Choosing a career is probably one of the most crucial points in a person’s life since it can largely determine someone’s life path. For this reason, people take different approaches to solving this essential question. Some people decide to follow in their parent’s footsteps and continue their legacy. Others tend to listen to their instincts and follow their dreams to make a career choice.
In the modern job market, there are so many career options out there that the choice can be overwhelming, and each person needs whatever help they can get. That’s why we wrote this article: we believe that assessing your personality preferences and traits can help you get closer to the perfect career.
In this article, we’re going to focus on the best career matches (and occupations to avoid) for a specific personality type: the ESTP. Like all 16 personality types, ESTPs possess dominant personality traits that significantly determine their approach to problem-solving, decision-making, and overall perception of the world. Their four dominant preferences are Extroversion (E), Sensing (S), Thinking (T), and Perceiving (P) and they play a significant role in determining what the perfect ESTP careers may be.
The ESTP type, also known as The Daredevil, is an action-oriented problem solver who is always ready to tackle difficult situations. As a highly energetic extrovert, an ESTP will thrive in fast-paced environments, persuading others to follow their rhythm. However, if they feel that someone is stalling with getting the job done, they may become impatient and easily irritated. For all these reasons, perfect ESTP careers will likely involve tackling difficult situations that demand a fast reaction.
Therefore, ESTPs will feel fulfilled in occupations that offer the opportunity to offer hands-on solutions to immediate problems. Thanks to their Sensing preference, ESTPs tend to choose jobs where they can use their physical predispositions and practical knowledge. ESTPs also prefer learning from experience over contemplating complex, abstract ideas (which would better suit an Intuitive type).
The ESTP type tends to make decisions based on facts and logic rather than feelings, due to their Thinking preference. Since they use gathered data to come up with solutions, their employers and colleagues will find ESTPs reliable problem-solvers who move quickly towards the set goal.
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On the other hand, as Perceiving types, ESTPs may be a good fit in a workplace that allows them to work freely, without the constraint of strict schedules. Since they highly appreciate flexibility, they may struggle with structured work environments that demand routine and repetitive actions. Also, because of their Perceiving preference, ESTPs are likely to leave a current project without following through when they lose interest. For all these reasons, ESTPs need to stay away from careers that may bring out their weaknesses and make them feel drained and overwhelmed at the workplace.
Whether you are the ESTP personality type or you work closely with one, this article will offer you a clearer picture of what to expect from this personality type at the workplace. Simultaneously, we will provide a list of the best and worst ESTP career choices to pinpoint the most rewarding ESTP jobs.
ESTPs as Team Members
As extroverted types, ESTP personalities will enjoy working in teams, keeping the atmosphere relaxed and friendly. They tend to be flexible and open-minded, which can be a valuable asset in crises that demand instant solutions. On the other hand, this tendency to do things their own way, accompanied by their brutally honest, often demanding communication style, may lead them into conflicts with co-workers who prefer to stick to detailed plans.
Overall, when having a good day at work, ESTPs will showcase their numerous skills. They will be charming, sociable coworkers, cracking jokes wherever they go. Their inexhaustible energy makes them amazing motivators in the workplace.
On the other hand, when having a bad day at work, ESTPs will have a hard time coping with routine and repetitive actions. Thus, they may easily lose focus on the things that need to be done and look for more enticing projects to tackle. Additionally, ESTPs on a bad day may get easily irritated and come across as rude to others.
Although the ESTP personality is known for moving swiftly through the working process to achieve set goals, they may struggle with following step-by-step plans. Also, they will see contemplating possible solutions as an unnecessary waste of time, if this does not lead to a tangible result. Still, they will make the best of the resources they have at hand to solve burning issues. For all these reasons, ESTPs will be an invaluable asset to any team, especially in times of crisis; they will act as the voice of reason, giving practical advice and encouraging others to do their best to overcome the imminent problem.
ESTPs as Team Leaders
Extremely determined and energetic, the ESTP personality type will be a fantastic leader in a crisis. Practical and persuasive, they will have no problems convincing others to follow their lead. Furthermore, ESTPs can read other people’s moods by discerning subtle changes in their body language or facial expressions. In this way, ESTP managers may adapt their approach to problems to be more acceptable to others.
ESTP leaders seek efficiency and speed. They believe in solutions that have worked before, preferring to lean on experience. That said, they may get easily irritated when they come across unexpected obstacles that may slow down the working process. In these situations, they may behave inconsiderately to other team members. Furthermore, ESTP leaders may struggle with envisioning the future and devising long-term plans. As Sensing types, they will offer practical solutions to real-life problems rather than contemplating elusive future-oriented ideas.
In short, ESTP types will display outstanding leadership skills in the workplace, especially in emergency situations – always motivating other team members to work swiftly and efficiently towards achieving set goals.
ESTP Career Matches
Now that we have presented a portrait of ESTP personalities in different roles at a workplace, let’s dive into an array of different jobs and see what the best “sensitive doer” careers may be.
Here is a shortlist of ESTP career matches:
1. Entrepreneur
This career may come across as the logical first choice for ESTP personalities, considering that they are sometimes referred to as the ‘Entrepreneur’ personality type. These enthusiastic people may be the most action-driven type in the personalities spectrum. They are prone to taking risks and may jump in where other personality ypes may fear to tread. This feature is crucially necessary for becoming an entrepreneur and starting their own business. Running a business may be profitable, but it also a very inconsistent career path that may bring many challenges along the way.
As a personality type that enjoys being in the heart of the action and tackling difficult challenges, the ESTP person may be a successful entrepreneur able to build their business on solid ground, successfully avoiding possible obstacles.
Additionally, ESTP personalities are natural leaders who can anticipate someone’s reactions based on their behavior. This exceptional feature enables ESTPs to adjust their approach to problem-solving and convinces others to follow their lead. ESTPs like working in dynamic environments, progressing towards set goals quickly, and applying practical solutions. For all these reasons, becoming an entrepreneur may be one of the best ESTP career choices.
2. Actor/Actress
As extroverted personalities, ESTPs love being surrounded by people, often engaging others in light and funny conversations. They are amazing communicators who enjoy entertaining their “audience.” This is why you can find an array of famous ESTPs among actors and entertainers. Besides being outgoing and sociable, ESTP personalities are also driven and ambitious and will not let anyone or anything prevent them from following their dreams.
As extremely energetic personality types, ESTPs will enjoy action-packed acting roles where they can engage in adrenaline-filled scenes. And no matter what genre they act in, ESTP may find a career in acting both challenging and rewarding because of the chance for variety. They will need to “find their way through the acting process,” according to Dame Judy Dench, a famous ESTP personality. Another amazing actress with ESTP personality traits, Mila Kunis, believes that an actor needs to approach their character with honesty and play it truthfully. ESTPs certainly possess honesty and a direct communication style, in addition to self-confidence. For all these reasons, acting may be a fulfilling and fitting career choice for ESTP personalities.
We have an extensive list of famous ESTPs if you want to find out more about these fascinating people in acting careers and beyond.
3. Business Development Manager
ESTP personalities may find the job of business development manager interesting for several different reasons. Namely, people in this managerial role are responsible for developing new opportunities and helping their companies grow. Therefore, this job will require extensive networking and numerous interactions – all activities an extroverted ESTP would enjoy. Due to their Extroversion preference, ESTP persons are amazing communicators who make new contacts easily. Besides, they are very observant and may adapt their communication style to others easily, persuading them to support their ideas.
Apart from having the exceptional social skills essential for this job, ESTPs base their decision-making process on logic and data, which enables them to react quickly and find the most efficient solutions for current issues. Additionally, this career choice brings much-needed autonomy and freedom to do things their way. Perceiving ESTP types will enjoy the flexibility that comes with this occupation.
4. Construction Manager
Working in construction may be another great match when it comes to ESTP jobs. As Sensing types, ESTPs love tackling hands-on problems, employing their senses to devise practical solutions to imminent problems. ESTPs will also enjoy the dynamic environment of a construction site that may require them to tackle several issues at once. This will satisfy their need for action and excitement at the workplace.
However, while the ESTP type is skilled at solving crises and providing tangible results, ESTPs may need to better understand the importance of planning carefully and respecting deadlines if they want to be successful in this line of work. If they manage to improve their organizational skills and overcome their aversion to strict schedules, ESTP may become excellent and reliable construction managers.
5. Sales Manager
Sociable and communicative ESTP personalities may be a good fit for a sales manager position. This occupation requires a high level of social interaction with customers, and this is where extroverted ESTPs excel. Furthermore, they can “read” other people’s behavior easily, which makes them convincing salespeople who know what customers need. Additionally, this is a dynamic occupation that involves traveling and meeting new people, which may satisfy an ESTP’s need for flexibility and action.
6. Creative/Art Director
Like other Sensing types, ESTP personalities are in tune with everything around them, absorbing beauty from nature, people, food, or fashion. They enjoy beauty and tend to find it in places or things that other people may miss. For all these reasons, they have an evolved sense of style and aesthetic standards that may be great attributes for career paths in the creative industry. When you add ESTPs’ energy and enthusiasm to reach goals in the most practical ways, you will get a natural leader perfect for the role of a creative or art director.
Besides creativity and a sense of style, a creative director needs to have prominent leadership skills to do their job successfully. ESTPs are believed to be natural leaders, especially in difficult situations, so they will enjoy every new challenge and lead their teams energetically.
A creative director also needs to communicate their requests and expectations in a clear and direct manner. ESTPs, known for their honest and blunt communication style, will not have problems in getting their coworkers on the same page. On the other hand, they may take things too far and seem inconsiderate to others if they think a project will not be finished on time.
7. Paramedic
ESTP personalities may be perfect for providing emergency services. Fiercely ready to take risks and jump into dangerous situations, they will be irreplaceable first responders. These professionals are the first to get to a natural disaster, a crime site, or health emergency and are required to act quickly and responsibly. And since they don’t shy away from a crisis, ESTP personalities may be great in first responder roles.
Paramedics are responsible for providing medical care for people in difficult situations. Their main concern is to stabilize patients until they get to hospitals. ESTPs may find this job satisfying because it involves a sense of danger and a need to make immediate decisions to save lives.
Apart from exceptional communication skills, paramedics need also to be team players and cooperate with other first responders to get the job done. This highly stressful occupation calls for someone who will put their emotions aside and make logical decisions based on reason and in the patients’ best interests.
For all these reasons, serving as a paramedic may be a perfect career for ESTPs, as this occupation demands skills that align perfectly with an ESTP’s preferences.
8. Police Officer
Being a police officer is one of the most dangerous and risky career paths someone can choose, meaning that this may be a perfect job for fearless ESTP types. Constantly on the move, looking for some action to dive into, ESTPs may fit perfectly in the police force. As first responders, they will need to take risks on a daily basis to secure order and peace. In addition, they are required to have highly developed interpersonal and communication skills to build trustworthy relationships with their colleagues and community. ESTPs may also be suited for detective roles during investigations, because they may notice small shifts in body language or facial expressions and read people’s intentions or actions.
Furthermore, ESTPs are capable of analyzing problems quickly, coming up with effective solutions based on logic thanks to their Sensing and Thinking preferences. These are all invaluable ESTP assets that can make for a reliable and successful police officer. On the other hand, ESTPs may struggle with accepting a highly structured chain of command in the police force and may get in trouble for doing things their own way. If they learn how to cope with authority and following orders, however, they may find this career fulfilling.
9. Firefighter
Firefighters are also first responders in emergency situations, responsible for extinguishing fires and providing first aid to casualties if needed. This is one of the most dangerous and hazardous careers that may appeal to the fierce, action-driven ESTP personality type.
Besides enormous courage and tendency to take risks, firefighters need to possess exceptional physical strength and stamina, which will not present a problem to ESTP personalities. ESTPs enjoy engaging themselves in physically demanding activities to showcase their fitness and strength. Also, open and direct communication is an invaluable asset in this line of work. Since ESTPs are known for sharing their opinions without holding back, they will be compatible with this work environment.
10. Athlete
Becoming a professional athlete may come naturally for an ESTP personality for several reasons. First, they have the physical predispositions needed for entering the world of professional sport. Additionally, they have great coordination skills and are not afraid to push their bodies to their limits to achieve the necessary results.
Successful professional athletes enjoy being at the center of attention whether on or off the courts. Also, as self-confident leaders, they may gladly take responsibility and decide whether games are won or lost. ESTPs will step up to these responsibilities with ease, and they can also display quick thinking and adaptability like no other personality type. These advantageous traits may turn them into successful and memorable athletes.
ESTP Careers to Avoid
Now that we have offered you an extensive list of professional jobs ESTP personalities may thrive in based on their four dominant preferences (Extroversion, Sensing, Thinking, and Perceiving), let’s focus on the careers this personality type may find draining or dissatisfying.
People can use their personality preferences as guidelines when making a significant career choice. Simultaneously, these preferences can indicate what jobs certain personality types should stay away from. That said, we will offer the top three career choices that may not suit the ESTP personality, as the job requirements clash with their prominent personality traits.
1. Psychologist
This highly demanding, people-oriented career may not be an ideal choice for an action-driven ESTP personality for several reasons. First, psychologists are focused on understanding and analyzing people’s feelings. As ESTPs have the Thinking preference rather than the Feeling preference, they have a hard time grasping the importance of feelings; they prefer instead to stick to opinions and facts. This personality trait influences their blunt communication style as well, making them appear rude and inconsiderate at times. Since they struggle to express their feelings or deal with the emotions of others, ESTPs will be vocal and honest when sharing their opinions. They are also goal-oriented people, moving quickly to get the job done, so they may become impatient if things do not run smoothly.
These ESTP personality traits may be suitable for some careers, but they clash with the ones a successful psychologist is expected to possess. Psychologists need to be outstanding listeners who will refrain from giving their personal opinions in a straightforward way. They also should be discrete, objective, and patient. These job requirements would likely prove difficult for an opinionated – and sometimes impatient – ESTP personality.
Lastly, ESTPs, known as thrill-seekers, may be disappointed by the lack of action in the life of a psychologist. Psychologists need to be empathetic listeners ready to support clients for the long haul, instead of jumping into action. For all these reasons, ESTP should consider choosing some other career that better suits their characteristics.
2. Accountant
The position of an accountant requires someone who can tackle numbers, budgeting, financial analysis, and detailed records of financial transactions. This job may not sound appealing to action-seeking ESTP personalities who like to be on the move, dealing with difficult issues. Also, ESTPs may get easily disinterested in their work when routine sets in, given that bookkeeping is not the most exciting line of work. Furthermore, ESTPs try to avoid structured and well-planned activities that require too much repetition. For this reason, they may find a career as an accountant too constraining and uneventful. This said an ESTP accountant may be easily irritated by this “boring and ordinary” job, leaving it to continue searching for the next big thing.
3. Academic
The fact that we have put an academic career on the list of careers the ESTP personality type should avoid does not mean that ESTPs do not have the intellectual capacity for academia. On the contrary, they enjoy engaging themselves in intellectual debates, in which they will openly express their opinions. But ESTPs will do this only if they believe the intellectual discussion will lead to some tangible, practical solutions. Otherwise, Sensing ESTPs will stay away from deep discussions that revolve around abstract ideas. This personality type possesses Introverted Intuition (Ni) as the fourth, inferior cognitive function, which prevents them from endless contemplation about future prospects. Even though they can use their intuition to think about the future, ESTPs are more focused on the present moment that requires imminent action.
Furthermore, spending time behind desks or in libraries alone is a far cry from an ideal job for a Daredevil personality type, who would rather seek action than being immersed in their own solitary thoughts.
ESTP College Majors
Before choosing different career paths that will best suit their characters and showcase their talents, ESTPs, as well as other personality types, need to focus on their education and choose majors that will enable them to become successful professionals. Because of their preferences, typical ESTP personalities are:
- Energizing and enthusiastic
- Communicative and convincing
- Open-minded and vocal
- Practical and logical
- Action-oriented and objective
- Flexible and adaptable
- Curious and sociable
These are only some of the features that best describe the ESTP personality. If you want to find out more, look for our comprehensive list of ESTP personality traits.
If they listen to their Thinking preference, ESTPs will tend to choose their college majors after gathering all the available facts and data and thinking them through. This said, let’s see what college majors may lead ESTPs to rewarding careers based on their characteristics:
- Art
- Athletic Training
- Construction Management
- Criminal Justice and Criminology
- Dance Performance
- Entrepreneurial Management
- Exercise Science
- Food Management
- Industrial Technology
- Information Systems
- Journalism
- Landscape Architecture
- Marketing
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Medical Technology
- Natural Resources and Environmental Management
- Pre-Medical
- Residential Property Management
- Telecommunications
- Theatre
With this list of college majors that the ESTP personality should consider when starting to pave their career paths, we conclude our analysis of the best ESTP careers. There are also several jobs these energetic, action-driven personalities may find overwhelming. We hope this article helped you better understand how ESTP personalities function in a work environment and elucidated what jobs will bring out the best in them.