Scientific and industrial progress from the 19th century propelled human specialization. Today, students increasingly aim for paths that lead into the business world, choosing alternative routes tied to a subject, social or technological bachelor’s degrees, or professions lumped under one label: scientist, engineer, or doctor. As innovation connects more areas, versatile talent is prized by employers. These multi-skilled individuals are often called polymaths.
Without a specific degree, the polymath label may not align with what a company is seeking. Instead, they want people who bring cross-skills. This view is echoed by Javier Sirvent, a business consultant, entrepreneur, inventor, and scientific communicator, who notes that firms hire people to discuss the future and stimulate forward thinking. He emphasizes that in his experience, impact comes from the ability to connect ideas rather than a single, narrow credential.
Polymaths have recurred throughout history, illustrating the value of passing along knowledge, applying it, and combining disciplines for stronger outcomes. Early exemplars include Imhotep of ancient Egypt, who specialized in architecture, astronomy, and medicine, and who oversaw the construction of Saqqara, the first pyramid complex. Figures like Aristotle, who bridged philosophy, science, politics, and biology, and Leonardo da Vinci, who pursued painting, sculpture, and philosophy, are often cited. The first in-depth study on polymaths emerged recently, through collaboration between 3M and Deusto Business School, asking whether many historical geniuses would still be confined by today’s academic constraints.
Instances such as Natalie Portman making waves in psychology and acting, Charles Herrera balancing cooking, journalism, and medicine, and notable journalists who also practice medicine are cited by Fernando Tome, the vice-chancellor for students, employability, and internationalization at the University of Nebrija, to illustrate polymathy in action. This raises the question: is polymathy open to everyone, and why are these profiles increasingly attractive to employers?
Being a sage means achieving excellence in two or more knowledge areas, according to research from Deusto Business School. This blend can enhance neuronal plasticity across cerebral hemispheres, enabling faster information processing and integration. Yet, the researchers note there is no neuroscientific consensus to prove this theory. After years spent pursuing different paths, some experts suggest curiosity and luck matter more than a fixed predisposition. Still, the idea is that diverse experiences nurture novel problem-solving approaches that draw on a wider knowledge base.
Some voices caution that specialization remains a risk, as AI advances could automate many technical tasks and diminish lateral thinking. On the flip side, the trend toward hybrid technologies across traditional and new industries creates fertile ground for wisdom to shine. The evolving landscape rewards those who can fuse different domains and offer fresh perspectives.
Polymaths by necessity
For others, the polymath path responds to market demands. With unemployment challenges pushing many toward broader skill sets, more people pursue double degrees. Three decades ago, pursuing two careers was far less common. Today, flexibility is a practical asset as workplaces seek adaptable talent.
Businesses increasingly recognize that deep knowledge in a single field is not enough to drive true innovation. A broader, cross-disciplinary viewpoint can provide global insights and a different trajectory. Companies like Unilever, Procter & Gamble, and Beiersdorf actively seek such profiles, exposing them to multiple roles to build cross-functional capabilities before placing them in strategic positions.
Alicia Gomez de Hinojosa, director of talent and personnel at Securitas Seguridad Spain, notes the company’s commitment to innovation. She highlights that scholars often bring adaptability and momentum for transformation. Some firms have even restructured to separate human resources from talent management, aiming to identify candidates who can tackle future challenges. While there remains a trend to hire based on educational criteria, there is growing sensitivity toward seeking profiles that spark creativity.