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Jacob Blackman
Dr. Silver
Honors Colloquium
29 September 2016
MBTI Reflection
Primarily, I discovered that my prediction was similar to the instruments evaluation of
my unique type. Based on the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), I can be identified as an
ESFJ. Prior to receiving the results, I correctly predicted almost all of the four categories.
Although I certainly enjoy spending time in the presence of others, I find myself enjoying time
spent alone in reflection every so often as well. The results reflect this aspect of my life, as my
score only slightly leans towards the extraverted side of the graph. When determining how I
typically make decisions, I predicted my score to heavily favor the feeling side. Sure enough,
my score indicates that I make decisions based on personal and subjective values, rather than
logic and objective considerations. I also accurately predicted how I tend to perceive and acquire
information. Although spontaneity is not always harmful, I do enjoy stability and order in my
life. I tend to follow the same routine each day, and find comfort in keeping myself organized.
The only prediction that did not match my results was my assumption on how I prefer to
gather information. Upon reading the definitions of sensing and intuition, I assumed that I
would lean towards the intuitive side because I often attempt to see how certain things relate
when I am learning new concepts. However, upon further consideration, it would make more
sense that I would fall under the sensing category because most of the time I spend more effort
on dealing with known facts and previous experiences. In fact, I am beginning to realize that I

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struggle with fully comprehending advanced theories and abstract concepts as is the case right
now in some of my classes. This indicates that the MBTI results are actually more indicative of
how I gather information than my own prediction for this category.
As discussed in class, the results of the examination are anonymous. Maintaining
anonymity could prove very important to some individuals because the results may not always be
indicative of their identity. For example, if my results indicated that I heavily favored the
perceiving side of the spectrum, then others might assume that I am unorganized and thrive
through spontaneity. While this could certainly be true, it is also important to note that although
these traits would be characteristics of my identity, the score would not indicate the organization
that I may express in my workplace. Staying with this example, it could also be very beneficial
for the results to remain anonymous so that individuals would not be discriminated against by
employers. Even though a potential employee could be exceptionally qualified to obtain a certain
job, an employer may skip over the applicant simply because he or she may not be the right
type for the job. This would be devastating in the long run as the employee could have
possibly invented a new concept in the field to revolutionize an industry, yet could potentially
never obtain the opportunity as a result of the score of one examination.
Although I have certainly expressed the benefits of keeping the results anonymous, I
would be perfectly comfortable with having my results shared with the class as a part of the
workshop. Upon reading the definition of what it means to be an ESFJ, I am particularly proud
of my results. I would like my results shared so that others would know the things that I find
enjoyable, and the things that provide me with the most challenges. In addition, if I were
introduced to the types of my peers, I could identify those who are good at the things that I

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struggle with, and begin to ask for guidance and advice on how to address my weaknesses in
order to develop into a more conscientious individual.
By better understanding how I function in relation to the world around me, I can begin to
determine how I may achieve success through many different areas of my life. To begin,
achieving success in college is extremely important to me. As indicated by my results, I am a
dedicated individual and do my best to perform exceptionally in all of my classes. I utilize my
planner each day and list out all of the assignments that I must complete. This, along with
frequently setting reminders for myself on my phone signify my desire to remain organized
throughout this first semester of college. Along with improving my chances of becoming
successful in college, I hope to instill these habits into my future career. By working well with an
established routine and continuing to pay close attention to details I can ensure that I will not
miss significant deadlines and that I will complete projects in a timely manner for my future
employer.
Along with the importance of helping me achieve success in my occupation,
understanding my results can also help improve my relationships with other people. I find
satisfaction in working with others and finishing a task, as long as it is completed in time. I also
find fulfillment in encouraging others and resolving conflict when it arises. While I view these as
positive traits, it is also crucial that I address one of my weaknesses when socializing with others.
Sometimes I can be stubborn and unwilling to accept new ideas from my peers on how to solve
difficult problems. I typically use my own past experiences to help me shape decisions instead of
considering novel ideas that seem very foreign to me. This can be detrimental because I could
end up squashing a brilliant idea simply because I might arrogantly assume that the only way to
solve an issue is the way that I have always solved it. I hope to address this throughout my time

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in college so that I may improve my ability to collaborate with others and become an effective
communicator.
Upon reflecting on my results, I am very intrigued by the popular careers listed within the
personality tool kit. Lately, I have felt drawn towards healthcare as a potential career path, and
the table indicates a few areas that seem quite interesting. I had previously never considered
becoming an exercise physiologist or speech pathologist; however, both of these occupations
sound like jobs that I would seriously enjoy. I really enjoy interacting with other people, and
hope to find myself established in a career where this is possible each day.
I also found the information describing the things I need in a career to be very helpful.
Specifically, I think I would work best in an environment where I would have the chance to
establish meaningful relationships with others by working directly with a variety of people
throughout the day. This seems very accurate for me because I succeeded in high school as a
result of establishing relationships with my peers and instructors. Along with the beauty of
learning, I also felt appreciated for my hard work and felt like I was making a positive impact on
the people around me. This is something that I pray to continue doing while in college, and in my
future career.
Ultimately, I am satisfied with the results of the examination, and hope to continue
growing into a responsible and informed young adult.