Choosing a career is one of the most significant decisions a person will make in their lifetime, and for teens, this choice can often feel overwhelming. With so many options available and societal pressures to consider, it’s no wonder that many young people struggle to identify a career path that truly aligns with their strengths and interests. Fortunately, personality assessments like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and other tools provide valuable insights that can help guide teens toward careers that are not only fulfilling but also well-suited to their natural abilities.

The Role of Personality in Career Choice

Personality plays a crucial role in determining how individuals interact with the world around them, process information, and make decisions. By understanding their personality type, teens can gain a clearer picture of what types of work environments, tasks, and roles they might enjoy and excel in. This self-awareness is key to choosing a career path that aligns with their intrinsic motivations and strengths.

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

The MBTI is one of the most popular and widely used personality assessments in career counseling. Developed by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers, the MBTI is based on Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types. The assessment categorizes individuals into 16 different personality types based on four dichotomies:

- Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I): This dimension explores where a person prefers to focus their energy and gain their strength—whether from the outer world (Extraversion) or their inner world (Introversion).

- Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N): This dichotomy looks at how a person prefers to take in information. Those who prefer Sensing focus on the present and concrete information, while those who prefer Intuition focus on patterns and future possibilities.

- Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F): This dimension examines how a person prefers to make decisions—either based on logic and consistency (Thinking) or based on values and how it will affect others (Feeling).

- Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P): This dichotomy assesses how a person deals with the outside world. Those who prefer Judging like structure and firm decisions, while those who prefer Perceiving like to keep their options open and are more flexible.

By taking the MBTI, teens can identify their personality type, which can then be matched with careers that are typically suited to their strengths and preferences. For example, an INFJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging) might be well-suited for a career in counseling or social work, where their empathetic nature and desire to help others can shine. On the other hand, an ESTP (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving) might thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on career like entrepreneurship or emergency services.

The Big Five Personality Traits

Another widely recognized personality assessment is the Big Five Personality Traits, also known as the Five-Factor Model. This model measures five broad dimensions of personality:

- Openness to Experience: This trait involves imagination, creativity, and a willingness to try new things.

- Conscientiousness: This dimension reflects a person’s level of organization, dependability, and work ethic.

- Extraversion: Similar to the MBTI’s Extraversion, this trait reflects a person’s sociability and assertiveness.

- Agreeableness: This trait involves kindness, cooperation, and a person’s tendency to be compassionate towards others.

- Neuroticism: This dimension measures emotional stability and the tendency to experience negative emotions like anxiety or moodiness.

The Big Five provides a comprehensive view of personality and is often used in psychological research and career counseling. Understanding where one falls on these five traits can help teens identify careers that align with their strengths. For instance, a teen with high Conscientiousness might excel in a structured, detail-oriented career like accounting or engineering, while someone high in Openness might be drawn to creative fields such as graphic design or marketing.

Holland’s Career Interest Theory

Holland’s Career Interest Theory, also known as the RIASEC model, is another valuable tool for career exploration. This theory categorizes careers into six broad areas of interest:

- Realistic (R): Careers that involve hands-on work and practical tasks, such as mechanics, carpentry, or agriculture.

- Investigative (I): Careers that involve problem-solving and analytical thinking, such as science, engineering, or research.

- Artistic (A): Careers that involve creativity and self-expression, such as writing, graphic design, or performing arts.

- Social (S): Careers that involve helping others and building relationships, such as teaching, counseling, or healthcare.

- Enterprising (E): Careers that involve leadership, persuasion, and business ventures, such as sales, entrepreneurship, or management.

- Conventional (C): Careers that involve organization and structure, such as administration, finance, or data management.

By identifying their primary interest areas, teens can explore careers that align with their natural preferences. For example, a teen with a high score in the Artistic category might consider careers in the creative arts, while someone with a strong Investigative interest might pursue a career in the sciences.

CliftonStrengths Assessment

The CliftonStrengths assessment, formerly known as StrengthsFinder, focuses on identifying an individual’s top strengths rather than categorizing them into a personality type. The assessment identifies 34 potential strengths, such as Analytical, Communication, and Empathy, and ranks them based on the individual’s responses.

For teens, understanding their top strengths can be incredibly empowering. It helps them see where they naturally excel and how they can leverage these strengths in their career. For example, a teen with a top strength in Communication might thrive in a career that involves public speaking, writing, or teaching, while a teen with a strength in Analytical might excel in research, data analysis, or strategic planning.

CareerOneStop Interest Assessment and 16Personalities Test

The CareerOneStop Interest Assessment and 16Personalities Test are also excellent resources for teens. CareerOneStop’s Interest Assessment helps individuals explore careers that align with their interests by providing a list of potential occupations based on their preferences . The 16Personalities Test, which is based on the MBTI framework, offers a detailed personality profile that can guide teens in choosing a career path that fits their personality type.

Integrating Personality Assessments into Career Planning

While personality assessments can provide valuable insights, it’s important to remember that they are just one piece of the puzzle. Teens should use these tools as a starting point for exploring their career options, rather than a definitive answer. Combining the results of personality assessments with other factors, such as personal interests, values, and life goals, will lead to a more holistic and informed career decision.

Books like So What Comes Next? by Michael A. Deffina can also be a transformative resource for teens as they navigate the often complex and overwhelming process of career planning. Deffina's book stands out because it doesn't just offer generic advice; instead, it provides practical, actionable steps that teens can take to identify and pursue a career path that aligns with their personal interests, values, and strengths. The guidance offered in So What Comes Next? is grounded in real-world applications, making it particularly valuable for teens who might feel unsure about how to translate their skills and passions into a viable career.

One of the most notable features of the book is its inclusion of downloadable programs designed to assist teens in building personalized life and career plans. These programs are not just add-ons but integral tools that allow teens to engage in a hands-on, interactive process of self-discovery and planning. By using these tools, teens can create detailed, customized plans that consider their unique personality traits, career interests, and long-term goals. The programs guide them through setting realistic objectives, identifying necessary skills and education, and even considering potential challenges they might face along the way.

Conclusion

Understanding personality types through tools like the MBTI, Big Five, Holland’s RIASEC model, and CliftonStrengths can significantly enhance a teen’s career planning process. By gaining insights into their natural strengths and preferences, teens can make more informed decisions about their future, leading to a career that is not only successful but also personally fulfilling. These tools empower teens to choose paths that resonate with who they are, ensuring that their career journey is aligned with their true selves.