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Is it possible someone more introverted to get a career in the business field?
#business #career #marketing #internship
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Lucie’s Answer
The short answer I would give is: of course Tyreh!
Introverts are people and people have skills! Thinking about skillset rather than personality is I think a good way to start answering your question. Business is a very broad term so i would start by framing a little bit the term (sales being very different than marketing for example).
Also being an introvert means many different things depending on the person you are talking to. Some people will default to introvert = shy or anti-social; I disagree, I think there are as many types of introverts as there are extraverts (and they are not all sunshine and loud all the time either).
There is an excellent book I recommend: "Quiet: the Power of Introvers" from Susan Cain
It really depicts how introverts are a key part of any company! They might not be the loudest at a party but they are strong business contributors.
Hope this helps,
Cheers
Introverts are people and people have skills! Thinking about skillset rather than personality is I think a good way to start answering your question. Business is a very broad term so i would start by framing a little bit the term (sales being very different than marketing for example).
Also being an introvert means many different things depending on the person you are talking to. Some people will default to introvert = shy or anti-social; I disagree, I think there are as many types of introverts as there are extraverts (and they are not all sunshine and loud all the time either).
There is an excellent book I recommend: "Quiet: the Power of Introvers" from Susan Cain
It really depicts how introverts are a key part of any company! They might not be the loudest at a party but they are strong business contributors.
Hope this helps,
Cheers
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Absolutely Tyreh!
I've been working in different business fields throughout my 30-year career life, like Finance, Marketing, Design, and Product Management. As an introvert myself, I understand that it takes time to warm up and get comfortable with socializing with others especially newly meet people. I stay in a listening mode most of the time. But because of that, I'm able to listen actively, think deeply, and contribute to my work with well thought-out perspectives. So being an introvert helps me stay focused and create quality work.
Throughout my career, I constantly push myself out of my comfort zone - going outside to meet and talk to people. I signed up classes/conferences to meet people with similar interests so it's easy to have a conversation to share my thoughts and learn from others. A few things I did that I've found super helpful in my career:
1. Joined improv classes to learn some skills about how to communicate and build courage to reach out.
2. Volunteer to coach others through empathy so it's natural to open up and be myself.
3. Set up regular time to catch up with co-workers. Even a 15-min chitchat is super helpful. Make it casual.
Don't just listen to me, here are five super successful introverts for your reference:
Warren Buffett, Larry Page, Steve Wozniak, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk
https://www.truity.com/blog/5-super-successful-introverts-and-what-they-did-right
Embrace who you are. Your authentic self will allow you to achieve so much and more, so don’t worry. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!
~Amy
I've been working in different business fields throughout my 30-year career life, like Finance, Marketing, Design, and Product Management. As an introvert myself, I understand that it takes time to warm up and get comfortable with socializing with others especially newly meet people. I stay in a listening mode most of the time. But because of that, I'm able to listen actively, think deeply, and contribute to my work with well thought-out perspectives. So being an introvert helps me stay focused and create quality work.
Throughout my career, I constantly push myself out of my comfort zone - going outside to meet and talk to people. I signed up classes/conferences to meet people with similar interests so it's easy to have a conversation to share my thoughts and learn from others. A few things I did that I've found super helpful in my career:
1. Joined improv classes to learn some skills about how to communicate and build courage to reach out.
2. Volunteer to coach others through empathy so it's natural to open up and be myself.
3. Set up regular time to catch up with co-workers. Even a 15-min chitchat is super helpful. Make it casual.
Don't just listen to me, here are five super successful introverts for your reference:
Warren Buffett, Larry Page, Steve Wozniak, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk
https://www.truity.com/blog/5-super-successful-introverts-and-what-they-did-right
Embrace who you are. Your authentic self will allow you to achieve so much and more, so don’t worry. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!
~Amy
Updated
Ray’s Answer
Hi Tyreh-
As others have indicated on this thread, it is absolutely possible and, even more so, great for introverts to work in business alongside extroverts. The diversity of perspectives and approaches that both introverts & extroverts bring leads to richer discussions and better outcomes.
I would also recommend the Quiet book because I think it very directly helps answer the question you are asking.
From one fellow introvert to another, all the best to you!
Kind Regards,
Ray
As others have indicated on this thread, it is absolutely possible and, even more so, great for introverts to work in business alongside extroverts. The diversity of perspectives and approaches that both introverts & extroverts bring leads to richer discussions and better outcomes.
I would also recommend the Quiet book because I think it very directly helps answer the question you are asking.
From one fellow introvert to another, all the best to you!
Kind Regards,
Ray
Updated
Anne’s Answer
Hello,
Of course, you can!
Not everyone is business world is extroverted. We need someone to balance the energy on a team or a group!
There are many benefits to introverts since they are more detail oriented, great listeners, and more.
Never think that you cannot get into business world because you are introverted!
Good luck!
Of course, you can!
Not everyone is business world is extroverted. We need someone to balance the energy on a team or a group!
There are many benefits to introverts since they are more detail oriented, great listeners, and more.
Never think that you cannot get into business world because you are introverted!
Good luck!
Updated
amisha’s Answer
Absolutely! As an introvert in myself in a corporate career, it is absolutely possible for someone to succeed in the business field. In any business environment, diversity is critical - whether it is diversity in work experiences, life experiences, perspectives or ways of thinking, processing, and delivering information.
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Melissa’s Answer
Absolutely! Everyone falls somewhere on the spectrum of being introverted vs extraverted and a great company will recognize and embrace everyone's preferences. Diversity in all aspects is what makes a successful team! Wish you the best of luck!
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Gabriela’s Answer
Absolutely! Increasing your knowledge in your area of expertise boosts your confidence, making communication smoother. Strengthen your interpersonal skills and adequately prepare for meetings and presentations. With time, it all becomes more manageable.
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Meagan’s Answer
Introverts are indeed a valuable asset to the world of business! It's the beautiful blend of diverse people and unique personalities that drives a business towards success. As an introvert myself, I've discovered that it enables me to zero in on projects and tasks with remarkable efficiency. Interestingly, introverts often excel when given freedom, requiring minimal supervision. This is a trait that managers deeply appreciate.
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Laura’s Answer
Being an introvert doesn't mean you can't effectively interact with others, and it's important to remember that both introverts and extroverts are found in all aspects of business transactions. Despite not being naturally outgoing, I discovered a comfortable niche for myself in the realm of financial customer service, which includes the promotion and sale of relevant financial services and products. I found these engagements to be quite pleasant, and I noticed that my quieter customers appreciated not being overwhelmed. The key for me was authenticity - not attempting to portray myself as someone I'm not. This genuine approach fostered trust, allowing me to manage a substantial portfolio successfully. Always remember, being true to yourself not only shines through but also paves the way to your success.
Updated
Roy’s Answer
Hi Tyreh!
The answer is, YES! As many on the thread have also stated businesses are vast and diverse which in return provides a need for employees who reflect that. There are various functions that have to work together to keep things moving. Whether you might fall on the quiet or more vocal side as long as the work you're doing brings you joy and you collaborate with your team I'm sure you'll have no issues in the business industry. Best wishes to you!
The answer is, YES! As many on the thread have also stated businesses are vast and diverse which in return provides a need for employees who reflect that. There are various functions that have to work together to keep things moving. Whether you might fall on the quiet or more vocal side as long as the work you're doing brings you joy and you collaborate with your team I'm sure you'll have no issues in the business industry. Best wishes to you!
Updated
Kashif’s Answer
It seems there are several great answers. Here is my advice on the subject. Introverts and the concept of Introverts does not mean that there is any field where you are not able to excel. The people may be introvert however they could speak as a master on the topic, as an introvert, you could bring great analytical skills, subject matter expertise, and can also be a leader in the business. The business leaders I know some may not do a Smalltalk, however, they bring value to concrete conversations, these leaders can speak when it is needed, these leaders show more empathy to their teams and these leaders show great success. So this is a mindset question, if you are in growth mindset then being introvert does not hinder in your professional or personal growth.
Updated
Aya’s Answer
100%, there are several technical and non "technical writer" jobs that could be great for introverts, such as Software Developer, Engineer, Technical Writer, Data Analyst, Data Analytics.
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Christen’s Answer
Yes - I think recognizing that you're introverted is a great first step. I had a boss who was self-proclaimed introvert. She would make sure to push herself to connect with others in person if possible and work on key points she wanted to make before meetings. It's something you need to work on everyday, but introverted in business does not necessarily mean unsuccesful.
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Paulo’s Answer
Of course it is! I wanna start saying one very important thing that I learned in life - Nothing is impossible, believe me! Sometimes you are not introverted like you think, and even if you are, that's something you can develop, like practicing, talking to more people, talk with yourself, put yourself on a situation where you have to be more extroverted...challenge yourself.
On my humble opinion, only the fact that you came here and asked this question, already shows two great things:
1 - you are not that introverted
2 - Will to win, to learn, to get better on something that's important for you
3 - Attitude - not only think, but actually do something get where you want to be
With this attitude in mind, you can be a Business person, or anything else you want.
Keep up the curiosity and practice your skills.
Thank you.
On my humble opinion, only the fact that you came here and asked this question, already shows two great things:
1 - you are not that introverted
2 - Will to win, to learn, to get better on something that's important for you
3 - Attitude - not only think, but actually do something get where you want to be
With this attitude in mind, you can be a Business person, or anything else you want.
Keep up the curiosity and practice your skills.
Thank you.
Updated
Dhimant’s Answer
Absolutely, that's perfectly okay! The business field is diverse, offering various roles that involve client interaction and others that don't. You might consider beginning as a Financial Analyst, a role that focuses more on analysis and less on direct interaction. Earning a business degree often instills confidence and communication skills, so don't worry. You'll likely find yourself becoming more outgoing. That's the transformative power of a business degree!
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Andie’s Answer
Hi Tyreh!!! Absolutely!!! Being an introvert doesn't mean that you can't possess business acumen and find success in that particular field. In business there are numerous opportunities that would allow you interact as little or as much as your comfortable. From project management, product management, as said above.. marketing, finance, and sales. I have been in my industry for 17 years with most of those in a client facing role. I often say that I would label myself as an "extroverted" introvert. Good luck in finding the right path and many successes to you Tyreh!! :)
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Layne’s Answer
Great question. Companies are starting to embrace differences in how workers think, communicate, and contribute to the business. Recently, many companies have shared the value that introverts bring to the business -- they are highly focused, often strong written communicators, great planners, and often long term thinkers. The best advice I can give is to look for those areas where you can contribute your strengths, and don't think that there is only one way of communicating/thinking in business.
Embrace your own strengths
Look at where you can contribute those strengths in your profession
Layne recommends the following next steps:
Jenny Vaz
Leadership Coach, Consultant and Advanced ESG Practitioner
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