and waste treatment plants.

The BLS projects a 2% increase in civil engineering jobs from 2019 to 2029. However, civil engineers with a graduate degree and/or experience with renewable energy engineering projects may hold an advantage on the job market.

Civil engineers typically need a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions, and most professionals hold a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. Some states require professional engineering (PE) licensure.

Civil engineers must complete an accredited bachelor's program, pass an exam, and accrue four years of work experience to obtain a PE license. PE licensure and a master's degree may help civil engineers qualify for senior-level positions like engineering manager.

Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists draw on their natural science expertise to protect human health and the environment. Professionals in this field include environmental health and safety specialists, climate change analysts, and environmental restoration planners. Environmental science experts may also become educators.

ENTJs are equipped to bring ingenuity and innovative thinking to a career in this field. As environmental scientists, ENTJs can share their passion for a righteous cause and work toward the long-term goal of environmental restoration. ENTJs are also naturally inclined toward professions based on science and objectivity.

The world's growing population has increasingly caused environmental damage, which should lead to job growth for environmental scientists. Aspiring environmental scientists may enjoy a higher level of demand among employers seeking to promote stewardship, minimize pollution, and conserve resources.

While the majority of environmental scientists work for local or state government agencies, others provide consulting services to businesses looking to develop more responsible environmental practices. The BLS projects an 8% increase in jobs for environmental scientists and specialists from 2019 to 2029.

Most entry-level jobs in environmental science require a bachelor's degree in natural science, geosciences, biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering. Students may pursue coursework related to computer modeling and geographic information systems to develop specialized job skills, and environmental science programs typically offer internships to help learners gain field experience.

Some environmental scientists pursue a master's degree to boost their career advancement opportunities. Additionally, earning a doctoral degree in environmental science can prepare students to become postsecondary teachers.

Writer or Author

Writers and authors develop and adapt texts for a variety of media. They may specialize in writing books, scripts, plays, blogs, articles, or advertising campaigns. Writers and authors include biographers, novelists, and speechwriters. They often work closely with editors, managers, and publishers.

As writers, ENTJs can share their creativity in a planned and organized way. They are also naturally inclined to patience, and can readily follow the steps necessary to meet long-term publishing goals.

Generally, traditional print publications have experienced decline since the advent of the internet. As a result, jobs for writers at many institutions are increasingly limited. However, online news outlets and social media platforms are adapting to include more jobs for writers with technology skills. Overall, the BLS projects a 2% decline in jobs for writers and authors from 2019 to 2029.

Most employers prefer candidates with a college degree and extensive professional writing experience. Full-time writers typically need a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or communications. Many editors begin their careers as writers to gain experience.

Writers can build experience as bloggers, high school or college newspaper editors, or radio or tv producers. Some writers pursue certification in a specialized skill, such as grant writing, to enhance their job prospects. Writers need an advanced degree to become postsecondary teachers of English, literature, or composition.

Computer Scientist

Computer scientists research and develop new computing technologies. They study algorithms to solve complex computing problems. Computer scientists often work in a subfield, such as robotics or programming, to improve computing technology in areas like medicine, science, and education.

Many ENTJs are suited to the analytical and organizational requirements of this position. They are enthusiastic yet thoughtful in their approach toward new technologies. ENTJs welcome the challenge of seeing a computer science project come to fruition.

Like most careers in technology, computer scientists enjoy lucrative job prospects. Demand for these professionals should continue to increase thanks to the need for improved technology, cybersecurity, and data mining services.

Computer scientists with expertise in writing algorithms and creating new programming languages may hold an advantage over competitors on the job market. The BLS projects a 15% increase in jobs for computer and information research scientists from 2019 to 2029.

A bachelor's degree may suffice for some jobs, although many computer scientists hold a master's degree in computer science or a related field, such as computer engineering. Most graduate programs accept applicants with an undergraduate major in a field like computer science or information systems. A typical master's program in computer science requires 2-3 years of full-time study.

Aspiring computer scientists seeking to specialize in a field like healthcare can benefit from additional coursework in that area. Computer scientists may aspire to hold computer and information systems manager positions.