10 Careers That Require the Highest IQ
Updated on January 31, 2024
7 min read

10 Careers That Require the Highest IQ

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The top 10 careers that require the highest IQ are careers in which you need great reasoning, problem-solving skills, and the ability to process incoming information. Careers in the medical field, computer programing, university research positions, and engineering are among the ones with the highest requirements to be smart and have a high IQ.


Concentrating on the linked thoughts, facts, and knowledge to aid in problem-solving is the result of intelligence at work. Therefore, one’s career requires a certain level of IQ. An individual’s IQ capacity to operate entails the total sum web of ideas continuously constructed in one’s mind. And when put to proper use with knowledge, – it enables adaptive behavior to the environment. One’s IQ level will mirror the result of this success in combining the known web of thoughts with knowledge.

Most cognitive psychologists who target the human brain, cognition, and intelligence assure that mental abilities, such as logic and reasoning, problem-solving skills, abstract thinking, visual-spatial skills, and speed of incoming information processing reflect our intelligence. Thus, a set of tests was designed to measure an individual’s mental capability and combine the result into a single score. Intelligence tests are scientifically proven ways to gauge how skillfully you can use information and logic to deal with complex objectives, apart from the selected few that go behind and beyond the system of job valuations.

Today, strong cognitive abilities and mental power are suggested to predict potential job performance accurately. Thus, determining the intelligence level can help get an idea of what profession you might be ideally suited for and which career path it would be better to pick. Then, if you’ve decided to have your IQ tested, you can compare it with the list of typical IQs by profession and make the right choice for future career growth.

10 Careers That Require a High IQ Score

It is often assumed that people who have attained success have impressively high IQs. However, some individuals still suppose that it is just an insignificant number that doesn’t define anything, and it doesn’t measure how brainy, shrewd, and mind-witted you are. So, of course, there is a lot of controversy about this term. And while the number that defines your capability of reasoning and solving problems is not the only determinant that affects your life success, it matters, though, for some careers and occupations.

The measurement of IQ and jobs types that you can easily handle are tightly related, as most employers want their workers to have a high IQ. Moreover, individuals whose cognitive functions go far beyond the specific job requirements; who can think out of the box and deal with complex objectives are more likely to get the desired position. Thus, having lower than average scoring, probably, the better idea would be to discover recommendations and tricks on how to improve memory and boost your chances of growth. Or you can learn what job types fit your IQ. But before going into the exploration of tips on how to make a career choice based on IQ, let’s take a quick overview of the careers that are considered to be the most demanding professions, requiring cleverness, great mental focus, and cognitive flexibility.

Doctors

When analyzing average IQ by profession, doctors are among professionals who need a high IQ score. A person who is qualified to treat people with a myriad of disorders and illnesses must be able to solve problems, seek solutions for complex medical issues, care for patients, evoke trust, understand and store lots of information and complicated concepts. And only highly intelligent individuals can competently cope with the duties of health care specialists.

University professors

Planning university courses, designing a curriculum, conducting research studies, and staying updated are the key duties of a professor. Another fundamental mission is to guide and mentor students to grow intellectually. It, in turn, means that only high-scored persons can perform the job. Otherwise, carrying out the educational mission would be an arduous task.

Attorneys

To be a proficient and knowledgeable attorney specializing in different areas and types of law, e.g., corporate, family, immigration law, is very strenuous and demanding. Above-average IQ scores allow processing lengthy and complex statutes, being current on quickly changing laws, and learning a set of rules and regulations on the spot. In addition, applying the vast known judicial information to a relevant case is imperative for an attorney, and a high IQ is required to get the job done.

Engineers

Engineers will probably be in the top three among the careers for intelligent people. The field of engineering requires boosted logical thinking, more robust reasoning, and improved mental capability. Solving complex engineering tasks with the use of physics is a daily thing for most engineers. Coming up with solutions without an ‘answers booklet’ at hand.

Scholars and scientists

High IQ scores are paramount for conducting scientific work but not the most essential factor. Only an adequate combination of personality traits and a bright mind can bring success when on the path of a scholar or scientist. The ones dedicated to the field have a remarkable ability to focus for long periods of time. Engaging in what you love also helps the process be less strenuous and patently exciting.

Specialists in material science and engineering

For an individual with a lower IQ, it would be almost impossible to excel in the field of material science and perform tasks that specialists face. Such tasks would require the ability to compile multiple sciences in order to prove a hypothesis to be true. As in all previously mentioned professions, high precision is necessary to have a safe ordinance if the outcome involves people and the scientists’ usage of this product/substance.

IT experts

Programming, coding, and other IT duties also require exceptional intellectual and creative power. The primary reason for this is the rapidly evolving IT field. Experts must keep up with changes to be able to solve problems efficiently. Thus, when looking for a perfect IT candidate, businesses prioritize a high IQ. Learning modern-day code – enables a professional to ride on the crest of innovations, implementing the latest technology. Nowadays, many open-source options are available for all IT experts to access. Also, many questions which arise may be often Googled.

Financial professionals

The dynamic industry of finances means that it is possible to triumph as a financial analyst, advisor, or investor only by being innovative and having sharpened memory. Innovation allows true financial professionals to apply what they already know and have encoded in their memory to the daily financial operations. As each business needs a terrific financial department to succeed, this profession also demands a high IQ – the reward for this work may be high.

Real estate agents

Gauging and growing intelligence skills should be the top priority tasks for those striving to be the best reputable agents. Presenting and selling property, concluding deals, and winning trust on the market require a problem-solving mindset and keeping abreast of the latest updates in the industry.

Sales experts

Managers in sales must be able to cope with a myriad of objectives, including analyzing data, building sales plans, coming up with predictions of future sales, etc. And while active growth and commitment to constant education are two essential requirements for a candidate, mental alertness and a natural ability to act and react are determining factors.

Tips on Picking a Career Path That Matches Your Intelligence

Most of us will agree that searching for the best position with great career outlooks that match one’s mental capability is one of the most challenging and stressful experiences. Don’t worry, a quick reminder: ‘stress is often growth.’ Let alone, even having the highest IQ ever, there is a considerable risk of ending up making the wrong career choice. As a result, you will lack motivation and job satisfaction. Moreover, it would simply be a futile attempt to reach success in a professional field where your skills and cognitive abilities are not quite suitable. Therefore, considering IQ demands, here are some valuable tips for those who don’t want to fail when deciding which career to pursue.

Identify Your Interests First


Apart from discovering your intelligence level and finding out how much it corresponds to average IQ by profession. It is likable to detect the proper occupation for you by thinking carefully about hobbies, activities, and topics in which you take pleasure and capture your attention. Attention is vital to develop skills. When a job description aligns with an individual’s interest, there may be a boost of inspiration to devote valuable time and efforts to growing mentally, reaching more impressive heights, and taking actions to accomplish outstanding and spectacular results in your desired sphere.

Perform a Skills Assessment


IQ result does not determine the level of trust in your capacities and abilities, that is, your confidence levels. It isn’t a measuring instrument to detect the performance areas you may be good at. Thus, when going into the career selection process, think of tasks or projects you can do with ease, as believing in yourself and being self-assured mean that you feel more accomplished. For example, having excellent interpersonal skills with others, you may consider a customer service role. A person that has an eye for detail and the ability to come up with and develop creative ideas can become a designer and so on.

It surely doesn’t mean that certain skill sets limit your choices. On the contrary, your unique skills open more opportunities for picking careers for intelligent people. Moreover, if you strive to boost your career chances and dream of a more prosperous future, you can build essential expertise for employment. Here are the top-wanted skills for career development:

  • Managing ambiguity to be capable of efficiently coping with sudden and unforeseen changes, shifting gears in a hassle-free manner, and taking risks;
  • Organization and planning skills to get your tasks and projects done accurately and capably;
  • The capability of generating creative solutions for complex matters and reasoning through crucial decisions.

As you can see, our IQ may determine what kind of job is better for us. However, it is probably not the most critical factor for our promotion and advances along the career path. Only by growing your knowledge and proficiency, you may land the position you want.  

Are You a Positive or Negative Thinker?


Sharing the right attitude determines how far an individual will progress. A positive outlook is something that will assist you in attaining your goals. Without preference, this might be the best bit of advice heard through the eons of life. It also helps to be more patient, so it would be easy for you to focus on the far-reaching effects and desired outcomes without becoming annoyed, anxious, and demotivated. If you have negative thought patterns, you must detect triggers for such an attitude and design a personalized tactic for its overcoming. Success is closer than it seems.

Job Availability!


Screening the most in-demand jobs is a wise solution, as it increases the chances to select the highest-paid occupation and the most stable careers that will also bring you pleasure and satisfaction. Monetary satisfaction is essential but may the fruit of your labor bring peace of mind and good health. Everything else will follow, as they say.

The Final Words on IQ


For some, average IQ by profession is just a score, while others perceive it as helpful information and a critical success factor. As with any advice, it is good to take what you need from it and not give up on your dream career despite your known IQ. Remember, IQ can be improved through an individual becoming more well-rounded in areas where one may struggle. One’s mental ability to focus and use intelligence is based on stored information and the ability to solve present objectives by applying what you know with what you do not know yet. The more experience you have, the quicker you will figure out what you already know and later unravel the missing links on the job at hand.

A higher IQ makes you a perfect candidate for the desired job, and some careers require you to be just smart enough. Again, though, it shouldn’t be a keystone to success, as such tests don’t measure your creativity, mental agility, and striving to progress. Instead, it means that when you think over your future profession, you should consider the kind of work in which you are more likely to become an expert through personal development and skill honing.

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