10 jobs for introverts
Shy people of the workplace, unite! There are plenty of career options that don’t require lots of intermingling with customers or, even, co-workers so you can do your job in relative peace.
You’ve probably noticed that social butterflies tend to flourish in the office. After all, between open floor plans, group meetings, and networking events, many workplaces are designed to keep you constantly interacting with people.
But what if you prefer solo time over small talk? Don’t despair. There are plenty of professions where a limited need for social interaction is actually an asset. And many of these jobs pay quite handsomely, too.
Using data from the Bureau of Labor Services, Monster found 10 jobs where it doesn’t hurt to be an introvert. ACTUARY
What you’d do: As an actuary, you’d work with numbers — lots of them. Actuaries assess risk, usually for insurance companies, by analyzing loads of statistics and data. While you’d likely have a human manager, you can expect to spend most of your time socializing with your computer screen.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s in actuarial science or statistical analysis.
What you’d make: $97,070 per year ARCHIVIST
What you’d do: For the most part, archivists organize and manage a (usually massive) collection of information. They work on long-term projects that don’t demand regular interaction with clients or customers. What you’d need: A bachelor’s degree in archival or library science.
What you’d make: $46,710 per year AUDITOR
What you’d do: Auditors examine financial statements and records, assess financial operations, and prepare tax documents for clients. Your people-adverse tendencies would be an even bigger asset during tax season, when your solitary workdays often stretch into overtime.
What you’d need: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting.
What you’d make: $67,190 per year AUTO MECHANIC
What you’d do: If your idea of a great day at work is one that allows you plenty of face time with engines,
transmissions, and other complex parts that don’t talk back to you, you may be a natural-born auto mechanic. You’ll diagnose the issue and get to work making repairs, either as part of a team or independently, depending on the scope of the job. What you’d need: A high school diploma or GED is usually preferred, but a certificate from a trade school is generally acceptable also. On-the-job training is common, as well. Check out this sample resume for an auto mechanic at https://www.monster. com/career-advice/article/sampleresume-auto-mechanic.
What you’d make: $39,550 per year LAB TECHNICIAN
What you’d do: Interested in a health care career but have no desire to treat people? A job as a lab technician might be perfect. You’d test tissue, blood, or other body fluids for the presence of disease. Most lab techs work in hospitals or doctor’s offices, but they don’t usually see patients.
What you’d need: At least an associate degree, although a technical certification may sometimes be acceptable. Check out this sample resume for a lab technician at https:// www.monster.com/career-advice/ article/sample-resume-lab-technicianmidlevel. What you’d make: $38,950 per year LAND SURVEYOR
What you’d do: Surveyors measure land boundaries, usually on or near construction sites, and prepare maps and official documents. Most of the time, they work in the field, which might involve extended trips from home.
What you’d need: A degree in surveying or mapping; most surveyors are handy with technology like Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and computer-aided design software (CADS). What you’d make: $59,390 per year PARALEGAL
What you’d do: Being a lawyer requires lots of communication with clients; being a paralegal generally does not. Paralegals do many things that lawyers do, such as conducting research and writing legal drafts, but with little client contact.
What you’d need: At minimum, a certificate or degree in paralegal studies. Check out this sample resume for a paralegal https://www.monster. com/career-advice/article/paralegalresume-sample. What you’d make: $49,500 per year SOFTWARE DEVELOPER
What you’d do: Successful software developers conceptualize and create computer programs. They are the creative force behind the development of applications — a particular glory that gets shared with programmers. While researching and designing programs usually requires quite a bit of teamwork, many of those interactions will likely take place in the virtual world.
What you’d need: Many software developers hold a bachelor’s or master’s in computer science or software engineering, but it may be possible to land an entry-level position by demonstrating excellent self-taught programming skills. Check out this sample resume for a software developer at https://www.monster. com/career-advice/article/softwaredeveloper-resume-sample.
What you’d make: $100,860 per year SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR
What you’d do: Think of this job as the behind-the-scenes role that keeps companies up and running. Systems admins maintain and troubleshoot an organizations’ computer system. Some systems admins specialize in specific types of operating systems or issues such as IT security.
What you’d need: A degree in computer science is helpful, but experience in the field is often more important. Some jobs may require specific certifications, such as Cisco. Check out this sample resume for a systems administrator at https:// www.monster.com/career-advice/ article/sample-resume-systemsadministrator-midlevel.
What you’d make: $79,700 per year TECHNICAL WRITER
What you’d do: Technical writers hunker down with complex products or services and translate them into something the average Joe can
understand. For example, you might write an instruction manual for the latest tech gadget that has yet to hit the market.
What you’d need: An in-depth understanding of technology, and the ability to explain those concepts in layman’s terms. Most technical writers originally hail from the computer or engineering industries.
What you’d make: $69,850 per year JOB SEARCH ADVICE FOR INTROVERTS
Just because you’re shy doesn’t mean you’re at a disadvantage in your career. You simply need to do your job well and dependably; if you prefer to keep to yourself, it won’t matter much to employers in certain industries. Could you use a little help introducing yourself to them? Join Monster today. As a member, you can upload up to five versions of your resume — each tailored to the jobs that interest you. Recruiters search Monster every day looking to fill top jobs with qualified candidates, just like you. Let Monster play the role of extrovert in helping you land a great new job.
Cybele Weisser is a Monster contributor.