While some schools of thought believe that the Enneagram model stems from as early as the 4th century, Oscar Ichazo (1931–2020) developed the modern, 9-personality Enneagram test system in the 1970s. This test brings an all-encompassing perspective into distinguishing personalities. Today, psychologists and corporations still use the Enneagram personality test to establish whether the consequential Enneagram careers may suit an individual.
Enneagram results are used, not only to identify personality types but as personal development tools. The understanding is that in learning how to lean equally on each of your wings, you can build a more successful and well-rounded you. So, while Enneagram careers may guide you when selecting a career, they may also help you improve the situation surrounding how you manage your existing occupation.
Enneagram Type 1 Careers
As The Perfectionist, Enneagram type 1s are notoriously hard on themselves. However, they may also be equally demanding of others. Enneagram type 1 careers are those that encourage self-discipline and integrity and will need a high degree of logic. The Enneagram type 1 perspective may be binary, i.e. things are black and white; wrong or right; good or bad. They may consider themselves less than adequate but drive themselves. To keep Enneagram type 1s motivated in their careers, it’s important to praise their abilities and resulting work.
The Good Side
When analyzing Enneagram 1 careers, you’ll discover that Enneagram type 1s have an impeccable work ethic. They’ll solve almost any problem put to them, and will not stop until they’ve completed the task to their own high standards.
When Things Go Wrong
When tasks are not completed to their satisfaction, they may become edgy, hyper-critical, and resentful, whether the mistake is their own or someone else’s. They may procrastinate for fear of producing imperfect work or become preoccupied with improving the initial structure of the task.
Type 1 Enneagram Careers
- Architect
- Surveyor
- College professor
- Anesthesiologist
- Counselor
- Physician (general)
- Physician (specialist)
- School psychologist
- Social worker
- Lawyer
- Editor
- Journalist
- Detective
- Police officer
Enneagram Type 2 Careers
Labeled as The Helper, the directory of Enneagram 2 careers will mostly encompass working with people. Enneagram type 2s thrive most when supporting and encouraging others, though they need gratitude or recognition in return. They are usually friendly, kind, empathetic, altruistic, and sincere in their assistance. Enneagram 2s may hold the value of relationships above business practices.
The Good Side
In Enneagram 2 careers, you’ll note that these types will pour energy into people or causes. They may devote themselves to a deforestation project, a less-than-fortunate individual or group, or finding perfect homes for rescued animals. In the work environment, an Enneagram 2 will be that person who remembers and makes a fuss about colleagues’ birthdays. Their bosses may rely on them for behind-the-scenes support, and recognition from these people will make them feel fulfilled.
When Things Go Wrong
When Enneagram 2 careers are isolating or self-serving, they may feel unfulfilled. Since they find it hard to say no, they can get taken for granted. When they don’t receive emotional encouragement or the pat on the back that they’re expecting, they may take it personally and grow increasingly resentful.
Type 2 Enneagram Careers
- Human resources worker
- School teacher or assistant
- Kindergarten or preschool teacher
- Special education teacher
- Tutor
- Midwife
- Nurse
- Personal trainer
- Physical therapist or assistant
- Psychologist
- School nurse
- Therapist
- Clergy
- Social worker
- Fundraiser
Enneagram Type 3 Careers
As The Achiever, Enneagram 3 careers will most likely showcase their competitive spirit, pragmatism, and industriousness. Their high drive for self-development and growth means that they’ll work assiduously toward success and recognition. They are usually self-assured and motivated toward being recognized for their excellence. They will rarely request aid.
The Good Side
Enneagram 3 careers will usually involve goal-oriented occupations that require an efficient individual. They normally demand an optimistic and energetic approach to attain favorable outcomes. Enneagram 3 careers may involve influencing, leading, or guiding. Because of this, they have an innate ability to motivate others into producing their best work.
When Things Go Wrong
Driven toward success, when faced with incompetent colleagues, they may become highly critical or even take over the task. If a project fails, they may become depressed. To disguise this, they are likely to don their happy face, wear snappy outfits, or take comfort in their beautiful office. As leaders, they may seem insensitive or pompous.
Type 3 Enneagram Careers
- Executive
- Management consultant
- Operations manager
- Purchasing manager
- Computer networking (network architects)
- Computer programmer
- IT manager
- Banker
- Financial analyst
- Investment banker
- Lawyer
- Marketing manager
- Real estate agent (realtor)
- Sales manager
- Actor/Actress
- Journalist
- Producer
Enneagram Type 4 Careers
Termed The Individualist, Enneagram 4 careers will draw individuals who embrace creativity, employ inventive and unique thinking, and reveal their powerful sense of self-expression. Enneagram 4s are attracted to beauty and authenticity, or the damaged, absent, and unattainable. Introspective and withdrawn, they may sometimes seem self-absorbed or gloomy. They sometimes come across as peculiar, haughty, or mysterious.
The Good Side
Enneagram 4 careers are often those where Enneagram 4 types are left to their own devices. They regularly apply alternative, out-of-the-box approaches to problem-solving. Enneagram 4 types always aim for distinction. They appreciate recognition for the quality, scope, and distinctiveness of their projects.
When Things Go Wrong
When Enneagram 4 careers or lives take a dip, they may become emotional and can wallow in self-pity. Enneagram 4 types rarely take criticism well. They might transfer intense feelings to an artistic outlet, or their work habits may become erratic. Receiving praise for the quality of their contribution and alone time will help return them to normality.
Type 4 Enneagram Careers
- Artist
- Fashion designer
- Interior designer
- Writer
- Chef
- Hairdresser
- Art director
- Graphic designer
- Marketing assistant
- Marketing manager
- Director
- Editor
- Filmmaker
- Model
- Producer
Enneagram Type 5 Careers
Deemed The Investigator, Enneagram 5 careers will allow them to explore their minds in solitude. They strive for mastery through learning and knowledge and apply a unique approach to problem-solving. Although they may seem emotionally detached, this is because they find comfort in their thoughts and ideas rather than in engaging with others. However, despite this, they are usually gentle and polite.
The Good Side
Enneagram 5 careers require them to utilize their intellectually perceptive skills. Dependable and self-controlled, Enneagram 5 types are unlikely to need motivation from others. They approach every problem with logic and have an excellent learning capacity. They are steady in a crisis and enjoy discovering new things.
When Things Go Wrong
Enneagram 5 careers cause them anxiety when they face surprises, like changing deadlines, interruptions from colleagues or superiors, or if they’re unable to express their abundant ideas within their work or workplace. They do not enjoy working with time constraints. When facing difficulties, they’ll further withdraw, possibly into a world of fantasy.
Type 5 Enneagram Careers
- App developer
- Computer networking (network architects)
- Computer programmer
- Cybersecurity
- Game developer
- Software developer
- Web developer
- Carpenter
- Chemical engineer
- Civil engineer
- Electrical engineer
- Environmental engineer
- Industrial engineer
- Mechanical engineer
- Nuclear engineer
- Petroleum engineer
- Actuary
- Microbiologist
- Pathologist
- Research technician
- Statistician
- Brick mason
Enneagram Type 6 Careers
The Loyalist of the group, Enneagram 6 careers will probably pry out their questioning nature. Although they may be full of self-doubt, they are engaging optimists. They may succumb to internal examination or continue chatting to allay their fears. Externally upbeat and optimistic, they conceal their inner fears of future obstacles.
The Good Side
Enneagram 6 careers principally exploit their leadership qualities during crises. Written procedures, rules, and guidelines help them resolve their internal concerns. Over-examining is a part of their nature, so they are excellent troubleshooters, with amazing endurance and planning skills. Because of their insecurities, they are usually responsible and considerate.
When Things Go Wrong
When Enneagram 6 careers tap into their natural paranoia, they may become workaholics until the chaos is resolved or they’ve found a solution. They could mistrust authority figures, especially when they feel victimized or sudden changes are implemented. They usually require reassurance and acceptance within the workplace. When their skepticism is substantiated, they can become increasingly mistrustful.
Type 6 Enneagram Careers
- Interior designer
- Administrative support
- School teacher
- Kindergarten or preschool teacher
- Special education teacher
- Dentist or dental assistant
- Healthcare administrator
- Home healthcare aide
- Nurse (RN)
- Midwife
- School nurse
- Childcare
- Daycare worker
- Nanny
- Paralegal
- Police officer
- Security guard
- Geologist
- Veterinarian
- Veterinary technician
Enneagram Type 7 Careers
The Enthusiast, Enneagram 7 careers may be marked with excitement and adventure. They are charming and gregarious, with energy and a zest for life. Enneagram 7 types are positive, idea-filled, future thinkers who can turn work into something fun. They are usually active and fully engaged in life, though they try to escape emotional pain.
The Good Side
Enneagram 7 careers will encourage variety, with solid structures surrounding projects. They may enjoy taking on a new challenge or being exposed to new experiences. Enneagram 7 types approach each project with creativity and will see any stimulating task through to the end. They’ll latch onto things that invigorate them and are natural multitaskers. They engineer projects with enthusiasm.
When Things Go Wrong
Monotony in Enneagram 7 careers will cause them to quickly grow bored. They are unlikely to enjoy working with intricacies and may leave tasks half-finished when they feel overextended. They have a positive approach to problems, though they can be seen as insensitive when others interrupt their enjoyment time.
Type 7 Enneagram Careers
- Operations manager
- Athletic trainer
- Personal trainer
- Chef
- Pastry chef (baker)
- Server (waiter/waitress)
- Travel agent
- Copywriter
- Event planner
- Marketing assistant
- Sales manager
- Flight attendant
- Pilot
Enneagram Type 8 Careers
The Challenger, Enneagram 8 careers will focus on their instinct to take charge, lead, and protect. Their self-absurdness, foresight, and determination help them to clearly see the outcomes when they’re faced with tough decisions. Despite this, they harbor an internal feeling of worthlessness. This can make them seem combative, though a gentle heart underlies their front. Their intrinsic self-confidence means that they rarely seek the approval of others.
The Good Side
Enneagram 8 careers may outline their courageous, independent, ambitious, and motivated approach to life and work. They disapprove of injustice and are philanthropic in defending the downtrodden. Enneagram 8 types will pour energy into improving their organization, though they may consider facts to the point of overlooking personal associations.
When Things Go Wrong
Team-based tasks in Enneagram 8 careers may engender frustration among colleagues, as Enneagram 8 types may take over the leadership role. In confrontations, they can erupt, alienating co-workers. Waiting frustrates them, and the need to control their environment can prove difficult to master. They may come across as proud and have a tendency to bully colleagues and managers.
Type 8 Enneagram Careers
- Executive
- Retail manager
- Financial advisor
- Lawyer
- Account executive
- Real estate agent (realtor)
- Sales representative
- Director
- Firefighter
- Military
- Private investigator
Enneagram Type 9 Careers
As The Peacemaker, Enneagram 9 careers incorporate a harmonious environment with little conflict. They are usually comfortable leaving the decision-making to others. Warm-hearted and loving, they may come across as passive. They are receptive to the emotions of others and may be unwilling or unable to choose sides.
The Good Side
Enneagram 9 careers will probably touch on their patient, serene, and nurturing personalities. Being non-competitive, they’re unlikely to tread on the toes of more ambitious colleagues. They thrive on a sound structure around deadlines. They have excellent negotiation skills and an ability to see multiple points of view. So, they are efficient at resolving disputes within the workplace.
When Things Go Wrong
When Enneagram 9 careers lead to conflict or are too rigid, they may become detached emotionally. Changes might disrupt their personal equilibrium. They may be prone to feeling inadequate, and this can cause underlying anger, causing them to get stuck in the details almost robotically.
Type 9 Enneagram Careers
- Human resources worker
- Industrial-organizational psychologist
- Librarian
- Reading specialist
- Acupuncturist
- Child psychologist
- Clinical psychologist
- Counselor
- Forensic psychologist
- Occupational therapist
- Psychiatrist
- Recreational therapist
- Clergy
- Social worker
- Editor
- Correctional officer
- Probation officer
- Veterinarian
Conclusion
Over the years, the Enneagram model has sparked interest in various personality studies, such as Loevinger’s Theory of Ego Development. Systems such as these may aid in personal development. However, the resulting list of Enneagram careers also offers guidance to students and those who have found that they’re unfulfilled in their current occupations.