Each of the four letters, E, N, F and J stands for one of your preferences: Extroversion [E], Intuition [N], Feeling [F] and Judging [J]. Jung believed individuals' personality types are made up of four pairs of opposite preferences. Preferences are the ways we choose to do certain things. These are the four pairs:
- Introversion [I] v. Extroversion [E]: How you energize
- Sensing [S] v. Intuition [N]: How you perceive information
- Thinking [T] v. Feeling [F]: How you make decisions
- Judging [J] v. Perceiving [P]: How you live your life
Each of us exhibits aspects of both preferences in each pair but one is always stronger than the other. Your personality type is made up of the letters assigned to those stronger preferences.
E, N, F and J: What Each Letter of Your Personality Type Code Means
- E: You are energized by other people or outside experiences, as your preference for extroversion (sometimes spelled extraversion) reveals. You enjoy and do well in situations where you interact with others.
- N: Intuition is like a sixth sense that lets you visualize beyond what you can see, hear, smell, taste and touch. It gives you the ability to consider future possibilities and ultimately take advantage of those opportunities.
- F: As someone whose preference is feeling, you often make decisions based on your personal values. You are inclined to move ahead without fully considering the consequences of your actions. You are sensitive to the needs of others. This makes you a caring person who likes to help people.
- J: Your preference for judging indicates that you like to have all your ducks in a row. Spontaneity may make you uneasy. You are successful when you have deadlines you have to meet because you are organized.
One of the things you should know about your preferences is that they aren't absolute. While you may favor one preference in a pair, if the situation calls for using the other, you can do it. You should also keep in mind that all four of your preferences interact with one another. Finally, your preferences may change as you go through life.
Using Your Code to Help You Make Career-Related Decisions
You can use your personality type code to help you find suitable careers. You can also use it to help you decide whether a particular work environment is right for you. While all four letters in your code are important, the middle two, N and F, are the most relevant when you are using it to help you choose a career. Taking them into account, you would probably enjoy an occupation that allows you to develop and implement new ideas. Also suitable is a career that involves helping people. Some options for you are speech pathologist, architect, health educator and librarian.Since being around people motivates you, as indicated by your preference for extroversion [E], a solitary work environment isn't for you. You should look for jobs that emphasize tight deadlines and a lot of structure.
Sources:
The Myers-Briggs Foundation Web Site.
Baron, Renee. What Type Am I?. NY: Penguin Books
Page, Earle C. Looking at Type: A Description of the Preferences Reported by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Center for Applications of Psychological Type
