by Erin Ellison
There are many ways to discover which career paths could be interesting to you—education, training, entry-level positions, certifications, internships, and volunteer work in the field to name a few. Another way to gain some insights is by taking a personality test. The Myers-Briggs personality test is a commonly used personality assessment often used by individuals to explore more about themselves, their strengths and weaknesses, and even potential career paths.
But the Enneagram personality testing has become more popular in recent years.
It’s a system of classifying personality types based on motivation and core beliefs and can be a fun way to discover more about yourself and how you work. can help you recognize patterns in how you view the world. With that understanding of yourself, you can also discover what careers you may be happy pursuing.
The Enneagram Type 2 careers are where we’ll focus today. Continue reading if you’ve taken the Enneagram Personality Test and know you’re a type 2.
Characteristics of an Enneagram Type 2
Enneagram Type 2 is called the Helper, Giver or Caregiver. They’re typically seen as caring, interpersonal, generous, warm-hearted, and people-oriented. Helpers like to feel appreciated, needed, and loved. Very empathetic, they strive to connect with the world and help others as much as possible. Unfortunately, sometimes their desire to help others can cause Helpers to neglect their needs, seek approval from people, and not take criticism in stride.
Typical Personality Traits of an Enneagram Type 2
Some attributes you might see in a Type 2 include:
- Helpful
- Approachable
- Nurturing
- Generous
- Dedicated
- Encouraging
- People-pleasing
- Empathetic
- Team-oriented
- Open to connections
Top 10 Careers for an Enneagram Type 2
Because they are determined to connect with and help others, many suitable jobs for the Helper involve serving others. Here are some careers to consider if you’re an Enneagram Type 2 personality.
Nurse
Similar to being a paramedic, nurses also help individuals in many life-or-death situations but typically work in a medical facility of some kind like a hospital, doctor’s office, or health center. But an Enneagram Type 2 will also excel in a caregiving position such as a hospice nurse, ICU nurse, or a nursing instructor.
Customer Service Professional
Individuals with a people-pleasing nature can become excellent customer service professionals. Customer service is part of many jobs, though some people can’t master the skill. But the Helper is inclined toward customer service because of their motivation to be needed and their desire to please others.
Mental Health Professional
Type twos may also become excellent mental health professionals. As a therapist, psychiatrist, or counselor, you’ll help individuals cope with many issues. A successful mental health professional is equipped with educational tools and clinical expertise. But they’re only as successful as their ability to listen and empathize with their clients.
Teacher
The caring and nurturing nature of the Helper makes teaching a natural choice for them to pursue. Teachers educate and guide students of all ages. Type twos can find fulfillment in helping students learn, improve, and grow into themselves more comfortably.
Social Worker
Social workers strive to improve the lives of others, which is what the Helper is all about. Protecting and supporting struggling parents, children, or families offers a sense of fulfillment that the Helper craves day-to-day.
Human Resources Professional
A human resources (HR) professional is responsible for supporting the employees of their company. That means providing them with resources that help them thrive. A successful HR professional is approachable and dedicated to their employees, making a career in HR a perfect match for Type two.
Life Coach
Life coaches motivate people to improve their lives, inspire them to achieve goals, and help them overcome challenges. The Enneagram Type 2 personality types are motivated to help others, so they make excellent life coaches.
Clergy or Worship Leader
The responsibilities of a clergy member, worship leader, or religious official vary depending on the religion. These professionals guide and inspire their followers, and they offer emotional support as needed. Such responsibilities require someone who is empathetic and truly cares for the well-being of others, qualities that Type twos exude abundantly.
Nonprofit leader
The Type 2 Enneagram personality cares so much about helping others that if given the opportunity and resources, they may just be bold enough to start a nonprofit. Or work for an existing nonprofit. Nonprofit work aligns completely with the Type two strengths.
Paramedic
As a paramedic, Type twos have the opportunity to help people in dire need of assistance. Though frontline work is not for everyone, the Helper can weigh the pros and cons of this type of work and determine if their desire to help is strong enough to manage the challenges of working as a paramedic.
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Find a Career That Matches Your Type 2 Personality
If you’re the type of person motivated to help and improve the lives of others, you may be an Enneagram Type 2 personality. There’s no sure way to know what careers you’re best suited for, but the Enneagram may help give you some inspiration for paths to explore. Check out our job board to find open positions that may be a fit for your professional goals.
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