We surveyed 125 cryptanalysts to learn what personality traits and interests make them unique. Here are the results.
Cryptanalysts are investigative and conventional
Cryptanalysts tend to be predominantly investigative individuals, which means that they are quite inquisitive and curious people that often like to spend time alone with their thoughts. They also tend to be conventional, meaning that they are usually detail-oriented and organized, and like working in a structured environment.
If you are one or both of these archetypes, you may be well suited to be a cryptanalyst. However, if you are social, this is probably not a good career for you. Unsure of where you fit in? Take the career test now.
Here’s how the Holland codes of the average cryptanalyst break down:
The top personality traits of cryptanalysts are social responsibility and openness
Cryptanalysts score highly on social responsibility, indicating that they desire fair outcomes and have a general concern for others. They also tend to be high on the measure of openness, which means they are usually curious, imaginative, and value variety.
Once again, let’s break down the components of the personality of an average cryptanalyst: