Explore a possible path

Mathematicians

Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods.

How does this connect to your interests? →

A look at the work

  • Mentor others on mathematical techniques.
  • Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.
  • Develop new principles and new relationships between existing mathematical principles to advance mathematical science.
  • Disseminate research by writing reports, publishing papers, or presenting at professional conferences.
  • Assemble sets of assumptions, and explore the consequences of each set.
  • Perform computations and apply methods of numerical analysis to data.
  • Address the relationships of quantities, magnitudes, and forms through the use of numbers and symbols.
  • Conduct research to extend mathematical knowledge in traditional areas, such as algebra, geometry, probability, and logic.

A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.

Interests involved in this work

These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.

Hands-on

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

3.2 / 7

Investigative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

7.0 / 7

Creative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

3.2 / 7

Helping people

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

2.0 / 7

Enterprising

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.1 / 7

Organizing

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

5.0 / 7

Skills to explore

Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

2025-08

5.0 / 5

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

2025-08

4.1 / 5

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

2025-08

4.0 / 5

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

2025-08

4.0 / 5

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

2025-08

4.0 / 5

Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

2025-08

3.8 / 5

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

2025-08

3.6 / 5

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

2025-08

3.6 / 5

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

2025-08

3.4 / 5

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

2025-08

3.3 / 5

Plan a small next step

Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.

Source preparation category: Job Zone 5 of 5 · 2025-08. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.

Related study fields

Source crosswalk connections are research leads, not required qualifications.

Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, Other →

Mathematics, General →

Algebra and Number Theory →

Analysis and Functional Analysis →

Geometry/Geometric Analysis →

Topology and Foundations →

Mathematics, Other →

Applied Mathematics, General →

Computational Mathematics →

Computational and Applied Mathematics →

Financial Mathematics →

Mathematical Biology →

Explore all related study fields →

Source & methodology

O*NET-SOC code 15-2021.00 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.

How interest exploration matching works →

Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.