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Northwest Missouri State University

  • myNorthwest

Myer-Briggs Type Inventory

How the MBTI is useful in career counseling:

  1. Increase self-awareness of personality preferences.
  2. Learn how to relate this self-awareness to career choices and work settings.
  3. Increase appreciation of your strengths.
  4. Improve your ability to work well with others who are different from you.

Brief History and Purpose of the MBTI:

What is preference?

Like handedness -- Preference is the method that is dominant, most natural, and requires least effort. Preference is what you would choose if two alternatives were equally rewarded.

How is personality formed?

A combination of genetics, environment, and experiences.

Can personality change over time?

Somewhat. Developing your less dominant traits is a good way to make yourself a more balanced and flexible person. Personality is still developing during the college years, and becomes more stable over time.

How does the MBTI help in choosing a major or a career?

The developers of the MBTI believe that a good fit between one’s personality and work environment leads to a high rate of job satisfaction. The better you know your personality preferences, the easier it will be for you to evaluate whether or not you would enjoy a specific major or career.

Is there a fee to take the MBTI at the Counseling Center?

No. The MBTI is free when it is used as part of your counseling.

Can I take the MBTI without coming in for counseling?

At Personality Page, anyone can take the MBTI for $5.00 paid with a credit card.

Where can I get more information on the MBTI or on my personality type? At Personality Page.