Cyber Monday Sale! 50% Off All Access

The Surprising Benefits of Being a First Born A study says first borns are more likely to end up as CEOs or politicians.

Shutterstock

Can your birth order actually affect what profession you decide to pursue?

According to new research from the University of Texas-Austin and Sweden's Institute for Evaluation of Labour Market and Education Policy, first born children are 30 percent more likely to be leaders, such as politicians and CEOs, compared to third borns.

The study only looked at men. The researchers drew data from personality evaluations taken when Swedish men enlist in the country's armed forces -- until 2010, Swedish men were legally required to sign up for the military -- and also used information about occupation and employment from the population database put together by Statistics Sweden.

Related: 22 Qualities That Make a Great Leader

The researchers found that first borns have an advantage when it comes to emotional stability, persistence, being outgoing and social, an ability to take initiative and a willingness to take on responsibility, leading them towards top managerial positions.

They also identified that first born children are more likely to be in jobs that require a level of agreeability, conscientiousness and extraversion. Meanwhile, children born later in the birth order are more likely to be their own boss.

Nina Zipkin

Entrepreneur Staff

Staff Writer. Covers leadership, media, technology and culture.

Nina Zipkin is a staff writer at Entrepreneur.com. She frequently covers leadership, media, tech, startups, culture and workplace trends.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Science & Technology

How to Harness the Power of the Cloud to Simplify AI Adoption and Accelerate Innovation

AI and ML are established technologies and are here to stay. Harnessing them and using the power of the cloud will define tomorrow's businesses.

Growing a Business

How Small Businesses Can Thrive on Amazon and Other Online Marketplaces in 2025

Learn about the benefits, challenges and strategies for succeeding on platforms like Amazon, Shopify and Etsy to reach global customers, build trust and grow your brand.

Thought Leaders

Why Your Business Should Simplify and Consolidate Its Tech Stack

Cut the clutter and streamline your tech — this is the new catchphrase for security, productivity and long-term IT success.

Growing a Business

3 Ways Women Are Transforming Branding — and How Your Business Can Keep Up

The bottom line is that businesses should want to woo women consumers if they want to improve their bottom lines

Business News

Tesla Cybertruck Factory Workers Reportedly Told 'You Do Not Need to Report to Work' for 3 Days This Week

According to a memo first viewed by Business Insider, Tesla factory workers in Austin were reportedly told to stay home Tuesday through Thursday.

Business News

'Subject to Apple's All-Seeing Eye': An Apple Manager Is Accusing the Tech Giant of Spying on Employees, According to a New Lawsuit

The employee alleges that Apple can conduct physical, video, and electronic surveillance of employees, even when they're off the clock.