Best Careers for Bossy People

Check out which careers best suit people with an assertive personality.

Are you a bossy person? Is "control freak" practically your nickname? Don't be offended...You might be a thinker-judger.
According to Paul D. Tieger, author of "Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type," thinker-judger people tend to be assertive, good at spotting problems, can make objective decisions, like to finish projects, and are motivated by achievement.
"They're the ones who walk into a room, see what's wrong, and immediately set about fixing it," he says.
Want to find a career that suits your thinker-judger personality? You're in luck. According to Tieger, not all assertive personality-types are alike, which means there are a variety of career options for people who identify with thinker-judgers.
While some are practical and analytical, for example, others are more innovative. On the other hand, some might be great multi-taskers, where others are more direct and focused. One thing they all have in common is that they're drawn to leadership roles. "Whatever field they're in," says Tieger, "they gravitate to the top."
Whether you think of yourself as bossy, controlling, or just a typical thinker-judger, you can take charge of your career and find a position that's right for your assertive personality.

Bossy Career #1 - Sales Representative

Do you have a natural instinct to make things happen? According to Tieger, some personality types are results-oriented and like to take things into their own hands. They're intuitive, proactive, can be outgoing, strong-willed, and talkative - qualities that often do well in sales, says Tieger.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, sales representatives need to be goal-oriented, persuasive, and tenacious - traits often seen in thinker-judgers. In a sales representative career, you might find yourself analyzing statistics and preparing reports, as well as traveling to meet with clients to convince them to purchase products.
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Education Options: According to the Department of Labor, non-technical sales positions don't necessarily require a formal education, however taking courses in economics, communications, or marketing could help to prepare you for this career. If you're interested in working in technical or scientific sales, such as pharmaceuticals or industrial equipment, you may need a bachelor's degree in a field related to the product you're selling.

Bossy Career #2 - Police Detective

The thinker-judger personality might also be solution-oriented, practical, and detail-oriented, says Tieger, adding that police detective could be a good career for someone with these traits.
Police detectives usually are on top of collecting evidence for criminal cases. They gather facts, interview witnesses, and piece together information from a number of sources. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that detectives must have integrity, sound judgment, and a sense of responsibility, which can be typical traits of assertive personality types.
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Education Options: Some police departments may prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or law enforcement, according to the Department of Labor. Detectives generally begin their careers as police officers, gaining more responsibility and promotions.

Bossy Career #3 - Entrepreneur

As Tieger says, whatever field an assertive personality chooses, he or she will often rise to the top. Perhaps that's why many thinker-judgers are natural entrepreneurs who love to start new ventures.
According to the College Board, an organization that administers educational aptitude tests like the SAT, entrepreneurial types "do whatever it takes to bring the world the latest products and services - whether it's the next best computer software or ballpoint pen. Becoming an entrepreneur is one way to improve people's lives."
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Education Options: As an entrepreneur, you're the boss, so only you can decide if you're qualified for the job. However, studying business - which teaches students about the buying, selling, and producing of goods, as well as business organization and accounting, according to the College Board - could be a great way to pick up some knowledge and skills to help you start up a business.

Bossy Career #4 - Financial Analyst

If your "get it done" personality is also linked to being analytical and detail-oriented, you may be interested in a career as a financial analyst, another field that Tieger says attracts thinker-judger types.
Financial analysts, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, must understand and analyze investments, such as stocks, bonds, and commodities, in order to offer guidance for individuals and businesses. To do well in this field, you should have strong math skills to go along with your analytical and problem-solving traits. You'll also need to be precise and communicate complex ideas to your clients.
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Education Options: The Department of Labor says you'll need a bachelor's degree in a finance-related field, such as accounting, economics, or business in order to prep for this career. Some companies may prefer candidates with a master's degree in finance, or a master of business administration (MBA) degree.

Bossy Career #5 - Pilot

If you're looking to pursue a career where you're in control, consider a gig as a pilot.
"Pilots are often at the top of their game and have a lot of responsibility," says Teiger. In the air, everything defers to the pilot and he or she is completely in control."
And commercial airline pilots don't just fly planes. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, they must also plan the flight, conduct safety checks on their aircraft, and be in charge of a flight crew. Sometimes they have to communicate with passengers and may even be called upon to step in if someone becomes unruly. In other words, pilots must be confident and assertive people.
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Education Options: A growing number of pilots earn an associate's or bachelor's degree from a civilian flying school, notes the Department of Labor. Some employers also prefer pilot hopefuls to take courses in English, math, physics, and aeronautical engineering. Having a commercial pilot's license is also required to transport passengers or cargo.