We surveyed 3,725 scientists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical scientist. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a scientist?
Low
High
Working as a scientist typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that scientists are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
Can I learn to become a scientist?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a 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 scientist?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a scientist.
Do scientists work full-time or part-time?
75% of scientists work in full-time roles while 25% work part-time.
Is being a scientist stressful?
Low
High
Stress is not uncommon amongst scientists, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.
Is being organized important as a scientist?
Low
High
Organization is considered a very important trait for scientists, and is critical to success in the field.
How competitive is the workplace for scientists?
Low
High
Scientists tend to see lots of competition in the workplace, with desire to get ahead of co-workers being common.
Does being a scientist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Scientists will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.
Are scientists allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Scientists are afforded a certain level of ability to express themselves creatively, compared to other careers.
Do scientists have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Scientists have high flexibility in the direction of their work, allowing them a lot of freedom in how they accomplish their goals.
Is being a scientist physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a scientists is not the most physically demanding of careers, falling in the bottom half of all careers.
Are scientists exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
While sometimes repetitive, scientists tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.
Does being a scientist require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail is a vital skill for scientists, as small mistakes can make or break one's ability to succeed in the career.
Does being a good scientist require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a scientist.