If you're a shy person who gets anxious easily, you might be fearful about what to expect from your study abroad experience. But fear not. Some courses and careers are better suited to certain personality types and that’s nothing to be ashamed of. If you prefer to work in a quiet atmosphere with fewer people, there are careers out there that would better suit you. That’s why we’ve taken a look at five subjects to complement your strengths as an introvert.

Below are five courses that are perfect for introverts:

1. Accounting

Accounting is a profession which requires a great deal of independent work and concentration. While can expect to work with clients or other team members on certain briefs, accountants typically prefer to work autonomously.

Of course, to enter into a career in accounting you’ve also got be good with numbers. So, a degree in accountancy is ideal for people with strong mathematical and analytical skills. Although you don’t necessarily need to study a related subject at degree level, it will help you to gain the prerequisite knowledge and skills. Relevant subjects include maths, economics, accounting, and business.

Once you’ve studied a degree, you will then usually need to complete an accounting course. However, the specific qualification will depend on the country you wish to work in. For example, in the UK, there are several types of accounting courses:

• ACCA – (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
• AAT – (Association of Accounting Technicians)
• ICAEW – (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales)
• CIMA – (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)

Accountancy firms typically accept either of the courses listed above but its worth researching which qualification is needed if you know which type of accountancy role you’d like to pursue. For example, you may be particularly interested in the business management side of accounting, in which case the CIMA course is preferred.

2. Graphic design

If you like using technology to design and draw and you have a keen eye for detail, a degree in graphic design might just be perfect for you. Although there is a bit of social interaction in this job, like consulting with clients or colleagues on the design of a website, most of the time you will still be working independently.

Earning a degree in graphic design will equip you with the necessary skills to start applying for graphic design roles once you graduate. Typically, a course in graphic design will teach you:

• Photography
• Coding
• IT
• Adobe creative suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Interface and user experience design
• Typography
• Branding

Once you graduate, you will need to gain professional experience to build up your portfolio. This is a body of your work that will be required when applying for jobs. As a graphic designer, you can work at a design studio, in-house at a company or you can choose to be self-employed. This last option is particularly well-suited to introverts who would prefer to work independently, managing their own schedule and workload.

3. Veterinarian

If you prefer to work with minimal human contact, a career with animals might be better suited to you. As a vet, you will probably work with a small team but your contact with new people will be minimal. This is a great profession for people who enjoy caring for animals and have an interest in the sciences. However, you’ve also got to be driven and committed as a veterinary degree takes five years to complete. Want to find out more about becoming a vet?

4. Computing/IT

If you’re very much into computers and technology, this is another field that you would most probably enjoy. With this line of work, you would also be spending most of your time in front of a computer, coding, programming, and fixing technical issues that has to do with computers and IT.

The best part about working in computing and IT is that all you need is a computer to do the job, so this also means that you can work both independently and remotely. The skills gained from a degree in computing and IT will also qualify you to work in a range of fields such as:

• Software development
• Network engineering
• Systems analysis
• Game design
• Cyber security

5. Writing

Introverts generally enjoy spending time alone, connecting with their own thoughts and imagination. This makes writing a particularly suitable and enjoyable career for this personality type. From poems, to novels, to short stories, you can produce all of these on your own time and all by yourself.

However, having strong written and communication skills is also valuable across a range of industries including:

• Journalism
• Public relations
• Communications
• Law
• Publishing
• Copywriting
• Editorial

To enter into one of the above careers, it is recommended that you gain an undergraduate degree in a subject such as English, creative writing or journalism.

Hopefully you now have a better idea of the types of careers that are suited to introverted personality types. But if you’re still not sure about which course you want to apply for, check out our course matcher tool to find the right degree and university.