Do you find yourself craving quiet, “me-time” — even after hanging out with your best friend? Prefer working alone instead of a group project — even if you have an A-grade team? Like to spend time in your head — thinking, dreaming, imagining, reflecting, and creating?
You might be an introvert — like Rosa Parks, Mahatma Gandhi, and Abraham Lincoln! You’re in good company. About half of the USA population is introverted. Why are you only hearing this stat now? Probably because introverts aren’t very chatty!
What exactly is an introvert? Introversion has everything to do with your natural flow of energy. We all wake up each day with a certain amount of energy — some more than others. When we’re completing a task — like walking across campus or choosing what to order for lunch — we prefer the “path of least resistance.” For example, we might choose to drive a car rather than walk from one building to another, or order a tried-and-true menu item rather than experiment with something new. That’s because the harder the path, the more energy it takes to walk it.
For introverts, the “path of least resistance” is to put their energy back into themselves, rather than channel it outward into their environment. This means that introverts tend to focus on alone time, thoughts, ideas, and personal projects, and generally bask in silence without hustle and bustle around them.
Introverts might not enjoy the spotlight as much as their extroverted counterparts, but they have plenty of other superpowers. While everyone is unique, and these traits certainly aren’t limited to just introverts, here are ten perks common to introverts (and how you can make these strengths work for you while you’re in college):
1. Reflectiveness
Because introverts spend considerable time in their heads, they tend to think things through before acting — everything from choosing a major to deciding on a topic for an essay. This careful approach might lead to more conclusive decisions because introverts tend to evaluate their self, goals, and needs thoroughly before acting.
2. Listening Skills
Introverts prefer quietude over a conversation, and this penchant for silence makes them natural listeners — whether paying attention to the ideas of team members in a group project, or taking notes during a lecture.
3. Writing and Virtual Communication
Not every introvert enjoys writing, but many of them develop this skill as an alternative to verbal communication. Introverts may have a knack for texting clear messages, making posts on social media, and writing content — skills essential to all industries and most professions.
4. Choosing Associates Wisely
Introverts may have dozens of acquaintances… but usually only have one to three close friends. Because they have far less energy to gift others compared to extroverts, introverts tend to bond deeply with fewer people — but dedicate an immense amount of attention, loyalty, and time to them. Introverts carefully consider classmates, group project members, networking opportunities, and coworkers — identifying those with goals, preferences, or personalities like themselves.
5. Leadership Skills
Leadership isn’t limited to introverts or extroverts — each has unique approaches, strengths, and weaknesses. Introverts tend to take a personalized approach to leadership — learning their team’s concerns, needs, strengths, and preferences while taking the time to listen and process individual conversations with each member. As a result, introverted leaders often convey empathy, authenticity, and a desire to recognize the contributions and achievements of their team, club members, and classmates.
6. Self-Awareness
Introverts value quiet time, often spent in thought and reflection. Because of this, they easily get to know themselves in college — their limitations, strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. They often have a knack for tackling areas of growth and self-improvement, making them more prepared to answer the infamous “What is your greatest weakness?” interview question!
7. Independence
Introverts find comfort in aloneness. As a result, they often develop a sense of independence — not requiring the input of a group to determine what they like, how they want to approach their work, or what hobbies they choose to enjoy. Rather than spend time in team meetings, an introvert would rather get started on their work in their own personal way.
8. Patience
Good things come to those who wait… so think many introverts! Because they enjoy the process of mulling something over in their heads, introverts may be willing to stick with something longer for the ultimate payoff. College is a marathon, not a sprint, and introverts may find their patience well-rewarded in the classroom.
9. Intense Concentration
Quiet, isolated spaces make the introvert happiest. Because of this, they may have a natural aptitude for and a higher tolerance for lengthier assignments and research projects. Solitary activities tackled during periods of “alone time” are the introvert’s forte. They can get in and stay in “the zone” for hours on end — maybe occasionally leaving their room for a tea or coffee break.
10. Creativity
Know what Albert Einstein, Steven Spielberg, and Emma Watson all have in common? Introverts certainly don’t have a monopoly on creativity, but they might find themselves leaning that way. Spending time inside your head often produces ideas that become actionable expressions of creativity — writing, performing, crafting, inventing, or producing.
Remember: Every person is unique — whether they’re introverted or extroverted — and many factors influence your personality beyond just that dichotomy. This list represents some common traits associated with introversion but isn’t all-inclusive or applicable to everyone. Just as introverts in college have many admirable strengths and common weaknesses, so, too, do extroverts.
If you’re wondering whether you’re introverted or extroverted — or want to learn more about your personality — contact your nearest Career Center to take a personality assessment (online or in-office). This assessment provides a detailed evaluation of your personality type, helping you better understand how you use your energy, how you collect information, how you make decisions, and how you view the concept of time. Combined, this information can even help you identify which careers may appeal to you most. We look forward to helping you along your exciting journey of self-discovery!
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