What Are the Best Career Choices for the Young ESFJ?
While finding a career that matches your personality is always good advice, there are other things to consider when you're starting out in the job market. Is the number of jobs in this field growing or stagnating? Will artificial intelligence pull the rug out from under you? Does this career pay well enough to support your desired lifestyle? Is there room for growth and advancement in the field?
ESFJs are known for their outgoing and empathetic personalities. They thrive on interpersonal relationships and enjoy working in a team environment. When it comes to choosing a career, ESFJs tend to do well in jobs that allow them to interact with people, use their organizational skills and provide a sense of stability to the workplace.
So what jobs check those boxes AND have a promising outlook for the future? Let's take a look at some of the best career choices for young ESFJs.
Human Resources
Human resources (HR) is a field that relies heavily on communication and people skills. As an HR professional, you will be responsible for managing employee relations, recruiting and implementing policies to improve workplace culture. This aligns well with an ESFJ's strengths in interpersonal relationships and organizational abilities.
Why HR is a good bet: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of human resources managers is projected to grow 5 percent through 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. As companies continue to recognize the importance of maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace culture, HR professionals will be in high demand.
Event Planning
With their flair for organization and strong communication skills, ESFJs can excel in event planning roles. Event planners are responsible for coordinating all aspects of an event from start to finish, including logistics, budgeting and communication with vendors and attendees. This career path allows ESFJs to use their creativity while also relying on their people-oriented strengths.
Why event planning is a good bet: According to the BLS, employment of event planners is projected to grow 8 percent through 2032, which is an excellent growth rate in today's economy. This is not a job that's going to be replaced by AI anytime soon.
Teaching
Teaching allows ESFJs to make a difference in people's lives while utilizing their strengths in communication, organization and empathy. Whether teaching at the elementary, secondary or postsecondary level, ESFJs can excel as educators due to their natural ability to connect with students and create an inclusive learning environment.
Why teaching is a good bet: There are so many options in teaching that you are virtually guaranteed to find a job that you enjoy in the education field. High school teachers make $65,220 on average - plus the benefit of a long summer break!
Counseling
As natural caregivers, ESFJs may also find success in counseling professions. Whether as a school counselor, mental health therapist or social worker, these roles allow ESFJs to use their empathy and listening skills to help others.
Why counseling is a good bet: Employment of mental health counselors is projected to grow 18 percent through 2032, according to the BLS. This growth is much faster than average and reflects the increasing need for mental health services in our society.
Social Work
Social work is another great option for young ESFJs looking to make a positive impact in people's lives while utilizing their strong sense of empathy. Social workers help individuals and families in need by providing resources, support and guidance.
Why social work is a good bet: According to the BLS, employment of social workers is projected to grow 7 percent through 2032, which is faster than average. With the growing demand for social services, there will be plenty of job opportunities for ESFJs in this field. It's stressful and the salary may not be as high as other careers, but the rewards of making a difference in someone's life can be immeasurable for ESFJs.
Summing Up
While these are just a few suggestions, there are many career paths that would suit the strengths and personality of an ESFJ. Remember to consider not only your natural abilities and interests—a career aptitude test can give you clarity on those—but also the job market trends and potential for growth in your chosen field. Ultimately, finding a fulfilling career is about finding the right balance between what you're good at, what makes you happy, and what's available in the job market. Good luck on your journey!
