We surveyed 888 mathematicians to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical mathematician. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a mathematician?
Low
High
Working as a mathematician typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that mathematicians are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
Can I learn to become a mathematician?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a mathematician typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a mathematician?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically quite difficult to find a job as a mathematician. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for mathematicians.
Do mathematicians work full-time or part-time?
61% of mathematicians work in full-time roles while 39% work part-time.
Is being a mathematician stressful?
Low
High
Mathematicians tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a mathematician?
Low
High
Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a mathematician.
How competitive is the workplace for mathematicians?
Low
High
Competition at work is not common for mathematicians.
Does being a mathematician require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for mathematicians.
Are mathematicians allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Mathematicians are afforded a certain level of ability to express themselves creatively, compared to other careers.
Do mathematicians have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Mathematicians have high flexibility in the direction of their work, allowing them a lot of freedom in how they accomplish their goals.
Is being a mathematician physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a mathematicians is not the most physically demanding of careers, falling in the bottom half of all careers.
Are mathematicians exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Mathematicians tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a mathematician require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a mathematician.
Does being a good mathematician require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as mathematicians.