Purposeful Professions: Sentinel Personality Types and Career Compatibility (Part I)

The Puzzle of Career Compatibility

Sentinel personality types are known for their ability to make and stick to plans. But this can create a lot of pressure to make sure the plan is a great one, especially when it comes to your career. Which path is right for you?

It can be daunting to realize that there’s no simple answer, but fortunately, that also means you get to make a choice that works for you. But that choice isn’t always easy. To avoid a miserable working life, you must balance practical benefits with happiness.

This article is designed to help you. We’ll look at how Sentinel personality types are likely to be compatible with certain careers, as well as some workplace elements that may not suit individual Sentinel types. This information can give you some perspective and help you plan your career.

Sentinels know the benefits of a strong plan, even if they can’t always control how it unfolds in the real world. A firm vision for your career can give you strength as you face the unexpected in your pursuit of success and happiness.

Sentinel personality types can master the demands of a job with aplomb, even if their hearts aren’t in it. But this article isn’t about being dutiful – it’s about creating a truly satisfying career.

It’s wise to consider likely compatibility, but it’s equally important to stay open to any career that you’re personally attracted to, even if it seems odd for your personality type. There are exceptions to most rules, so don’t ignore the little things.

Every Little Piece Changes the Big Picture

In the working world, nuances can have a powerful effect over time. Compatibility in terms of what any given personality type experiences at work is different from what they bring to the job. A great match in either of these areas can make up for a poor match in the other.

For example, Sentinels value structure and bring that quality to their work role. They tend to see order as effectiveness. Explorers, on the other hand, often thrive in chaos, as they’re usually comfortable amid constant change. So, which of these personality types would make a better grade school teacher?

A Sentinel might seem ideal, with their preference for organization helping to create a smooth-running classroom. But they might also grow frustrated at constantly having to deal with factors outside of their control. This could eventually lead to unhappiness on the job.

In contrast, an Explorer might remain happy to face daily, boisterous unpredictability, even if their classroom isn’t as efficiently organized and that lack of order has some negative effects. Neither type necessarily makes a “better” teacher. Whether or not a career seems to overtly match a personality type, nuances in a workplace or job role can have a profound effect on compatibility.

We’ll help you spot aspects of a potential job that might be troublesome for your type and require special consideration. But first let’s think about broad compatibilities between Sentinels and various careers.

Sentinel Careers: Different Yet Definite Shapes

Sentinel personality types prefer to organize and act with certainty, seeing great value in thoroughness and often judging success in terms of completion. To them, tested practices seem more reliable than experimentation. A happy and satisfying Sentinel career is usually one where they can get consistent results.

But commonalities aside, Sentinels also have some notable differences from each other. When you’re making career plans, it’s helpful to consider what your ideal way of engaging in the working world might look like.

Think about which of the following broad categories best describes your professional hopes:

Working with people. For some Sentinels, working closely with other people gives a sense of connection and purpose. If personal relationships are a big focus for you, careers and workplaces that offer a chance to help people directly can bring a sense of joy. Organizations with strong social goals can be a good fit.
Working with systems. Technical challenges can fascinate some Sentinels. If you find systems and methods more interesting than human contact, jobs that let you interact with technical constructs can be very satisfying. Careers that let you perfect the function of systems can be a great fit.
Working to reform. Some Sentinels see the appeal of work driven by personal convictions. Applying their skill and determination in professional roles and workplaces in need of improvement or progress is a great opportunity. While not always easy, bringing order offers Sentinels satisfaction like nothing else.

Three different Sentinels, one in each of the above categories, might approach the same career area in different ways. For example, in the field of personnel management:

The first might want to “work with people” in human resources, training, or leadership roles. Their position could allow them to foster good relationships in the work environment and help people achieve their potential. Being a part of positive human outcomes could make them very happy.
The second might want to “work with systems” by developing and refining workplace rules and practices that support not only productivity but also fairness and prosperity. Helping to create useful results can be satisfying, and it can also support everyone’s success.
The third might want to “work to reform” in an organization lacking organization. This could be anything from revamping a struggling small business to managing a new project for a large company to active charity work. Sometimes, Sentinels can find great joy by applying effort where it’s sorely needed.

As you consider the real-world context of your goals, give some thought to grand possibilities for the future as well. The above categories can help organize your thoughts.

There are some career fields that are likely to nicely match Sentinel personality types, so let’s get into some ideas.

Selecting a Job That Fits

Based on their personality traits, Sentinels are likely to find strong compatibility in the following career areas. While these lists are not comprehensive, they can provide some direction and inspiration.

No list can perfectly match every Sentinel, but our suggestions are based on personality type research and can help inspire your career plans.

Public Service

Making the world work better is something Sentinels can appreciate. A chance to bring about useful real-world results can be very satisfying to these personality types.

Career paths here include:

Manager or specialist at a nonprofit
Religious charity worker
Police officer
Political campaign volunteer or assistant
Foreign aid worker
Emergency responder (Fire, EMT)
Dispatcher (emergency aid, etc.)
Social worker
Employment specialist
Job trainer

Health Care

The complex world of health care can benefit greatly from Sentinels’ methodical approach. Whether they’re more interested in procedures, technology, or patient care, these personality types can make a difference.

Some career choices here include:

Medical technician
Veterinarian
Community health worker
Physician
Physician’s assistant
Physical therapist
Pharmacy technician
Health-care administrator
Nursing assistant
Hospital orderly

Education

Sentinels are right at home inside large professional structures that have meaningful purpose. Aiding others in learning can be a great way for these personality types to serve a greater goal.

Career choices in this vein include:

School principal
Teacher
Teacher’s aide or educational assistant
Vocational instructor
Adult education teacher
Guidance counselor
English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher
Tutor
Religious educator

Service Work

There’s a lot to be said for being a person who can help everyday industries run smoothly and effectively. Sentinels’ sense of responsibility and consistency creates excellent results when delivering services to other people.

Service can take many varied forms. Here are just a few:

Customer service
Server
Personal care aide
Tour/museum guide
Service technician
Stylist

Trades

Many lucrative professions involve building and maintaining the practical everyday systems that a country depends on. And no types are more dependable and practical than Sentinels. These personality types can make a big difference to society in ways that are both needed and noble. Many of these skilled jobs can also eventually translate into highly profitable small businesses.

Here are some examples:

Public works technician
Equipment operator
IT specialist
HVAC technician
Landscaper
Builder
Mason
Ironworker
Telecommunications technician
Welder
Painter
Plumber
Machinist
Electrician
Automotive technician

Business

Sentinels’ positive qualities are beneficial anywhere but can be especially effective in business. In a world where completing a project on time is critical or a handshake promise can bring in millions of dollars, Sentinels’ reliability helps them succeed. It’s worth mentioning that many of these positions exist in fields mentioned elsewhere in these lists, like hospitals, schools, and even restaurants.

Some examples include:

Accountant
Logistics manager/agent
Office manager
Financial planner
Project manager
Hiring manager/assistant
Trainer/mentor
Administrative assistant
Retail commerce

In broad terms, all of the above careers are a likely match for Sentinel personality types. But despite all the strengths Sentinels bring to their work, there may be compatibility issues with what they experience at work.

In the second part of this series, we’ll look at some job elements that may not be such a good match, as we continue piecing together the puzzle of career compatibility.

And hey – if your job is a great match for your personality type, we’d love to hear why. Do you think it might be a good match for others of your personality type? Share your inspiring experience in the comments below!