it depends on the phd. in my field we do a decent amount of math inside and outside of the academy, especially basic algebra. “lowly” field techs and analysts were doing stoichiometric type functions every day, unit conversions out the ass. their bosses, the phds running those groups should be able to do that, at least. and some just couldn’t.
i found the lack of fundamental math skills to be embarassing at that level. after all, besides even The Work, these are the people filling budget reports, estimating material costs, and doing very basic payroll estimations. they held all the keys of a middle manager, institutionally, but had very limited accounting AND middle school math skills.
despite living in a low cost of living area with a steady, phat salary many were in debt up to their eyeballs despite making 4-5x what their subordinates did, and it wasn’t like smart debt either. like credit cards and new cars.
it depends on the phd. in my field we do a decent amount of math inside and outside of the academy, especially basic algebra. “lowly” field techs and analysts were doing stoichiometric type functions every day, unit conversions out the ass. their bosses, the phds running those groups should be able to do that, at least. and some just couldn’t.
i found the lack of fundamental math skills to be embarassing at that level. after all, besides even The Work, these are the people filling budget reports, estimating material costs, and doing very basic payroll estimations. they held all the keys of a middle manager, institutionally, but had very limited accounting AND middle school math skills.
despite living in a low cost of living area with a steady, phat salary many were in debt up to their eyeballs despite making 4-5x what their subordinates did, and it wasn’t like smart debt either. like credit cards and new cars.