Changing culture but staying true to core values - Anonymous employee Mathematica Employee Review

5.0
Aug 27, 2012
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Mathematica has a really strong culture of excellence, objectivity and rigor. Many of the researchers are leaders in their fields and the company works with top-notch clients doing cutting edge research. I'm impressed with how management is really changing the culture to meet the current times -- they are flexible with work schedules, open to new ideas and approaches, and embracing technology. This isn't a company that jumps on the "new" thing. Rather they jump on the right thing for the kind of work they do. There's also a real infusion of new talent and energy. A third of employees have been with the ocmpany less than three years. This is balanced by the fact that many employees stay and have long productive careers. It's not unusual to be 20-year veteran.

Cons

There are many smart, accomplished and talented people. You don't advance "just because." You have to genuinely differntiate yourself and show initiative. Because it is a culture driven organization there aren't always hard and fast rules or systems -- that can be challenging for people who are shy or have difficulty with ambiguity.

Explore other reviews about Mathematica

5.0
Apr 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great colleagues, 401k match, and interesting work

Cons

Work life balance could be improved and more ability to move between departments

3.0
Jun 29, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Smart people, impactful work. A real community.

Cons

Poor strategic planning. Rather than performing real analysis and proactive thinking, leadership reacts to the environment. Strategy development and implementation at Mathematica seems like leadership throws wet spaghetti against the wall to see what sticks. In the 2010s, it was predictive modeling. Rather than proactively using predictive modeling to support their client's goals and the organization's mission, they created a data analytics division, hired smart people, and provided no guidance to support the division. Today, AI has replaced predictive modeling. These examples provide two instances of failures of corporate leadership; many more exist. Unfortunately, the company suffers from short-term incentives and an aversion to long-term investments. As an employee-owned company, you would think that the board and leadership would be more responsive to the employees. No! Over time, they have removed employees' voices from decision-making and focused on increasing their own power and independence.

7
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