These careers could be a perfect fit - or total nightmare - for your personality.
A career in the spotlight might sound glamorous to some, but not if you're the shy, quiet type. The good news is there are plenty of occupations out there that speak to the strong, silent type.
If you're shy, you probably want to steer clear of any career that requires working a lot with people, such as sales, recruiting, and training. The career that's best-suited for you will depend on where you fall on the spectrum of shyness, she says. For example, some people might be comfortable with people - just not large groups of them.
We know identifying shy-friendly careers isn't exactly cut and dried. So, keep reading for a rundown on some career matches and mismatches for shy types.
Good Careers for Shy People:
Career #1: Accountant
If you're good at math and analytical thinking, accounting might be a good career option for you.
Why It Could Be a Good Fit: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, they do everything from paying taxes to organizing and maintaining financial records. "There's analysis, deep intense thought, and complex calculations, all which would suit a shy type. Why? Well, a lot of this activity will take place in the comfort of your own office or cubicle.
One thing to keep in mind: Per the Department of Labor, accountants do have to meet with managers and clients to explain their findings. So make sure you're comfortable with this type of interaction.
How to Prepare: Most accountant positions require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, with some employers preferring those with a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting
Bad Careers for Shy People:
Career #1: Lawyer
You might enjoy watching lawyers question witnesses on "Law and Order," but you'd have to be pretty comfortable with getting up in front of a large group to interrogate a witness.
Why It Might Be a Bad Fit: This kind of attention might make you uncomfortable if you're on the shy side, as would a few of these other job tasks noted by the U.S. Department of Labor: representing clients before government agencies, arguing on their behalf, and presenting evidence in courts.
A career as a lawyer is probably not a good fit for the strong, silent type. "Lawyers tend to be type-A, so you have to be aggressive and assertive about your ideas and opinions and comfortable expressing and promoting them," she says.
Career #2: Computer Programmer
If you're a techie with a shy personality, this career could be a good fit for you.
Why It Could Be a Good Fit: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, computer programmers spend their time fixing bugs in existing computer software and writing new programs. Some also telecommute.
"Programming as a job is technical, and the work tends to be sitting at a computer and dealing with data and information. Those who really excel in this field must be able to work with clients and collaborate with other programmers on team projects.
Education Options: According to the Department, most computer programmers have a bachelor's degree, although, in some cases, employers may hire candidates with an associate's degree. Either way, most of these professionals have a degree in computer science or related field.
Career #2: Correspondent
You see these frontline journalists on the news in war zones, special events, and live on the scene as stories develop. Sound like the career for you? Not so fast…They spend the better part of each day interviewing people and gleaning information for stories, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Might Be a Bad Fit: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, correspondents spend the better part of each day interviewing information to glean information for their stories. "You've got to make connections, find sources, and have those bond-building skills to rely on people for information as a correspondent.”That could be intimidating for someone who's shy."
Career #3: Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
If you're interested in the field of health care but don't necessarily want to interact with patients, a behind-the-scenes role as a medical records and health information technician might be more your style.
Why It Could Be a Good Fit: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, these techs are involved with organizing and managing patient medical records. "It's all about interacting with data rather than the patients directly. And while it's true that part of your job will include working with health care professionals and physicians, that's still probably far fewer strangers in the grand scheme of things.
Education Options: According to the Department of Labor, to pursue a career as a medical records and health information technician, you'll typically need a postsecondary certificate, although you may have an associate's degree. Many employers also require candidates to have professional certification.
Career #3: Marketing Manager
Regularly working with people is par for the course as a marketing manager, which might not be the best fit for a shy personality that likes quiet time and solitary work.
Why It Might Be a Bad Fit: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, these managers interact with department heads and other staff to make decisions about contracts and advertising for different products.
"Marketing in general is a social field, but when you're talking about management, your number one role is managing people.”And that's highly social, interactive work."
Career #4: Paralegal
Fascinated by the legal system but know you couldn't get up and argue in front of a judge and jury? A career as a paralegal could be a nice alternative.
Why It Could Be a Good Fit: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the role involves researching cases and digging deep for information for lawyers. Unlike a lawyer, a paralegal has the opportunity to do legal work without the element of public speaking. However, you should be able to interact with "type-A lawyers" who may have different personalities than you.
The key to success in this career, she says, is putting in the effort to find the right firm where you feel comfortable.
Education Options: You have a few options if you want to pursue this career. One, according to the Department of Labor, is earning an associate's in paralegal studies. For those with a bachelor's in another field, another path is getting a certificate in paralegal studies.
Career #4: School Principal
Maybe you loved elementary school - especially silent reading time. But how would you fare at the helm of a school as the chief decision maker? Perhaps not so well if you're on the reserved side.
Why It Might Be a Bad Fit: The U.S. Department of Labor says principals are responsible for supervising teachers, disciplining students, meeting with parents, and advocating for the school. Sounds pretty social. "Being a school principal is far too people-oriented for someone shy,” "If you think of a school as a business, the principal is like the CEO or a high-level manager."
Career #5: Market Research Analyst
Ever wondered why certain products, brands, and services succeed while others don't? Then you might be interested in pursuing a position as a market research analyst.
Why It Could Be a Good Fit: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, these analysts spend a lot of time monitoring trends and gathering data about consumers, competitors, and market conditions.
The position of a market research analyst is probably the only job for a shy person in the marketing field. She suggests looking for a position where you are analyzing findings rather than directly conducting research or running focus groups.
Education Options: The Department of Labor says you typically will need a bachelor's degree in market research or a related field. However, many may have a degree in fields like statistics, math, or computer science. Others may have a background in business administration, communications, or one of the social sciences. For leadership roles or more technical positions, says the Department of Labor, employers often require master's degrees.
Career #5: Personal Financial Advisor
Do you like telling people what to do and offering your opinion every chance you get? Didn't think so. As a shy person, you may be a little more reserved when it comes to making recommendations. So it may be best to steer clear of a career as a personal financial advisor.
Why It Might Be a Bad Fit: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, this kind of advising entails recommending how people should invest their money with the goal of making more of it.
Being a personal financial advisor sounds a little too people-oriented for a shy person, particularly if you're responsible for drumming up new business. "If going out and getting new clients is a big part of what you do, that could be a struggle for someone shy," she says.
