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Everything You Need to Know About INTJ

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The INTJ personality type, nicknamed The Strategist, is known as the brilliant, ingenious, and perfectionist among the 16 personality types. They are original, independent, and innovative people, constantly looking for ways to improve society with their out-of-the-box thinking. If an INTJ sets their mind to something, there’s little in the world that can stop them from achieving their goal.

Not sure you’re an INTJ? Or you simply don’t know your personality type yet? Take our free personality test to find out!

And if you already have your results, keep reading to find out more about The Strategist, and other useful INTJ facts like:

  • What characterizes the INTJ personality type?
  • What are their strengths and flaws?
  • Who are the most famous INTJ celebrities?
  • What career paths suit the INTJ personality type?
  • How compatible are INTJs with other personality types?

For now, let’s quickly summarize what INTJ stands for:

The Strategist is an introvert, which means they focus on the inside world, rather than the outside. They also direct their energy inward, as opposed to extroverts, who direct it outward. This is identified with their Introversion preference – the I in INTJ. INTJs also have a great sense of the future and what’s coming and can notice patterns and repetitive events through their Intuition preference. This also makes them future-oriented. Interested in making plans about what’s coming, they tend to live their life with a focus on what’s next, rather than the present. We’ll expand further on the INTJ preferences in the following article.

INTJs are perfectionists, they have outstanding focus, and their determination is enviable. Sometimes they have a difficult time being understood and appreciated for who they are. People often have misconceptions about INTJs and their reserved exterior. The truth is, INTJs simply aren’t fans of public displays of affection but can show their care for others, provided they have found someone they trust. This is likely because they look for someone truly special to complete them.

“My idea of a good company is the company of clever, well-informed people who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company.” – Jane Austen

INTJs are quick learners from a young age and are often considered nerds or geeks in their classes. They find reading and studying to be a rewarding task, and they don’t mind doing it in their free time. They like having an informed opinion on a subject and use knowledge as their armor as well as a weapon.

INTJ Key Facts

INTJs are part of the NT Analyzer Temperament, which they share with 3 other types – The Logician (INTP), The Originator (ENTP), and The Chief (ENTJ). These types are considered logical “doers,” who have a knack for leadership and control. They aren’t as sensitive as the rest of the personality types and enjoy deep intellectual conversations. They are also independent and self-sufficient.

Here are some INTJ facts that can help you understand this personality type a little better:

  • INTJs are the most likely type to chill out while reading a book or studying something new
  • INTJs are one of the rarest personality types, making up about 1.5% of the population
  • Most INTJs have a knack for science or engineering
  • When an INTJ’s stress levels increase, they could start obsessing over small insignificant details
  • INTJs are the most likely type to keep their social media profile as private as possible

What does INTJ stand for?

Have you asked yourself “What does INTJ mean, really?”, or asked someone to define INTJ for you? Perhaps you’ve even looked up “INTJ Urban Dictionary” on your quest to find out more about the type. We already talked a little bit about the building blocks of the INTJ type – its preferences. The four letters part of the official names aren’t placed randomly – they are the initials of the preferences, used to define each personality type. The four Preferences of INTJ are Introversion (I), Intuition (N), Thinking (T), and Judging (J). They are unique characterizations based on Jung’s research.

Each personality type is also defined by a stack of Cognitive Functions, also four in number, they have a strict hierarchy: from the most commonly used to the least prominent. They are responsible for the way each type makes decisions and processes information.

INTJ Preferences

Here we’re going to explain the four INTJ preferences and what they represent:

Introversion (I) preference is used to characterize the direction in which we aim our energy – whether we seek to spend time alone, or if we prefer to place our focus on the world outside of the self (which would be Extroversion). It also has to do with what drains people, for example, it would be draining for an introvert to constantly socialize with people, and in order to recharge, they seek solitude. Whereas an extrovert would feel energized by social gatherings and communication.

The INTJ personality type also has the Intuition (N) preference, which provides them with further depth and an almost inexplicable understanding of circumstances and patterns. People with this preference usually have the right gut feeling about things, but have trouble explaining how they got to their conclusion. They value inspiration and creativity in others, as well as themselves. They are future-oriented, and often think about imaginary scenarios and possibilities.

As Thinking (T) people, the INTJ personality type stands out with its analytical and calculative nature. Thinkers operate through logic and reason and can give objective (albeit sometimes unsympathetic) advice. They make decisions with their heads as opposed to their hearts, as Feelers do. Of course, having a Thinking preference doesn’t deprive a person of emotion, it just prioritizes truth and logic over tact.

Judging (J) refers to the way an individual adapts to the outside world. Personality types with the Judging preference aim to create order and structure in their lives. They like schedules and lists and enjoy completing tasks. They can easily stick to deadlines and are responsible and decisive. Judging shouldn’t be confused with “judgmental,” but is the opposite of the Perceiving preference.

INTJ Cognitive Functions

Like we already mentioned, the 16 personality types are also defined through their specific cognitive functions. Each function is directed either inward or outward, meaning it can be either introverted or extroverted. These functions are stacked in a strict order, depending on the frequency of their usage by the personality type. In the case of INTJ, their main cognitive function is Introverted Intuition, and the second closest is Extroverted Thinking.

Here is the full INTJ function stack:

Dominant Function: Introverted Intuition

This is the most commonly used cognitive function of the four – Introverted Intuition (Ni). Personality types with this dominant function are extremely lucky because they tend to process data and difficult-to-grasp information with ease. This is also what makes The Strategist such a mastermind, as the Ni function enables the ability to create logical plans.

Auxiliary Function: Extroverted Thinking

Combine the above with the logical execution of the Extroverted Thinking function (or Te, for short). This gives the INTJ personality type the ability to follow a sequence and maintain focus and organization in their day-to-day activities. This is also responsible for their thorough and knowledgeable method of creating arguments.

Tertiary Function: Introverted Feeling

The Introverted Feeling function (or Fi) takes third place in the INTJ function stack, which means it’s being used to a lesser degree in comparison to the first two functions. It gives the personality type the ability to see through the surface behavior of a person and have insightful knowledge about what a person is actually like deep down. It works almost like an emotional X-ray. It gives the personality type a desire to create a deep connection with few special people.

Inferior Function: Extroverted Sensing

The INTJ personality type’s least apparent function is Extroverted Sensing (also abbreviated Se). It’s used by the type on rare occasions and it’s responsible for the processing of data, giving INTJs the ability to make decisions based on their five senses. People with this function are quick to notice details and search for a connection between past and present events.

INTJ Traits and Characteristics

We’re hoping that by now you have started to form a better understanding of the INTJ profile. We have dedicated this section to the most popular INTJ traits, their strengths, weaknesses, and prominent characteristics. You can also go a step further and read our detailed article on INTJ traits and characteristics. 

Another excellent way of getting a grasp on the INTJ mastermind is examining the relationship of this personality type with the remaining 15 types. That way, you can learn about their similarities, what makes them stand out, their unique perspectives, and overall learn how to spot an INTJ.

INTJ Characteristics

You’ll find INTJs are commonly described with the following words:

  • Perfectionistic
  • Strong
  • Responsible
  • Ingenious
  • Cunning
  • Thick-skinned
  • Intelligent
  • Book worms
  • Professional
  • Strategic
  • Abstract
  • Disciplined
  • Adaptable
  • Dedicated
  • Intense
  • Independent
  • Private
  • Quiet
  • Confident
  • Objective
  • Analytical

Strengths and Weaknesses

The following lists consist of strengths and weaknesses INTJs most commonly possess. Every rule has an exception of course, but overall, most INTJ representatives demonstrate these traits to a certain extent.

Strengths:

  • Doesn’t take criticism personally
  • Typically does well in school
  • Can maintain excellent focus
  • Hardworking and efficient when achieving a goal
  • Independent and self-confident
  • Inquisitive thinkers and idea generators

Weaknesses: 

  • Relationships and dating life may require some work
  • Believe they’re right on most occasions
  • Could be overly critical of others
  • Impatient with other people’s weaknesses
  • Quick-tempered

INTJ Percentage

We mentioned the INTJ percentage rate and how they are one of the rarest personality types. They are the second most rare personality type, and amongst the NT Intellectuals, they are the least common.

Here are some other interesting INTJ facts:

  • 1 in every 40 males is an INTJ (2.5% of all males). 1 in every 200 females is an INTJ (0.5% of all females). Female INTJs are the least common type-gender combination (along with male INFJs)
  • There are significantly more male INTJs than there are female INTJs, with males outnumbering females nearly 5 to 1.
  • The Hammer-Mitchell study has found that 61.2% of women prefer Feeling compared to 31.4% of men. This can explain why a female INTJ is in fact a rare personality type. Female INTJs also make up about 0.5% of the total females tested.

Other INTJ Names

Interest in the 16 personalities theory is growing constantly, and as research develops, new and exciting nicknames for each type have started popping up online. Each source has the freedom to decide on a unique name for the 16 personality types, so here’s a list of INTJ nicknames you might run into:

  • Rational Mastermind, according to David Keirsey, an American psychologist and university professor
  • Conceptualizer Director, according to Linda Berens, a human and organizational development practitioner
  • Masterminds, according to Jonathan P. Niednagel, developer of Brain Typing
  • Architect, according to the 16 Personalities website

As a bonus, we have included some of the most popular INTJ nicknames on the internet:

  • Strategist
  • Scientist
  • Mastermind
  • Architect
  • ILI
  • Visionary Mastermind
  • Coordinator
  • Rational
  • Guardian
  • Director
  • Conceptualizer
  • Recitative Expert
  • Raven
  • Designer
  • Analyst
  • Applicator of Ideas
  • Spy
  • Philosopher
  • Kingmaker
  • Blunt Genius of The Family
  • Gravedigger
  • Cynical Optimist
  • Bookworm
  • Theory-Driven Nerd

Famous INTJs

INTJ’s intelligence, cunning, and analytical thinking make for a plethora of famous celebrities and popular characters. You’ve probably noticed this brilliant personality type has the brains for responsible leadership roles, which makes for an extensive list of INTJ politicians. Their innovative and resourceful ideas make the INTJ type fit for analytical jobs such as engineering and science-related professions and many of the world’s inventors fall under this personality type.

INTJ’s skills of deduction and observation usually place them in leading roles as the misunderstood genius in popular TV series and movies where they often solve complex problems. And of course, much like any other type, there are some interesting INTJ villains as well.

If this has piqued your interest, you can head over to our article on famous INTJs and check out our list of 134 popular INTJ people and characters. Below, we have highlighted some of the categories you’ll be able to find in the article.

INTJ Actors

INTJs are extremely talented, so it wouldn’t come as a surprise that there are also plenty of INTJ actors. What’s more interesting is that some of the most renowned filmmakers of all time also share the INTJ personality type. Given their innovative thinking, INTJ participation in the Seventh Art has produced some of the most groundbreaking work. Cinema helps audiences escape reality, but INTJ actors and filmmakers tend to take it further – often showing us what our world could look like. Check out a few of the most loved INTJ actors and directors:

  • Arnold Swartzenneger, Austrian-American actor (Terminator; Twins; Kindergarten Cop)
  • Christopher Nolan, British-American film director (Inception; Interstellar; Tenet)
  • Colin Firth, English actor (Bridget Jones’s Diary; Love Actually; Kingsman)
  • Clive Owen, English actor (Sin City; Closer; The Bourne Identity)
  • Russel Crowe, New Zealand actor (Gladiator; A Beautiful Mind; Unhinged)
  • Stanley Kubrik, American director (The Shining; Eyes Wide Shut; 2001: A Space Odyssey)

INTJ Writers

Sometimes, INTJs find that writing is their most suitable outlet for emotional expression. That’s probably why some of the most interesting stories have been told by INTJ writers, stretching from classic to modern literature. Most INTJ writers also reflect social commentary in their writing by discussing issues in society during their lifetime. Countless times their actions have inspired change in existing society. Take a look at some of the most interesting examples of INTJ writers:

  • Ayn Rand, Russian-American writer, and philosopher (Atlas Shrugged; Philosophy: Who Needs It)
  • Isaac Asimov, American writer (I, Robot; The Positronic Man)
  • Phillip K. Dick, American writer (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?; The King in the High Castle)
  • Phillip Pullman, British writer (Northern Light; The Subtle Knife; The Golden Spyglass)
  • Susan Sontag, American writer (On Photography; Regarding the Pain of Others)
  • Yuval Noah Harari, Israeli writer (Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind; 21 Lessons for the 21st Century)

INTJ Musicians

Like we have already said, INTJs are the masterminds of the 16 personality types. This is evident in their musical careers as well, and examples of INTJ musicians often include famous composers and pianists. INTJs aren’t scared of complex theory, especially musical theory, and strive to achieve true mastery in their professional careers. Here are some examples of famous INTJ musicians:

  • Arvo Part, Estonian musical composer and pianist (Fur Alina; Spiegel im Spiegel)
  • Antonio Salieri, Italian classical composer (Armida; Tarare; Europa Riconosciuta)
  • Johan Sebastian Bach, German composer, pianist (Toccata and Fugue in D minor)
  • Johannes Brahms, German composer, pianist (Danzas hungaras)
  • Ludwig Van Beethoven, German composer and pianist (Piano Sonata No14; Symphony N9)

INTJ Leaders

The list of INTJ leaders is never-ending. This personality type has enviable leadership qualities and it is in this category that it shines the brightest. Some of the most famous US presidents and politicians around the world share this personality type. After all, being The Strategist of the 16 personalities has to have some benefits. Here are a few INTJ leaders you most certainly know of:

  • Bernie Sanders, United States Senator
  • Hilary Clinton, Former United States Secretary of State
  • John F. Kennedy, 35th US President
  • Thomas Jefferson, 3rd US President
  • Vladimir Lenin, Head of Government of Soviet Russia

INTJ Criminals

Being this clever sometimes has its flaws. We dedicated a special category for INTJ criminals because we thought it would be interesting to give true crime fans some examples. Of course, the 16 personalities theory cannot force people into being malicious or kind, it cannot make a person do good or bad deeds. This remains a personal moral choice for each individual. Nonetheless, here are some famous INTJ criminals to expand your knowledge:

  • Betty Broderick, American criminal
  • Jack the Ripper, an English unidentified serial killer
  • Joseph Mengele, infamous Nazi doctor
  • H.H. Holmes, American serial killer
  • Ted Kaczynski, American domestic terrorist
  • Varg Vikernes, Norwegian black metal musician and convicted murderer

INTJ Fictional Characters

And last but not least, we couldn’t help but talk about some of the most famous INTJ fictional characters. Both on-screen and in literature, INTJs make some of the most complex and deep protagonists, often solving mysteries and impressing everyone with their brilliance. It is likely you’ll find a favorite INTJ protagonist on this list, and it wouldn’t be a complete summary of INTJ fictional characters if we didn’t include some evil masterminds and fictional villains as well:

  • Dexter, Dexter
  • Dr. Gregory House, House
  • V, V for Vendetta
  • Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games
  • Sheev Palpatine, Star Wars Franchise
  • Thanos, Marvel Cinematic Universe

INTJ Compatibility

There’s an ongoing stigma that INTJs in relationships may have some struggles. The truth is that INTJs, much like any other type, can get along beautifully with some, while with others things just don’t click. This is normal – not everyone can get along nicely, and that’s fine. To help people understand why they may struggle to get along with people of other types, we can take a deep dive into the data and look for potentials to get along or to clash.

INTJ and the NF Empath Temperament is a wonderful example of how opposites attract. Even though these types operate through completely different drives and, at their core, make decisions differently, they have excellent potential to inspire personal growth in each other. The INTJ’s logical and sometimes rigid nature can be smoothed over by the warm and empathetic approach of the NF Empaths. Not to mention that the NF representatives are highly idealistic, which INTJs find instantly attractive. Almost anyone who can hold their own in an intellectual conversation, and has the patience to listen to the INTJ’s viewpoint and opinion, has the potential to manifest a positive relationship with them.

INTJs can also make excellent friends, although at first, they may seem difficult to get to know. INTJs can be a little picky when choosing friends and partners because of their perfectionist nature. Nonetheless, they value deep and meaningful connections with people. Check out our article on INTJ relationships and their compatibility with the rest of the personality types for an in-depth explanation.

Romance

INTJs aim for personal growth in all aspects of their lives and relationships are no exception. INTJs wouldn’t settle for a boring and monotonous relationship. They’d most likely be on the lookout for something serious, that provides a potential for their mutual development. They aren’t necessarily romantics, but they appreciate finding another person who can fit almost like a piece of a puzzle – not quite the same and with enough traits to fill in the gaps in the INTJ personality.

This is why INTJs tend to look for an extroverted partner. Someone who can do the talking, who can deal with boring and unnecessary (in the eyes of an INTJ) small talk, someone who can take care of the socializing. INTJs get along best with types that share their dominant function (Introverted Intuition) but aim their energy in the opposite direction – outward. Meaning, INTJs are the best fit with personality types that have Extroverted Intuition. Such types include The Optimist (ENFP) and The Originator (ENTP), but INTJs can most probably get along with anyone, so long as they don’t mind putting the work in.

INTJ and ENFP

Yes, these two are considered to be miles apart in their behavior, but they are widely regarded as one of the most fitting couples. Both of these types are likely to pursue their wild dreams and talk about abstract theories for hours. INTJs also need personal space and their highly individualistic nature requires them to be alone for big portions of their day. The more needy types would have a problem with this behavior, while the respectful and free-spirited ENFP wouldn’t mind giving their partner the space they need. ENFPs understand this need for space because they need it themselves. These two personality types can become a powerful OTP (one true pair) in the eyes of others. They can inspire positive change in the other person, and ENFP can learn to be more organized, while INTJ can benefit from some emotional growth.

INTJ and ENTP

Much of what we have said about the ENFP and INTJ pairing applies here as well: ENTPs are original, innovative, fun-loving, all of which is attractive to an INTJ. ENTPs are good-natured, easy-going, and much to the liking of INTJs, enjoy discussing theories and possibilities. They are also logical and enthusiastic and overall upbeat. Much like ENFP, The Originator is extroverted and generates ideas constantly. They have excellent communication skills and a flourishing relationship between the two can inspire in the INTJ personality type the development of these skills. ENFPs can also learn a fair bit from INTJs, who can introduce them to a more structured and systematic work attitude.

Friendships

The friends of INTJs probably can share similar experiences about how their Strategist friends are a bit of a tough nut to crack. A good portion of INTJs can seem difficult to get to know, especially for people lacking in patience. Those who eventually become close INTJ friends can attest to how much they are valued. INTJs are clever and generally serious-minded. They can be trusted to give a just and objective opinion on any subject. They are great listeners and don’t tend to be clingy or attention-seeking. They find no use in drama because they find it immature and juvenile. Many of their closest friends also tend to be introverted, likely because they have similar views on friendships and fun activities to do with others. That is not to say INTJs don’t hang out with extroverts. INTJs can be highly misunderstood, and their desire to veer away from meaningless relationships may come across as snobbery or arrogance. The truth is, INTJs know time is valuable and they’d rather spend it with some they truly enjoy being with.

INTJ and ENFJ

The bubbly, outgoing, and fun ENFJ (The Mentor) typically has friends from all personality types. INTJs are no exception to this rule – ENFJs were probably drawn to the INTJ personality type’s mysterious exterior. Once INTJs realized that ENFJs are actually highly idealistic and intelligent, they probably decided to give them a chance. This is great because The Mentor personality type knows how to make other people feel appreciated. They are highly altruistic and always offer advice and guidance to their friends. In fact, ENFJs put their friendships on a pedestal and feel true happiness and fulfillment when they have managed to help someone they care for. The INTJ-ENFJ friendship can also inspire fun and a dose of spontaneity in The Strategist’s life, it can help them feel relaxed and comfortable to be themselves.

INTJ and ISTJ

ISTJ (The Examiner) is literal, concrete, logical, and rational. INTJs love them precisely because of these qualities and find a lot of similarities with their own modes of thinking. ISTJs are spears, much like The Strategist, and share the same passion toward goal-achieving as INTJs. ISTJs’ brains are a lot like an enormous chest of drawers, and in each, they store information on numerous different subjects. They are capable of having an intellectual conversation with ease and can make INTJs question their own knowledge. The Examiner and The Strategist can have an incredible friendship founded on mutual understanding, meaningful connection, and intellectual development.

INTJ and ISTP

ISTP (also called The Craftsman) is similar to INTJ in many ways. For one, both enjoy isolating themselves from the rest of the world in order to work on some private experiments and the development of theories. Both are hardly ever bored in their own company and find it emotionally exhausting to deal with large amounts of people. ISTPs like to get their hands dirty and even though they can spend hours on end talking about abstract theories with an INTJ, they’d probably grab them by the arm and try and get them to start working on their theories for real. ISTPs are “hands-on” and want to see things in practice in order to believe them. The two personality types can truly work as a magical team, where The Strategist is “the head,” coming up with ideas, and The Craftsman is “the hands,” bringing them to life.

Parenthood

INTJ parents want the best for their children and they view them as extremely special individuals, full of potential. They think of them as an extension of themselves and sometimes even as passion projects. This is common among parents and can be both a good thing and a bad thing. INTJs, overall, have it as the main goal to raise intelligent and independent children. They want their kids to do well in life, so sometimes they challenge their children’s thinking, in order to inspire their rational thoughts.

Sometimes, INTJs can truly look at the raising of their offspring as a project, and as workaholics, they might spend a little too much time investing in the development of their kids. They might sometimes be a little too loving and supportive as parental figures. INTJ parents need to become aware of that in order to start balancing their attitude. Of course, everything depends on who they have as a partner (if they decide to have one), what type they are, and, of course, what personality type their kids are. For instance, INTJs need to express their love and emotion, but may sometimes struggle with it, and if they happen to have a child with a Feeling drive (or a dominant Feeling function) they might struggle to understand their kids’ motives. INTJs should try consistently to think about the emotions of others and invoke some sensitivity in themselves.

Of course, as time goes by INTJ’s children eventually grow up to have their own values and views of the world and, as parents, INTJs eventually learn how to give their children the respect and freedom to be themselves.

INTJs at Work

There’s a reason INTJ is referred to as The Strategist, and sometimes even The Architect personality type. They are fully aware of their own potential and the level of their professional knowledge, and in return for it, they want the space to be able to use it for good. Careers that have a little intellectual challenge, or that are mundane or repetitive, can make INTJS feel drained and annoyed.

INTJs want to accomplish great things and they strive for accomplishment rather than a positive appraisal. Even though INTJs don’t typically care for titles, labels, or hierarchies, they often become leaders and managers of groups of people and have the potential to climb to the top of the ladder if they want. This is largely because INTJs, if noticed and appreciated by their superiors, show dedication and resilience at the workplace. They have natural leadership abilities and are thick-skinned and unemotional, especially in difficult situations. They aren’t threatened by the pressure of responsibility and their fixation on achieving their goal is one of their greatest strengths.

INTJs are also capable of inspiring positive change, structure, systems, and order in their workplace. They know how to balance being flexible as well as scheduled. They have little patience for people who don’t show similar amounts of efficiency and resourcefulness. They are original, independent, calm, and rational beings. In the next section, we’re going to talk about careers that fit well with the INTJ personality type.

Career Paths

Being as curious as they are, from a young age INTJ become jacks-of-all-trades. They might even be know-it-alls with an aptitude for science and complex studying. Later in life, when having to make a decision about their careers, they might already be certain about what they want to do. It’s often the INTJ’s greatest passion that becomes their career. But if you’re an INTJ or have an INTJ friend that isn’t entirely fixed on a concrete profession yet, you might find it helpful to take a look at the list of suitable INTJ jobs that we have carefully selected for them. Following are a few career options that are compatible with the INTJ personality type, for an in-depth analysis of the same, you can check out our article on INTJ careers.

Art and Visual Culture

INTJs have an abstract and atypical approach to life. They believe they need to follow their true calling in order to succeed. Sometimes, their idea of passion is entirely different from that of others. For this independent and innovative type, a profession in the arts is likely suitable. Whether it is in the film industry, as an actor/actress, screenwriter, filmmaker, it doesn’t really matter – so long as the INTJ feels like they have a legacy to leave. INTJs need to feel like they are making some sort of a change in the world, or in other people, so the pursuit of a career is highly important to them.

Here are some examples of professions in this field suitable for the INTJ personality type:

  • Architect
  • Industrial Designer
  • Artist
  • Photographer
  • Writer
  • Translator
  • Entrepreneur
  • Filmmaker
  • Playwrite
  • Frontend/UI Designer

Science and Medicine

What better way to make an impact on the rest of the world than to become a scientist? INTJs are responsible enough to be able to handle such a serious profession. Not to mention that having a lot of homework and studying to do rarely sounds like a threat. They feel fulfilled having a profession that can help the lives of others and, if they set their mind to it, they can do it well. There aren’t many other types that are as fit for a career in science and healthcare, and INTJs certainly have the focus and dedication to pursue it.

Here are some examples of professions in this field suitable for the INTJ personality type:

  • Dentist
  • Biochemist
  • Physician
  • Surgeon
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Forensic Scientist

IT and Programming

INTJs are introverts above all and, even in their desired occupation, they’d much rather work solo than in a team. That’s why a career in IT, robotics, programming, or coding, among others in this field, can be fitting for The Strategist type. INTJs like to work toward the development of an idea and, in the world of computer science, there’s hardly a better personality type to do the job. INTJ also needs a career that frequently presents them with intellectual challenges and that makes use of their logical and critical thinking. INTJs also have the patience to tinker away at a specific problem and can provide insightful alternatives when necessary.

Here are some examples of professions in this field suitable for the INTJ personality type:

  • Computer Programmer
  • Computer Analyst
  • Software Developer
  • Network Administrator
  • Computer and IS Manager
  • Computer Scientist

INTJ Humor

Given everything you learned so far on the INTJ personality type, you know that there are great minds behind any INTJ joke. Don’t underestimate them, INTJs often prefer to give a poker face when delivering a joke, and they tend to do it in all manner of inappropriate circumstances. The INTJ sense of humor is a combination of dry “British” humor and dark humor. You won’t find many INTJs to use self-deprecating humor, plainly because they have huge respect for themselves. It is likely that their sense of humor would seem inappropriate for their “audience,” often leaning on dark and sensitive subjects in order to deliver a punchline. Think about the show Archer and you’ll have an idea of what their humor is like. Even cartoon shorts like Happy Tree Friends or Cyanide and Happiness can be perfect examples of the sense of humor INTJs have.

Don’t let this surprise you. INTJs love to shock people because it plays with the perspective people have on them. It’s a sort of “Aha! You thought you knew me, didn’t you?” way of thinking. Once people know this about them, they can begin to understand where their sense of humor comes from and take a little less offense by their somewhat insensitive (yet funny) jokes. And speaking of jokes…

INTJ Jokes

We thought we’d give you a few good examples of the sort of dark humor that INTJ would appreciate (you can check out our INTJ memes article for more!). So get ready, these are not for the faint-hearted:

  • “Just say NO to drugs!” Well, If I’m talking to my drugs, I probably already said yes.
  • Two hunters are in the woods when one of them collapses. His hunting buddy immediately calls 911. “My friend isn’t breathing,” he shouts into the phone. “What should I do?” “Relax,” the operator tells him. “I can help. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.” There’s silence, and then a gunshot. The guy gets back on the phone and says, “OK, now what?”
  • I just read that someone in London gets stabbed every 52 seconds. Poor guy.

INTJ Quotes

INTJs are extremely inquisitive people. They can find inspiration all around them – in the good moments and the bad. They can even find struggle and confusion to be inspirational and motivating. INTJs can have deep insight into people’s lives and their own, and going off on philosophical tangents is common for this intellectual personality type. So don’t be surprised when you read some of the most relatable inspirational quotes written by INTJs and in tune with the INTJ energy:

“Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps, down new roads, armed with nothing but their own vision.” Ayn Rand

 “Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. And, when you stumble, keep faith. And, when you’re knocked down, get right back up and never listen to anyone who says you can’t or shouldn’t go on.” Hilary Clinton

“The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently.” Frederich Neitzhe