MBTI® Test INTP Archivists

Strong Interest Inventory® General Occupational Theme Code: Conventional, Investigative (CI) (GOT)

Hammer (1996) writes that Introverted-Intuition-Thinking-Perceiving (INTP) Myers-Briggs Personality Types do best in fields that are related to literature, history, or the artistic nature of the written word. INTP Myers-Briggs Personality Types enjoy seeing how their work fits into broader historical and sociological trajectories. MBTI INTP’s are often particularly well-suited in careers such as archivists.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Archivists are responsible for appraising, editing, archiving, safekeeping, and restoring records and documents of historical value. The first step is often locating, authenticating or appraising such materials, and then accepting or rejecting them into a given archive. Then, they catalogue the artifacts and restore them, particularly if exposure, time, or humans have damaged them. Once the restoration process is complete archivists then store the artifacts or documents in a way that is safe, secure, and long-lasting, while still remaining easily accessible to researchers and in some cases laypeople. Depending on the archive in which they work, they may need to establish policies for appropriate behavior in public areas and accessing and using materials, or even providing direct reference services or assistance to individuals or organizations that need to access the archives. In the modern era, archivists are increasingly responsible for constructing digital archives, so researchers and viewers from around the world can learn from and better understand pieces, civilizations, or aspects of history that have previously only been accessible to a limited number of elite historians.

In order to successfully and efficiently complete these tasks, archivists draw on a variety of different tools and technologies. For instance, they use desktop, laptop, tablet, and handheld computers to document and digitize data, and to facilitate its access from anywhere in the world. They also use digital cameras and scanners to make this possible. Archivists draw on database software (e.g., Gallery Systems the Museum System), graphics software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop), Video software (e.g., Apple Final Cut Pro), and web development software to be able to keep track of different documents and artifacts and make them available outside the physical confines of a given archive.

Archivists require an expert knowledge of the English language, as well as a broad and deep knowledge of history and archeology. A foundation in computers and electronics and clerical practices in procedures is also helpful, particularly for those who are actively building web platforms or interfaces for other users. Because of this high level of technical knowledge, most archivists (nearly 80%) have a Master’s degree, and the majority of the remaining have completed a post-baccalaureate certificate or a post-master’s certification.

INTP’s additionally fit well in careers as archivists because it gives them the opportunity to observe and synthesize artistic, linguistic, and historical interests to build resources that are useful to a broader audience.

Below are some employment trends for Archivists:

  • Median wage: $25.94 hourly, $53,950 annually
  • Employment: 7,800 employees
  • Projected growth (2018-2028): Faster than average (7% to 10%)
  • Projected job openings (2018-2028): 1,000

Visit Our MBTI® About Page and Our INTP Personality Type Page For Detailed Information on The INTP Personality Type

Visit Our Strong Interest Inventory® Resource Page To Learn About The (CI) GOT

INTP Careers

Click on one of these corresponding popular INTP Careers for detailed information including Career Stats, Income Stats, Daily Tasks and Required Education: Actuary/Risk Professional, Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators, Architectural Drafters, Archivists, Art Directors, Food Science Technician, Geographer, Geoscientist, Librarian, Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Explore Our INTP Blog Pages

Explore additional information that delves deeper into the INTP Personality Type by examining various personality and career based subjects:

Click on a link below to read more about different MBTI Personality Types

ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2012-2022 employment projections Onetonline.org

MBTI® Type Tables for Occupations, 2nd Edition. Schaubhut, N. & Thompson, R. (CPP, 2008)

Introduction To Type and Careers, Hammer, A. (CPP, 1996)