Extroverts are more likely to perceive themselves as good communicators than are Introverts, a study led by Donald Loffredo at the University of Houston has found. In this survey of communication style and Myers-Briggs type, researchers discovered significant correlations between various aspects of communication and the preference scales of Extroversion/Introversion, as well as Thinking/Feeling and Sensing/Intuition.

Introverts and Sensors are more likely to report apprehension about communication in all settings, public and private. Feelers as well are more likely to be apprehensive about communication in a public arena, possibly due to their sensitivity to their audience’s reaction to their message.

The authors found that observable differences in communication style can predict Myers Briggs preferences, with Extroverts being noticeably more dominant, open, and relaxed when communicating with others. Intuitive Thinkers are more likely to be argumentative or contentious when communicating.

In a survey of Brazilian software engineering students, Introverted personality types were found to dominate heavily. This should be no surprise to anyone familiar with Myers-Briggs type; Introverts are more likely to enjoy careers that allow them to work independently, keep a low profile, and accomplish projects on their own. Types of ISFP, INTP, and ESTP were over-represented among the population of software engineers.

Software engineers were also found to be predominantly Thinking types, people who enjoy using analytical skills and working with logical systems.

Much less likely to be found in software engineering were ENTP, ESTJ, and ENTJ. Extroverts in general were unlikely to be found in the population of software engineers. Extroverts prefer careers that allow them to engage with other people and would generally feel uninspired by work that requires long hours alone at a computer.

Research was conducted by Luiz Capretz of the University of Western Ontario.

Recently, Time Magazine published an article about the happiest workers (and unhappiest workers!) in America. The happiest workers? Clergy, followed closely by firefighters. This may seem an odd combo, but consider how fulfilled people in these careers must feel in their work. Connecting to God and a congregation, saving lives in crisis… sounds like a recipe for happiness to me!

Not everyone is going to run off to seminary school, of course. If you’ve been reading about Myers Briggs type you know that for each career, there are a few personality types that gravitate to the field. Following are a few of the “happy” careers from the Time article, along with personality types likely to excel in the field.

Clergy: ISFJ, INFP, INFJ. Introspective, sensitive, and strongly anchored in their values, these types find great satisfaction in religious occupations.

Firefighters: ESTP, ISTP. Dynamic and action-oriented, ESTPs and ISTPs thrive on work that allows them to see immediate, tangible results for their efforts.

Architects: ENTP, INTP, INTJ. All three types have a unique ability to envision possibilities and create innovative concepts based on logical systems.

Actors/Directors: ESFP, ENFP, INFP. Creative and not apt to be tied down, these three types enjoy the self-expression and spontaneity of the performing arts.

Special Education Teachers: ESFJ, ISFJ, INFP. All three of these types are strongly motivated by the desire to help others, and thrive in an environment that lets them see first-hand the positive impact of their work.

Pilots: ESTJ, ISTJ, ESTP. Hands-on, technical work that requires attention to detail appeals to these types. All three types enjoy mastering technology to achieve logical results.

Real Estate Agents: ESTP, ENTP, ESTJ. Assertive, outgoing people with an enterprising spirit tend to enjoy the diverse challenges of this entrepreneurial field.

Dentists: ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTJ. The practical, hands-on nature of dentistry makes it popular with these types, who excel at detailed, methodical work with a visible result.

In case you’re wondering, the unhappiest workers in America included gas-station attendants, roofers, and maids. For the full report, check out the General Social Survey conducted by the University of Chicago.