Multiple Intelligences in Job Search and Career Advancement

Multiple intelligences? I only have one brain!

MI, or Multiple Intelligences Theory, is a psycho-educational theory authored by psychologist Howard Gardner. He found in the early 1980s that there are several distinctly different kinds of intelligence found in human beings. We all know someone who is better at English grammar than mathematics, and someone who is better at sports than at schoolwork. These are examples of different types of intelligence and they are all equally important.

Not only that, but each human being has more than one intelligence that is elevated above the bulk of the others, and usually I have found that most people have a cluster of three (3) different intelligences that are markedly higher than the rest. This is what Gardner has stated makes up an individual "cognitive profile." In fact, each human being probably has some ability in all of the areas of distinct intelligences.

Linguistic

WORDS -- Good with languages -- public speaking, reading, writing, telling stories, memorizing words. They learn by reading, taking notes, and listening to lectures.

CAREERS: writer, attorney, philosopher, politician, teacher.

Logical-mathematical

LOGIC, ABSTRACTS, NUMBERS -- These individuals are best at reasoning, pattern recognition, scientific inquiry, and complex calculations.

CAREERS: scientist, mathematician, physician, economist.

Spatial

VISUAL -- Good at visualizing and manipulating objects in their minds; good sense of direction, good hand-eye coordination.

CAREERS: artist, designer, engineer, architect.

Bodily-kinesthetic

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY - Good at sports, dance, building. These folks like to learn hands-on, by doing.

CAREERS: athlete, dancer, mechanic, actor, comedian, builder, artist/crafter.

Musical

RHYTHM, MUSIC, HEARING. These people are sensitive to sound, rhythms, and tones. They often learn best by hearing a lecture. They can often hear a musical piece only one time and then play it.

CAREERS: composer, musician, singer, conductor.

Naturalistic

OUTDOORS AND CLASSIFICATION. These persons are in their perfect environment when they are working with the natural world, like Steve and Terry Irwin and Jack Hanna.

CAREERS: explorer, scientist, conservationist, farmer, zoologist, other.

Interpersonal

PERSONAL INTERACTION - Extroverts that are sensitive to others' feelings, temperaments, and motivations.

CAREERS: politician, manager, social worker, diplomat.

Intrapersonal

THINKERS -- Introverts preferring to work alone. Self-aware and understand their own emotions and motivations. These persons can learn very well in self-paced programs.

CAREERS: philosopher, psychologist, theologian, writer.

Existential

TO PONDER - Thinkers who consider questions of the meaning of life, what happens after death, alternate realities.

EXAMPLES: Socrates, Confucius, Einstein.

Spiritual

STATE OF BEING, INTUITION, COMPASSION.

CAREERS: Take the time to find your own personal calling.