What should an INFP major in? (5 fields)

This blog post aims to answer the question, “What should an INFP major in?” and explore the various dimensions of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type named INFP that will help understand the answer. 

What should an INFP major in?

An INFP should major in the following 5 fields – 

  • Artistic subjects.
  • Education.
  • Psychology.
  • Social Work.
  • Fundraising. 

These 5 fields that an INFP should major in will be discussed in further detail below after taking a deeper look at what INFP means. 

Who is an INFP?

The INFP personality type was developed by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers, the authors of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®). INFP stands for Introversion, iNtuition, Feeling, and Perceiving, which are four key personality qualities based on C.G. Jung’s work.

Each of the four letters of the INFP code represents a significant personality feature of the INFP personality type. 

INFPs are stimulated by alone time (Introverted), focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and specifics (iNtuitive), base their decisions on feelings and values (Feeling), and like to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and structured (Perceiving).

Because of their empathetic idealism and gentle concern for others, the INFP personality type is often known as the “Healer.” The INFP is also known by the following nicknames:

  • The Thoughtful Idealist (MBTI)
  • The Mediator (16Personalities)

An INFP prefers an unstructured and free-spirited lifestyle. INFP is an introverted and ultra-creative Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type. The INFP is sensitive, creative, and loyal to their values.

INFPs are creative idealists who are guided by their primary ideals and beliefs. A Healer who is preoccupied with possibilities; the actuality of the time is merely a fleeting concern. INFPs see the possibility of a brighter future and seek truth and purpose in their own unique way.

INFPs are sensitive, loving, and compassionate people who are highly concerned with their own and others’ personal progress. INFPs are individualistic and nonjudgmental, believing that each person must forge their own path. 

INFPs like spending time investigating their own ideas and ideals, and they gently encourage others to do the same. INFPs are creative and frequently artistic; they like discovering new ways to express themselves.   

INFP Personality Type Characteristics Are –

  • INFPs are introverts who are quiet and reserved. INFPs find that being in social situations depletes their energy, thus they prefer to connect with a small number of close pals. While they like being alone, this should not be mistaken for timidity. Rather, it simply implies that INFPs get energy from alone time. INFPs must, on the other hand, devote energy to social circumstances.
  • INFPs rely on intuition and are more concerned with the overall picture than the finer points of a situation. INFPs can be quite thorough about things that are important to them or tasks they are working on, yet they tend to overlook little or insignificant details.
  • INFPs value personal sentiments above everything else and their actions are affected more by these concerns than by objective data.
  • INFPs prefer to keep their choices open when it comes to making decisions. INFPs frequently put off making key judgments in case the circumstance changes. The majority of judgments are made based on personal ideals rather than reasoning.

What are these 5 fields that an INFP should major in?

Artistic field.

The INFP is unique and inventive. Pursuing artistic endeavours will speak to their desire to work independently while also allowing them to do project-based meaningful work. This might include things like animation, illustration, or graphic design.

The INFP’s ambition is to write a novel, but while becoming an author is a terrific career choice, other writing careers may be just as gratifying.

Writing written content for businesses, editorials and pieces for newspapers and magazines, screenwriting and scriptwriting are all aspects of a project-based and gratifying employment.

This form of job requires creativity and imagination, and because it can be tough, it frequently necessitates an alternative approach, which the INFP is well suited for.

Education.

An INFP finds it easy to share information in order to find truth and significance. Furthermore, the modest class sizes of university-level students will be manageable for their introverted tendencies.

Because students are more likely to have similar fundamental values, the INFP will be able to collaborate effectively with them, motivating and helping them to achieve their goals.

Working at a library may be very rewarding for this personality since it allows them to not only serve others one-on-one, solve issues, and immerse themselves in books, but it also allows them to work autonomously, which is ideal for the introverted aspect of their personality.

Working with the community’s youngest members might be difficult for most personalities, but the INFP is kind and empathic, sensitive and thoughtful – therefore a career as a preschool teacher would be ideal.

INFPs are continually seeking ways to assist others in achieving their objectives, and working with very young children may be quite satisfying. Finding innovative approaches to foster learning and instil a sense of wonder in the preschool industry requires autonomy and creativity.

Skills such as compassion, listening, and creative problem-solving are in high demand for a job in special education. Work like this may be incredibly satisfying, and it’s a fantastic alternative for INFPs looking for a more meaningful job.

Working in small groups or one-on-one with people who require additional assistance and support in their studies means that the INFP will be assisting others in achieving a job that will support their personal beliefs.

Psychology.

The INFP personality type is commonly referred to as ‘The Healer.’ An INFP would be most suited to medical professions that need empathy and compassion as a natural aspect of the job.

They are nonjudgmental and excellent listeners, so assisting folks with mental health challenges is a fantastic opportunity to capitalise on these qualities.

The INFP’s honesty and ability to listen make them an excellent choice for a profession in psychology. In reality, INFP personalities predominate among psychologists.

Psychology is a fantastic profession choice since it appeals to the INFP’s inclination for creative problem-solving as well as their desire to help others.

Social Work.

Although an INFP might be too sensitive at times, their desire to assist others and attain idealistic goals makes them well-suited to work as social workers.

Natural compassion and empathy are required for success in the profession, and because the INFP is motivated by idealism rather than money or prestige, a role defined by moral purposes – such as this one – is excellent.

Fundraising. 

Immersion in meaningful undertakings that allow the INFP to express their compassion and inventiveness is always a good fit.

Fundraising for charity or other good causes will appeal to the INFP’s idealism and morals while allowing them to create one-on-one connections with contributors and work independently.

INFP people excel at balancing their strong internal value system with their creative impulses. INFPs are guided by their values and intuitions, and long-term success is best attained by selecting employment that naturally relies on these skills.

INFPs are creative, inventive, and artistic. INFPs flourish in environments that allow for creative problem-solving, cooperation with like-minded persons, and the completion of meaningful, value-driven work.

They are upbeat, self-reflective, spiritual people with strong principles and ideals. They value authenticity and are offended when it is breached or when they are asked to compete with their peers.

In the job, the INFP is a wonderful communicator who listens openly and values the perspectives of others. They avoid conflict and will frequently postpone making difficult decisions or providing criticism.

INFPs are supportive of their coworkers and seek to preserve harmony and collaboration in a team atmosphere by devising creative solutions and making concessions.

Conclusion – 

This blog post aimed to answer the question, “What should an INFP major in?” and reviewed the features and functions of the introverted and extremely inventive Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type named INFP to help determine what an INFP should major in. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or comments you may have.

References –

Best (and Worst) INFP Careers. Personality Max. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://personalitymax.com/personality/infp/career/#:~:text=INFP%20College%20Majors,-INFPs%20are%20quiet&text=Any%20Social%20Sciences%20major%20(Psychology,Photography%2C%20Creative%20Writing%2C%20etc.

INFP Careers and Majors. Ball State University. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bsu.edu/about/administrativeoffices/careercenter/tools-resources/personality-types/infp

Drenth, A. J. INFP Careers, Jobs & Majors. Personality Junkie. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://personalityjunkie.com/infp-careers-jobs-majors/

What are some career/degree choices for an INFP? It’s tough finding a career that is relatively lucrative and satisfying. What are some careers that INFPs have found suitable for themselves and the skillsets/education required to enter those fields? Quora. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-career-degree-choices-for-an-INFP-It%E2%80%99s-tough-finding-a-career-that-is-relatively-lucrative-and-satisfying-What-are-some-careers-that-INFPs-have-found-suitable-for-themselves-and-the-skillsets-education-required-to-enter-those-fields

INFP, The Healer. Truity. (n.d.).  Retrieved from https://www.truity.com/personality-type/INFP/careers

Indeed Editorial Team. Best Careers for INFP Personalities. (2021, December 9). Retrieved from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/best-careers-for-infp-personalities

WikiJob Team. Career Matches for INFP Personalities. (2021, 7 December). Retrieved from https://www.wikijob.co.uk/content/features/useful-resources/career-matches-infp-personalities

10 Popular INFP College Degrees and How to Pick One. Live Free, INFP.  (2021, January 11). Retrieved from https://livefreeinfp.com/10-college-majors-for-infps/

College majors/careers for INFPs? Reddit. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/infp/comments/a7n9l8/college_majorscareers_for_infps/