We surveyed 2,734 political scientists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical political scientist. Here are the results.
Can I learn to become a political scientist?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a political scientist 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 political scientist?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically quite difficult to find a job as a political scientist. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for political scientists.
Do political scientists work full-time or part-time?
67% of political scientists work in full-time roles while 33% work part-time.
Is being a political scientist stressful?
Low
High
Stress is not uncommon amongst political scientists, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.
Is being organized important as a political scientist?
Low
High
Organization is not considered a particularly important part of being a political scientist.
How competitive is the workplace for political scientists?
Low
High
Political scientists see mild competition in their workplace.
Does being a political scientist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for political scientists.
Are political scientists allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Political scientists rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do political scientists have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Political scientists tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.
Is being a political scientist physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a political scientist is rarely physically demanding, making it a suitable option for those unable to perform physically strenuous tasks.
Are political scientists exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Political scientists tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a political scientist require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a political scientist.
Does being a good political scientist require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassionate and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a political scientist.