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What advice would you give to an introvert pursuing a career in real estate, loan origination, the stock market, business, or finance?
I consider myself ambitious, but I also recognize that I'm an introvert and that my energy drains easily. I'm concerned about whether these careers would suit my personality or if the networking and socializing would be too taxing for me. Is there a way to overcome these challenges as an introvert while still succeeding in these fields?
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Lindsay Bertell, CPA (she/her/hers)
Human Resources, formerly Finance
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Lindsay’s Answer
From a finance perspective, there are many roles in finance that have limited interactions, particularly in the corporate world. I would recommend you consider an internship with a large company that has a rotation program. You would get to experience different areas of finance (treasury, tax, controlling, etc.) without having to immediately decide what area to focus on. That said, nearly every job requires some amount of networking or interaction.
Regardless of what you pursue, think about ways that you can manage your energy by building in blocks of time where you can be alone to recharge. Of the ones that you've listed, I would guess that real estate might be the simplest to maintain control because you'll schedule with clients and have fewer people (sometimes less overwhelming) and can manage your schedule as needed.
Best of luck!
Regardless of what you pursue, think about ways that you can manage your energy by building in blocks of time where you can be alone to recharge. Of the ones that you've listed, I would guess that real estate might be the simplest to maintain control because you'll schedule with clients and have fewer people (sometimes less overwhelming) and can manage your schedule as needed.
Best of luck!
Thank you for the advice Lindsay! I actually didn't know some internships had rotation programs!
Amy
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Amy,
That’s an incredibly thoughtful question, and you’re definitely not alone in wondering how your personality type fits into high-energy industries like real estate, finance, or business. The great news? Introverts can *absolutely* thrive in all of those fields—**in fact, many already do**, and often in ways that extroverts can’t.
Here’s how you can play to your strengths **as an ambitious introvert** in business, finance, and real estate:
1. **Know Your Strengths as an Introvert**
You’re likely thoughtful, a good listener, and detail-oriented. Those are *superpowers* in fields like:
- **Finance/Investing** – Research, analysis, strategic planning—these don’t require you to be “on” all the time.
- **Loan Origination & Real Estate** – Clients appreciate sincerity and trustworthiness. Introverts often excel at building *deep* trust.
- **Business/Management** – You don’t need to be the loudest in the room—you just need to make smart decisions and lead with intention.
2. **Master “Strategic” Networking**
You don’t need to be at every mixer or on every call.
- **Quality > Quantity**: Build *deeper* relationships with fewer people.
- **Leverage 1-on-1s**: You’ll shine more in small conversations than big rooms.
- **Use Tools**: LinkedIn, emails, and scheduling platforms can give you structure around outreach so it doesn’t feel random or draining.
3. **Protect Your Energy (It’s Fuel)**
Working in these industries doesn’t mean being social *all* the time.
- **Schedule quiet time after meetings or networking events**.
- Use tools like **Calendly or time blocking** to manage energy, not just time.
- Learn to say “no” or “not right now” to protect your battery.
4. **Lean Into Systems and Automation**
Especially in finance, investing, and real estate:
- Use **CRM tools** to track leads so you don’t burn mental energy remembering details.
- Build **automated email funnels** or **social media content** that works *while you recharge*.
- In investing, use **screeners and alerts** instead of manually researching everything.
5. **Choose Roles That Match Your Social Bandwidth**
Not every role in finance or business is extrovert-heavy. You might love:
- **Investment analyst or equity researcher** – Mostly solo, deep research.
- **Financial planner** – Fewer clients, more relationship-based.
- **Underwriting or credit analyst** – Behind-the-scenes impact.
- **Commercial real estate analyst** – Less face-to-face, more numbers.
- **Real estate investor or property manager** – More independence.
6. **Develop Your Personal “Introvert Elevator Pitch”**
You don’t have to pretend to be extroverted—you just need to **articulate your value** with confidence. People respect clarity and calm more than hype.
Example:
“I’m more reserved, but I pride myself on deep analysis and following through. I’d rather deliver real results than just talk about them.”
7. **Give Yourself Time to Grow Into It**
Ambition doesn’t mean you need to be *everything* right away. Let yourself:
- Start in a role that gives you structure (e.g. analyst, assistant, associate).
- Gradually take on more client-facing or leadership roles as you get comfortable.
- Learn how to recharge in ways that work best for you.
Final Thought:
> “Introverts aren’t failed extroverts. They’re thinkers, strategists, and observers who lead with purpose.”
If you’re passionate about finance, investing, or real estate, your introversion doesn’t disqualify you—it gives you a *unique edge*.
That’s an incredibly thoughtful question, and you’re definitely not alone in wondering how your personality type fits into high-energy industries like real estate, finance, or business. The great news? Introverts can *absolutely* thrive in all of those fields—**in fact, many already do**, and often in ways that extroverts can’t.
Here’s how you can play to your strengths **as an ambitious introvert** in business, finance, and real estate:
1. **Know Your Strengths as an Introvert**
You’re likely thoughtful, a good listener, and detail-oriented. Those are *superpowers* in fields like:
- **Finance/Investing** – Research, analysis, strategic planning—these don’t require you to be “on” all the time.
- **Loan Origination & Real Estate** – Clients appreciate sincerity and trustworthiness. Introverts often excel at building *deep* trust.
- **Business/Management** – You don’t need to be the loudest in the room—you just need to make smart decisions and lead with intention.
2. **Master “Strategic” Networking**
You don’t need to be at every mixer or on every call.
- **Quality > Quantity**: Build *deeper* relationships with fewer people.
- **Leverage 1-on-1s**: You’ll shine more in small conversations than big rooms.
- **Use Tools**: LinkedIn, emails, and scheduling platforms can give you structure around outreach so it doesn’t feel random or draining.
3. **Protect Your Energy (It’s Fuel)**
Working in these industries doesn’t mean being social *all* the time.
- **Schedule quiet time after meetings or networking events**.
- Use tools like **Calendly or time blocking** to manage energy, not just time.
- Learn to say “no” or “not right now” to protect your battery.
4. **Lean Into Systems and Automation**
Especially in finance, investing, and real estate:
- Use **CRM tools** to track leads so you don’t burn mental energy remembering details.
- Build **automated email funnels** or **social media content** that works *while you recharge*.
- In investing, use **screeners and alerts** instead of manually researching everything.
5. **Choose Roles That Match Your Social Bandwidth**
Not every role in finance or business is extrovert-heavy. You might love:
- **Investment analyst or equity researcher** – Mostly solo, deep research.
- **Financial planner** – Fewer clients, more relationship-based.
- **Underwriting or credit analyst** – Behind-the-scenes impact.
- **Commercial real estate analyst** – Less face-to-face, more numbers.
- **Real estate investor or property manager** – More independence.
6. **Develop Your Personal “Introvert Elevator Pitch”**
You don’t have to pretend to be extroverted—you just need to **articulate your value** with confidence. People respect clarity and calm more than hype.
Example:
“I’m more reserved, but I pride myself on deep analysis and following through. I’d rather deliver real results than just talk about them.”
7. **Give Yourself Time to Grow Into It**
Ambition doesn’t mean you need to be *everything* right away. Let yourself:
- Start in a role that gives you structure (e.g. analyst, assistant, associate).
- Gradually take on more client-facing or leadership roles as you get comfortable.
- Learn how to recharge in ways that work best for you.
Final Thought:
> “Introverts aren’t failed extroverts. They’re thinkers, strategists, and observers who lead with purpose.”
If you’re passionate about finance, investing, or real estate, your introversion doesn’t disqualify you—it gives you a *unique edge*.
Thank you so much for taking your time to answer my question! I will definitely look into the different roles you mentioned!
Amy
You are most welcome Amy! Wishing you the best in your career path and in life. Blessings, David
David Ludwick