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By: Shalom Onuorah
In the tornado-like chaos of the entertainment industry, I oftentimes feel like Dorothy from the wizard of oz. I’m an aspiring performer and acting major here at UT and as my time on the 40 acres draws nearer to an end I use my Myers Briggs personality as a touchstone to remind myself that I'm right where I belong. As an individual I believe that I’m driven by an innate creative spirit. This reflection delves into my journey, centered on the INFP-T personality type, and how comprehending my Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) has given me a lot of confidence around some of the life choices I’ve made.
As an INFP-T, creativity has always been a characteristic of mine, which has been prevalent all throughout my life. From painting, drawing, singing and dancing, I was always interested in art. That passion has now led me towards the art of acting. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator stands as a guiding compass, helping me navigate the multifaceted and complex possibilities within the entertainment sector.
INFPs, often known as "The Dreamers" within the MBTI framework, encapsulate individuals immersed in the realms of storytelling and emotion. My mindscape is a kaleidoscope of ideas, fueled by a deep-seated passion for creativity and a commitment to making a meaningful impact on the world.
Within the film industry, the INFP-T profile offers unique advantages. Our ability to empathize deeply allows for profound connections with characters, infusing authenticity into each role undertaken. Whether portraying the complexities of a heart-wrenching drama or the drama of a fantastical narrative, our imaginative nature breathes life into diverse characters.
The MBTI can serve as a personalized roadmap for one's career journey, illuminating potential paths aligned with one's strengths and preferences. For INFPs, the domains of artistry and expression often serve as natural habitats. Careers like acting, writing, or directing prove remarkably fulfilling. However, the spectrum extends beyond the arts, with our strong intuition and empathy rendering us effective in counseling, therapy, or advocacy roles—areas where our unique attributes contribute to positive societal change.
Success hinges on recognizing how one's personality type aligns with your own personal interests and values.
Delving a bit into the enneagram personality test, specifically the 9w1 type that I am, it shows me that I am the "Peaceful Idealist." This enneagram type harmoniously complements the INFP-T personality, melding creativity with a commitment to justice.
Within the film industry, this fusion translates into a dedication to storytelling that not only entertains but also catalyzes change. Whether through a poignant monologue or a thought-provoking script, my 9w1 spirit seeks to contribute to a world where empathy and understanding triumph!
Understanding one's personality type extends beyond career considerations; it embodies empowerment, particularly for women endeavoring to excel in traditionally male-dominated industries.
As an African American woman in the film industry, embracing my personality and who I am as an individual is very profound. It asserts that soft-spokenness and empathy don’t diminish a person's strength or leadership ability. Diversity should be sought out in more ways than just appearance. We should all learn to embrace diverse ways of thinking, feeling, and expressing more often as well.
For women, or anyone navigating career paths, the MBTI and enneagram could be very useful tools for you. Recognizing your unique strengths empowers you to take up space in whatever industry you go into. Whether you’re also an INFP-T aspiring actress, an INTJ engineer, or an ESFJ entrepreneur, understanding one's personality type can really empower individuals to go beyond societal norms and forge a distinctive path for yourself.
To anyone who is still unsure about their career/life path, embrace your uniqueness, allow your creativity to take up space in your life, and fearlessly go after the things that bring you joy. The world is your stage, and you are the star of your story. So let us break barriers one authentic performance at a time.
About The Author:
Shalom Onuorah '25
Acting
Entrepreneurial LeadHERship Fall 2023 Student
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