ENTJ Careers

ENTJs have the confidence, energy, and drive needed to thrive in the workplace, regardless of career path. Their intellect and strength will make them powerhouses of productivity. They are ruthless in their efficiency and make decisions quickly and decisively. 

ENTJs communicate their thoughts clearly and concisely. They're tough and adaptable in the face of challenges and tend to perform better when allowed to take the initiative. They excel in fast-paced or volatile environments where their can-do attitude feels reassuring to less dominant colleagues. They loathe mundane tasks and repetitive workstyles.

The confidence and decision-making skills of ENTJs help them lead projects with great success. Their single-mindedness may result in colleagues perceiving them as insensitive, however. ENTJs aren’t coldhearted. They just have a hard time understanding how sentimental attachments can be beneficial to business. ENTJs value being viewed as competent above all things.

Like all of us, ENTJ personality types have intrinsic traits influencing how they like to work and in what specific work environments.

At F4S, we’ve identified 48 traits that influence motivation and energy levels. The better you understand these traits, the more able you’ll be to choose job roles, cultures, and workplace environments that will enable you to thrive. 

These preferences are intrinsic. But sometimes, we find ourselves stuck with a workplace or way of working that doesn’t exactly match our needs. Coaching can help you build skills and resilience when you need to perform in a work environment less suited to your preferences. 

Our 8-week coaching program, 'Increase EQ', can help ENTJs develop their emotional intelligence. This helps them become more aware of the feelings and sensitivities of others. This can support them in building the effective working relationships they sometimes need to get the job done.

People with the ENTJ personality type are sociable and charismatic. They will confidently volunteer to lead projects or act as a team representative. They enjoy collaboration with capable colleagues who match their intellect and drive. ENTJs can be dismissive of team members who they don’t respect.

ENTJs hold themselves to extremely high standards. They are resilient when receiving well-structured and objective developmental feedback. Indeed, they view it as an opportunity for growth. ENTJs hold the same high expectations of others, however. They won’t mince their words if they observe anyone working sloppily or shirking their responsibilities. 

ENTJs base their working relationships on competence, not emotion. Productivity is extremely important to ENTJs. They’re not interested in activities they judge as trivial or low-value. ENTJs are high achievers who value efficiency. They like working in well-organized and logical work environments. ENTJs prize themselves on their independent thinking and don’t like to be micromanaged.

To get the most from an ENTJ colleague, allow them to lead where possible. Harness their singular drive and determination to push difficult tasks through to completion. Use concise and direct language when communicating. Be sensitive to the fact that building emotional connections is not a motivation for them. Try to shield them from activities they find meaningless. 

ENTJ personality types are happiest in careers that allow them to lead boldly. Like all the personality types, ENTJs can be found in a range of careers and industries. 

However, they are likely to be most satisfied in jobs where they can apply their determination and vision to achieve organizational goals. ENTJs gravitate towards leadership positions, whether executive or entrepreneurial. Their clarity of thought and effective communication make legal and analyst careers a good fit. They may enjoy roles in project management and business administration.

Top ENTJ career matches include:

Sciences and health

• Exercise physiologist
• Forensic scientist
• Pathologist
• Nuclear engineer
• Microbiologist
• Political scientist
• Climatologist
• Statistician
• Surgeon
• Chemist
• Data scientist
• Economist
• Psychologist

Creative arts

• Graphic designer
• Art director
• Technical writer
• Film director
• Industrial designer

Business

• Entrepreneur
• Actuary
• Business analyst
• Financial planner
• Auditor
• Operations research analyst
• Management consultant
• Market research analyst
• Forensic accountant
• Sales manager
• Corporate strategist
• Business executive
• Public relations manager
• Logistician
• Project manager
• Process optimization consultant
• Operations manager

Information technology

• Computer systems analyst
• Cyber security analyst
• Computer programmer
• Software developer
• Computer network architect

Education, philosophy, academia, and law

• Attorney
• Judge
• University professor
• Academic researcher

Miscellaneous

• Architect
• Intelligence specialist
• Business news analyst
• Airline pilot
• Police officer
• Emergency management director
• Construction manager

ENTJs can be sub-categorized into assertive or turbulent identities. These identities affect all of the four elements that make up an ENTJ personality type. 

Within the constraints of their overall type, assertive identities tend to be less perceptive but let go of worries more easily. Turbulent identities tend to be more sensitive to the feelings of others. But they can become overwhelmed worrying about things outside their control.

These two sub-categories bring a little more nuance to elements of the ENTJ personality type. All ENTJs are highly determined. They are confident in their ability to overcome any obstacles that get in the way of what they want to achieve. 

Under high-pressure circumstances, however, ENTJ-As double down. They become laser-focused on their ambition and use the stress as motivation to perform even better. 

ENTJ-Ts tend to find stressful situations harder to manage. This can weigh heavily on them as all ENTJs prize their resolve and emotional self-control. This greater emotional range may also be positive, however. Their heightened sentimentality can make ENTJ-Ts more approachable and less emotionally detached than ENTJ-As. 

All ENTJs are bold leaders. But, ENTJ-As are more innately self-confident and less prone to worry than ENTJ-Ts. Their singular focus is unlikely to be disturbed by external events. They maintain momentum even in challenging environments. 

ENTJ-Ts are also driven to achieve. But, they may feel more anxious when circumstances become difficult. This can impact their clarity of thought, and they may become more considered in their decision-making. They become more open to the opinions of others.

This can be a positive attribute. Their less brusque nature means ENTJ-Ts can enjoy deeper and more supportive personal relationships. 

Given these nuances, let’s look at how some of the above careers might suit the two identity sub-categories:

ENTJ-A careers

• Financial analyst
• Business executive
• Film producer
• Judge
• Attorney
• Psychologist
• University professor
• Airline pilot
• Auditor

ENTJ-T careers

• Public relations manager
• Entrepreneur
• Project manager
• Architect
• Logistician
• Graphic designer
• Exercise physiologis

ENTJs thrive in careers that enable them to lead people and projects. People with the ENTJ personality type want to use their drive and focus to achieve meaningful goals.

Some science and healthcare roles are extremely well-paid. The salaries for surgeons can vary, but the average comes in at US$413,470. Psychologists can earn US$116,332, and nuclear engineers US$246,472.

The analytical and leadership skills of ENTJs can also lead to some higher-paying roles. The average base salary for chief executive officers is US$805,107, and for financial planners, it’s US$85,840.

Other highly-paid options include:

• Attorney (average base pay: US$108,018)
• University professor (average base pay: US$162,301)
• Airline pilot (average base pay: US$144,901)

At F4S, we don’t think about strengths and weaknesses the same way as the MBTI test does. We believe that strengths and weaknesses are often situation-dependent. We prefer to look at what motivates you vs. what drains your energy. These elements might overlap with what Myers-Briggs describes as strengths and weaknesses, but not always.

For example, perhaps (like many ENTJs) you thrive on overcoming new challenges. Your determination and drive build momentum and energy for tackling the task at hand. You enjoy leading others to achieve meaningful goals. Emotional connection is secondary to getting the job done.

However, you work within a large, traditional organization. Hierarchy is respected, and bureaucracy is par for the course. As a more junior team member, you become frustrated by your micromanaging boss and your lack of influence. Your energy and drive grate with long-serving employees who enjoy the rhythm and routine that they’re used to. 

There is limited appetite for change, and it comes slowly, stifled by layers of management and governance. You become frustrated that you lack the power to implement change and irritated by time wasted on unimportant tasks. Your strengths aren’t able to shine.

Equally, perhaps there is something you love doing, that motivates and energizes you, but you’re not very skilled at it yet. It might not be considered an innate ‘strength’, but you’re way more likely to enjoy your career choice if you can find a job with some elements of that activity.

That said, here are some ENTJ ‘strengths and weaknesses’ as listed by MBTI:

Would you like to learn more about MBTI? Help uncover the unique talents of MBTI using our evidenced-based motivational work assessment. F4S is conducting research to build upon the existing understanding of MBTI personality theory. Take our survey.

ENTJ strengths

• Self-confident
• Efficient
• Strategic
• Clear-thinking
• Determined
• Charismatic

ENTJ weaknesses

• Stubborn
• Impatient
• Intolerant
• Emotionally distant
• Ruthless

Our Myers-Briggs personality type offers a snapshot of our likely preferences for how we work and the roles we might enjoy. But, it’s important to note that any personality type can be successful across all industries and job roles. 

Our preferences may mean certain types of work and work environments are more challenging for us. But, if you’re highly motivated to pursue a particular career pathway, there’s no reason you can’t excel.

Motivation is personal and complicated. There can be both internal and external drivers for motivation. Increased self-awareness helps you identify the intrinsic traits that drive your preferences for how, where, and when you work. 

At F4S, we recommend starting with our free self-assessment to unlock insights about where your motivations lie. This assessment can help you understand how to harness your preferences to create a satisfying and successful career.

Sometimes there are also strong external motivating factors. For example, a lucrative pay packet, comprehensive benefits, or the ability to work from a specific location. 

External motivations may result in you choosing a role or workplace that jars with your intrinsic motivation. Personal development programs and coaching can help you develop the skills needed to excel when working in ways less suited to your preferences.

So, if there is something you’re excited about trying, you should definitely explore it. Remember, your MBTI result is only a guide to the type of career you might prefer.

ENTJs are natural born leaders. Decisive and determined, they thrive in environments where they can manage resources effectively to secure a positive outcome. They are ambitious and confident. They aren’t afraid to tackle any challenges that stand in their way. While not cold-hearted, the task always comes first. Inefficiencies frustrate ENTJs. They can be dismissive of colleagues they judge as less capable or who don’t meet their exacting standards.

Given this, some roles typically have work environments or approaches that may be more challenging for ENTJs. Remember, this list is just a guideline of job types you might not enjoy or find draining. It doesn’t mean you won’t excel at them.

The following career matches may be less suited to ENTJ personality types:

• Data entry clerk
• Artisan
• Child care provider
• Hairstylist
• Retail associate
• Laboratory technician
• Receptionist
• Medical assistant
• Human resources manager

Here at F4S, we’re fascinated by what motivates people. When considering leadership, it’s important to reflect on these three particular traits:

• Whether you enjoy power and control
• How much you value belonging
• How much you’re motivated by achievement.

If you enjoy power and control, you will likely thrive in a leadership role. If belonging is important to you, then a leadership position may feel isolating. 

There's no question that ENTJs make decisive leaders who like to take charge and push the limits of what's possible. They enjoy power as a tool for getting things done. ENTJs are critical thinkers who love efficient systems, and they often know exactly what they need to do for their vision to become a reality. Because of their big ideas, strong will, and results-focused approach, they are very comfortable in leadership roles.

People with the ENTJ personality type are highly motivated by achievement. They're great strategists and clear communicators who often inspire their subordinates. They set high standards for themselves and their team. 

ENTJ leaders have an innate understanding of their subordinates’ strengths and harness them to drive high performance. Their infectious energy builds momentum and drives their team members toward the desired outcome. Confident, capable employees and mature teams will likely thrive under ENTJ leaders. They will appreciate being empowered to find their own solutions and rise to any challenge they face. 

ENTJs can appear ruthless in their desire to succeed. But, ENTJs will gladly recognize the contribution and hard work of their team members. It’s just that there’s no room for apathy, complacency, or laziness with an ENTJ boss. They can become impatient with those who don’t share their hunger for achievement. Those who don’t give their best will be given short shrift.

Our eight-week development program ‘Reflection & Patience’ can help ENTJs get more from less confident team members. This program is personalized to work with your innate preferences helping you to lead with greater effectiveness irrespective of personality type.

ENTJs make capable and productive colleagues. They are inspiring in their work ethic and aren’t fazed by obstacles in their path. Colleagues of an ENTJ can be assured of their determination to see a task through to completion. They channel all their energy toward meeting their goals. 

This means emotional connection is less important to ENTJs. They’re not looking for friends at work, but they are keen to collaborate with colleagues they respect. They like to use their strategic thinking skills when contributing to brainstorming sessions. Sharing and critiquing ideas with equally capable colleagues provides the intellectual stimulus that ENTJs enjoy.

They are happy to volunteer for positions of responsibility within the team or lead tasks or projects. Their confidence and strong communication skills make them great at representing the team in meetings.

People with the ENTJ personality type are quick thinkers who can often clearly see the way ahead. They can become impatient with colleagues who don’t immediately understand their ideas. They are open to suggestions from others but can’t stand long, drawn-out conversations about the merits of different options. They loathe inefficiency and will brusquely cut off discussions they feel have gone on too long. 

These traits can make ENTJs appear insensitive. Their desire to move decisively to action means they may neglect the feelings and concerns of others. Astute ENTJs appreciate that workplace drama and hurt feelings ultimately detract from getting the job done. This enables them to slow down a little and make sure they’ve got everyone engaged before plowing forward.

From the chef Gordon Ramsay to the politician Margaret Thatcher, ENTJs are recognized for their leadership qualities and desire for achievement.

Here are some famous ENTJs:

Editor’s note: Do you recognize yourself in any of these famous people? Are you secretly nodding along, going, “I always thought I was just like Gordon Ramsay?” Whether you are or you aren’t, don’t worry! This list is meant to be fairly light-hearted. It is based on traits and behaviors observed in our favorite celebs rather than in-depth research. After all, it’s unlikely anyone actually put Napoleon Bonaparte through an MBTI test!