What Job Should I Have? Careers Based on Personality, Strengths, and Interests

Written by Coursera • Updated on

Explore careers you might enjoy based on your personality traits, strengths, and preferences.

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The average person spends around one-third of their lifetime at work, according to Gettysburg College. [1] As such, many people want to find a job that aligns with their interests, personality traits, or strengths. That decision becomes even more important considering that 51 percent of Americans say they derive a portion of their identity from their work, according to Pew Research Center [2].

Choosing a career can be a trial-and-error process for many people. Figuring out what you enjoy doing can take time. To help get you started, we've compiled jobs you may be well suited for based on a variety of personality traits, strengths, and interests.  

Jobs based on personality traits

What you do in your day-to-day role can align with your dominant personality traits. If you find you have more introverted tendencies, then you may enjoy jobs with greater autonomy. If you have more extroverted tendencies, you may enjoy jobs that require interfacing with colleagues and clients more often.

Below, we've pulled together job ideas based on different traits.

Careers if you're more introverted

Some people thrive when working independently. The career options below tend to emphasize independent work and study. 

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IBM Data Science

Kickstart your career in data science & ML. Build data science skills, learn Python & SQL, analyze & visualize data, build machine learning models. No degree or prior experience required.

4.6

(61,976 ratings)

174,085 already enrolled

BEGINNER level

Average time: 5 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Data Science, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Big Data, Data Mining, Github, Python Programming, Jupyter notebooks, Rstudio, Methodology, CRISP-DM, Data Analysis, Pandas, Numpy, Cloud Databases, Relational Database Management System (RDBMS), SQL, Predictive Modelling, Data Visualization (DataViz), Model Selection, Dashboards and Charts, dash, Matplotlib, SciPy and scikit-learn, regression, classification, Hierarchical Clustering, Jupyter Notebook, Data Science Methodology, K-Means Clustering

Careers if you're more extroverted

Some people get their energy from engaging with others, and there are many ways to do that in the workplace.

Careers if you want to work from home

Working from home can be rewarding for a number of reasons. If your goal is to reduce or eliminate your commute, look over the following articles. 

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Google IT Support

This is your path to a career in IT. In this program, you’ll learn in-demand skills that will have you job-ready in less than 6 months. No degree or experience required.

4.8

(155,977 ratings)

1,231,154 already enrolled

BEGINNER level

Average time: 6 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Debugging, Encryption Algorithms and Techniques, Customer Service, Network Protocols, Cloud Computing, Binary Code, Customer Support, Linux, Troubleshooting, Domain Name System (DNS), Ipv4, Network Model, Powershell, Linux File Systems, Command-Line Interface, Directory Service, Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), Backup, Cybersecurity, Wireless Security, Cryptography, Network Security

Careers if you want greater flexibility

A growing number of workers want greater flexibility in their job. This could mean working in a remote role or having a job that allows you to travel more often.

Jobs based on strengths

Everyone has unique strengths and finding a job that lets you tap into yours and make a big impact can be rewarding. We've outlined several jobs based on major strengths.  

Careers for creative people

If you enjoy thinking outside the box and working in creative mediums, you may want to incorporate these career paths into your job search.

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Google UX Design

This is your path to a career in UX design. In this program, you’ll learn in-demand skills that will have you job-ready in less than 6 months. No degree or experience required.

4.8

(60,192 ratings)

759,913 already enrolled

BEGINNER level

Average time: 6 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

User Experience (UX), UX Research, Wireframe, Prototype, User Experience Design (UXD), Usability Testing, mockup, Figma, Adobe XD, UX design jobs

Careers for leaders

The careers below are most suitable for someone with great leadership or management skills. 

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Google Project Management:

Start your path to a career in project management. In this program, you’ll learn in-demand skills that will have you job-ready in less than six months. No degree or experience is required.

4.8

(76,347 ratings)

1,039,990 already enrolled

BEGINNER level

Average time: 6 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Organizational Culture, Career Development, Strategic Thinking, Change Management, Project Management, Stakeholder Management, Business Writing, Project Charter, Project Planning, Risk Management, Task Estimation, Procurement, Quality Management, Project Execution, Coaching, Influencing, Agile Management, Problem Solving, Scrum, Effective Communication

Careers for tech-savvy people

Do you enjoy learning about and using the latest technologies? Consider the careers outlined in the articles below. 

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Meta React Native

Become a cross-platform mobile app developer. Learn in-demand skills for developing reliable, scalable and user-friendly mobile apps for multiple operating systems, such as iOS and Android.

4.8

(499 ratings)

3,588 already enrolled

BEGINNER level

Average time: 8 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Web Development, React (Web Framework), HTML and CSS, Mobile Development, JavaScript, Test-Driven Development, Front-End Web Development, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Linux, Bash (Unix Shell), Github, Version Control, Web Application, Application development, React (Javascript Library), React, Data Management, REST APIs, Web Design, User Experience (UX), Accessibility, UX and UI, Figma, SQL

Jobs based on interests

You may be able to find a job that aligns with one of your interests. When your job involves your passions or aligns with your values, you may feel more motivated on a daily basis.

Think about activities you enjoy outside of work, and what it is about those activities that gives you energy. For example, if you enjoy playing chess then a job involving logic and critical thinking may be a good option. Or if you enjoy volunteering at an animal shelter then finding a job involving empathy and collaboration may be a strong fit.

Below, we've gathered some examples of careers based on popular interests.

Careers if you love video games

If you enjoy playing video games and consuming gaming-related content, use the articles below to help you explore related careers.  

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Game Design: Art and Concepts

Create Imaginative Games. Design a video game for independent distribution in just four courses.

4.7

(2,288 ratings)

36,397 already enrolled

BEGINNER level

Average time: 6 month(s)

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Skills you'll build:

Interactive Storytelling, Game Design Document, Video Game Design, Game Design, Video Game Development, Gameplay, Level Design, Art

Careers if you love health and fitness

If taking care of your body is important to you, your ideal career might involve helping others do the same.

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Introductory Human Physiology

Explore the fascinating world of human physiology and learn about the body's organ systems, their functions, and how they maintain health. In this ...

4.8

(4,581 ratings)

440,608 already enrolled

BEGINNER level

Average time: 1 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Cardiovascular understanding, Biology, Organ Systems, Medicine, Metabolic Pathways

Careers if you love people

If you enjoy connecting with and helping others, there are a variety of careers you can explore.

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Health Behavior Change: From Evidence to Action

Humans often fail to make rational decisions that affect their health. This course seeks to heighten understanding of the social and behavioral factors that ...

4.8

(284 ratings)

28,189 already enrolled

BEGINNER level

Average time: 1 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

health practices, behavioral psychology, Public Health, Mental Health, health psychology

Careers if you like popular culture and trending topics

If you enjoy staying on top of current trends and connecting with audiences either via content, campaigns, or social media, there are many jobs in marketing that might be a good fit.  

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Meta Social Media Marketing

Launch your career as a Social Media Marketer. Build job-ready skills for an in-demand career and earn a credential from Meta. No degree or prior experience required to get started.

4.9

(13,830 ratings)

192,552 already enrolled

BEGINNER level

Average time: 7 month(s)

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Skills you'll build:

Performance Advertising, Digital Marketing, Brand Management, Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing, Marketing, Social Media Marketing Strategy, Content Development, content management, Marketing Content Development, Campaign Management, Ad Management, Meta Ads Manager, Meta advertising, Marketing Optimization, Digital Analytics, Marketing Strategy, Communication, Ads Manager

Additional resources to answer, “What job should I have?”

Trying to determine which job you should have may entail a career change. We've got you covered. Learn more about how to embark on a career change with our step-by-step guide. We've also outlined what career changes look like at ages 30, 40, and 50.

Consider a career coach

If you'd like additional help figuring out which job is best for you, it may be worth hiring a job coach or a career coach. Either of these trained professionals can meet with you, learn about your goals, and help you determine which job is best for you.

Learn more with Coursera.

You can learn new skills or strengthen existing ones with a Professional Certificate on Coursera. Designed by industry leaders like Google, Meta, and IBM, they focus on helping you develop important skills to pursue in-demand jobs.

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IBM Cybersecurity Analyst

Get ready to launch your career in cybersecurity. Build job-ready skills for an in-demand role in the field, no degree or prior experience required.

4.6

(9,275 ratings)

125,497 already enrolled

BEGINNER level

Average time: 3 month(s)

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Skills you'll build:

information security analyst, IT security analyst, security analyst, Junior cybersecurity analyst, Information Security (INFOSEC), IBM New Collar, Malware, Cybersecurity, Cyber Attacks, database vulnerabilities, Network Security, Sql Injection, networking basics, scripting, forensics, Penetration Test, Computer Security Incident Management, Application Security, threat intelligence, network defensive tactics, cyber attack, Breach (Security Exploit), professional certificate, cybersecurity analyst

Article sources

1

Gettysburg College. “One-third of Your Life is Spent at Work, https://www.gettysburg.edu/news/stories?id=79db7b34-630c-4f49-ad32-4ab9ea48e72b.” Accessed February 9, 2023.

Written by Coursera • Updated on

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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