By Lori Huertas
When I was pursuing a graduate degree in counseling psychology, my professor took the concept of strategies of college success further by discussing the importance of understanding one’s own personality as a key to be effective as a college student.
He gave us a personality assessment known as the Myer-Briggs Test. I learned how the results of this test can help students maximize their strengths and use their challenging personality traits to make a personal positive impact at their university with their academic studies and at their future careers.
Many people refer to this test as The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, or MBTI. The idea of this test stemmed from the personality philosophies of Carl Jung. Carl Jung was the one who founded analytic psychology. His work has been influential in the study of religion and psychology.
A mom and daughter, Isabel Myers and Katherine Briggs developed this test as a way of helping others recognize their assets as well weaknesses or areas of growth based on their personality.
Curious to what your personality is? Take the free online quiz: https://www.16personalities.com/personality-types Mine is ENFJ, same as Oprah Winfrey.
The results of the MBTI include four main areas:
Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I) The first letter reveals if people prefer spending time with others or being alone.
Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N) The second letter demonstrates if people obtain data from paying attention to evidence and facts, or from their instinct.
Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F) The third letter show how people make choices in their life based on the information about a subject or the opinions of the people the matter affects.
Judging (J) – Perceiving (P) The fourth letter tells whether people respond externally, according to a set of rules or spontaneity.
With a careful look at each personality, students can become aware of areas that will increase their likelihood of success in college. Barry University students both traditional (those that just graduated from high school) and non-traditional (extended learning adult learners) can benefit from learning about how their unique personality type can impact them as they pursue their degree.
Are you ready to apply your results as a college student? Her are the 16 possible results:
ISTJ (Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, Judging) AKA: The Inspector
Use your attention to detail to meet deadlines.
ISFJ (Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, Judging) AKA: The Protector
Use your nurturing skills to enhance connections with classmates.
INFJ (Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging) AKA: The Counselor
Use your creativity to solve problems.
INTJ (Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, Judging) AKA: The Mastermind
Use logic and reasoning to solve complex problems.
ISTP (Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving)AKA: The Crafter
Use natural analyzing data skills to find practical solutions.
ISFP (Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)AKA: The Composer
Use quiet time alone to recharge.
INFP (Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Perceiving)AKA: The Healer
Use open, nonjudgmental nature, to accept people for who they are.
INTP (Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, Perceiving)AKA: The Architect
Use your inquisitive nature to find discrepancies.
ESTP (Extroversion, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving)AKA: The Promoter
Use your energetic nature when solving problems.
ESFP (Extroversion, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving)AKA: The Performer
Use your active learning style.
ENFP (Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling, Perceiving)AKA: The Champion
Use your ability to connect with people to motivate others.
ENTP (Extroversion, Intuition, Thinking, Perceiving)AKA: The Visionary
Use your resourcefulness to find ingenious answers to life’s questions.
ESTJ (Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking, Judging)AKA: The Supervisor
Use your conscientious temperament to take on leadership positions.
ESFJ (Extraversion, Sensing, Feeling, Judging)AKA: The Provider
Use your harmonious nature to understand people’s feelings.
ENFJ (Extraversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging)AKA: The Teacher
Use your leadership to inspire people.
ENTJ (Extraversion, Intuition, Thinking, Judging)AKA: The Commander
Use your skills at coordinating tasks to make decisions.
Incorporating the above strategies throughout your academic career at Barry University can allow you to leave a legacy through positive impact. Sharing these strategies with others is a way to put Barry University’s mission statement into action. As you reflect on your personality type, you can work better in groups and successfully take on leadership positions.
Reference:
Briggs, Katharine C. (1987). Myers-Briggs type indicator. Form G. Palo Alto, Calif.: Consulting Psychologists Press,