The MBTI Changed My Life

by Leane
(Oklahoma)

The year was 1991. I had just wrapped up a less than sterling career as a computer programmer and systems analyst in the Insurance Industry. I could do the work, and do it well, but something seemed to be missing from my life.

As chance would have it, I ran across an MBTI tester from the Mind-Science Foundation in San Antonio, TX. After becoming friends with him, he surprised me one day by insisting that he give me the MBTI. Up until that time I had no knowledge of these kinds of test, nor that it would give me any knowledge about myself I didn't already possess.

He administered the test, and I came out INTJ (Introverted Intuitive Thinking Judging). Computer programming was a field I could do, but perhaps not the best field for me.

We modified my career plan to include research and then medical technical writing. I started my own business in 1993 and ran it successfully until I retired from it in 2006. The new career choice brought in the natural tendency of the INTJ to think in broad intuitive brushstrokes, and to make those all important cross-disciplinary leaps in thinking. I had several books published, as well as important articles.

I consider my experience with the MBTI the single best test I ever took, and recommend everyone take it seriously when it comes to careers.

Comments for The MBTI Changed My Life

Click here to add your own comments

I'm Also a Fan of The Myers Briggs Type Indicator
by: Lisa McGrimmon

Leane, when I read your post, I almost felt like you were reading my mind. I just posted an article about the MBTI this morning, then I found your post here.

I am also a big fan of the MBTI (I'm an ENFJ - Extroverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, Judging).

I first encountered the test through I course about career assessment tests that I completed when I was in college studying career counseling.

The information I've gathered about myself through that test has been extremely helpful, not only in my career, but also in my day to day life.

I found that the Myers Briggs personality test helped me to understand my strengths, preferences and inclinations to direct my career in a way that worked for me. And understanding the concepts behind the test, also helped me to understand the strengths and preferences of others, which has been helpful both professionally and personally.

The MBTI article I posted this morning can be found here:
www.careerchoiceguide.com/myers-briggs-personality-test.html

Another suggestion I'd make for anyone who is interested in using the MBTI for career decision making is the book Do What You Are : Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type--Revised and Updated Edition Featuring E-careers for the 21st Century. It is an excellent book that takes you through a basic assessment to determine your Myers Briggs personality type, then helps you determine which careers are best suited to your personality based on the results of that assessment.

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Career Placement Test.