Mathematics Careers

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Mathematics Careers

Careers in Mathmatics
Career Links

Tyler Steinle, BHSU class of ‘04, paraphrased several descriptions of careers from the text: 101 Careers in Mathematics, second edn., Andrew Sterrett, Editor, 2002, The Mathematical Association of America. He has included a link to an appropriate website.

Math Related Careers

Actuary - Solve real-world problems, involving money (sometimes billions of dollars), probabilities, and future events. Using statistics, determine how much different sectors of the population should pay for insurance and whether or not Social Security taxes should be reduced. Most actuaries work for insurance companies or consulting firms.

Imaging Scientist - Put your mathematical and computer abilities to good use. Use linear algebra and physics principles to create computer-graphics programs, such as photo-editing and retouching applications. Use your imagination and the capabilities of modern technology to create any number of fun programs for yourself or meaningful applications for work. The best part? You can work at home and choose your own hours!

Market Researcher - Determine if your company’s services best meet your customers’ needs. Design consumer satisfaction surveys, follow your company’s industry through the press and other published studies, and supply management with needed information. As a market researcher, it’s important to understand and communicate statistics to see whether your customers are being satisfied.

Economist- Assess the financial situation of a region or industry. Analyze data, observe previous trends, and use modeling techniques to predict upcoming financial changes. Most careers in economics require a strong foundation in mathematics, with a special emphasis on calculus, statistics, and probability.

Aerospace Mathematician - Want to shoot for the stars, literally? As an aerospace mathematician, you can utilize your math skills to model the different aspects of a spacecraft, to model data taken from the spacecraft, and to determine the optimal info from the data. If assisting in NASA missions is in your future, you’ll need a solid background in engineering, physics, and astronomy.

Environmental Mathematician -As an environmental mathematician, you work as a member of a team to tackle a specific environmental problem, such as predicting how much gas escapes from storage tanks based on weather conditions. This never-boring job requires both logical and quantitative thinking, and often involves traveling to interesting places. Perhaps the best part of this job, however, is being aware that you’re helping to protect Mother Earth.

Law Partner - What does math have to do with law? The approach to solving problems in both areas is much the same. In law, you start with a basic legal principle or proposition, apply the principle to the facts at hand and reach a conclusion, much as you do with a mathematical function. In cases where the conclusion is not so clear-cut, you have to consider various factors, similar to a multi-variable equation. If you enjoy the logic and problem-solving aspects of math, then a career in law may be just your thing.

Budget Analyst - Determine how much money is needed by a company/organization. Use extensive algebraic formulas to calculate which sectors of the company need the most money in order to thrive. As a budget analyst, the decisions you make can largely affect the future of your company. Skills in algebra, statistics, and mathematical modeling are essential for this profession.

Computer Programmer - Design, develop, and implement business application systems by writing complex programming codes. The most important part of programming is the logic behind the code. This is where a strong background in mathematics comes into play, as it helps to analyze complicated requirements and develop clear and concise systems.

Accountant - Being an accountant involves keeping, auditing, and inspecting the financial records of individuals or businesses. Based on this information, an accountant then prepares financial and tax reports. Math plays a big part not only in totaling debits and credits, but is also used in many other ways. For example, statistical sampling techniques are used to determine the probability of errors occurring in the financial statements.

Numerical Analyst - Develop the best possible mathematical methods and algorithms to solve a certain problem. An example would be designing a satellite computer capable of withstanding the cosmic ray radiation found in outer space. As a numerical analyst, you blend mathematics, computer science, engineering, and physics in order to come up with the best solution for the task at hand.

Biostatistician - Statistics aren’t limited to math problems and sports trivia; they also have an important place in biology. In fact, statistics are vital within the medical community. For example, by using statistics and modeling techniques, you can logically connect environmental factors with certain diseases. Because biostatistics is based on using statistics to solve problems and the fact that research uncovers more problems than it solves, there is never a boring moment for a biostatistician.

What are the employment opportunities with a Degree in Mathematics? Will it be difficult to find a job with a mathematics degree? Why should I earn a Degree in Mathematics?

Hopefully, you will find the answer to these questions and more in the links listed below. Generally the problem solving skills developed on the way to earning a degree in mathematics is highly respected in the business world. While one may not solve differential equations in their chosen field, the skills learned in this and similar classes are often considered extremely helpful in career advancement. Please browse the following links to find out more.

Working Your Degree -- An article by CNN Money -- This article discusses the advantages of having a Mathematics Degree.
Consider The Many Options for a Math Degree -- The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) has provided a list of people with math degrees. Click on each persons name on the MAA's Career Profile page and read a short description of the possible employment opportunities that exist for math majors.

Monster.com -- Upon logging onto Monster.com, click on the Job Search button. Use "mathematics" for the key word search and press search. At any given time, there are usually 1000 jobs listed on Monster.com for people with Mathematics Degrees.
BHSU's Career Center -- When reading Monster.com, you may recognize that they generally require experience. So where do you find entry level positions? Visit the BHSU's Career Center. The Center's staff will assist you in every step of the process of finding employment. We Highly Recommend That You Visit Your Campus Career Center.
Consider a Graduate Degree. Many students do not consider advanced degrees because they are concerned about the cost. However, most graduate schools will offer a teaching assistanceship (TA) which will pay your tuition and offer a reasonable stipend for living expenses. The dollar amounts very from university to university. For more information contact any math faculty member. If you are interested in this route, work hard to learn as much as possible and keep your grades up as high as possible.
Careers that Count -- Mathematics is a field for both Men and Women. This article is written by the Association for Women in Mathematics. The article profiles several women and there careers in Mathematics and related fields.
Math Related Careers (see tab above) -- Tyler Steinle, BHSU class of �04, paraphrased several descriptions of careers from the text: 101 Careers in Mathematics, second edn., Andrew Sterrett, Editor, 2002, The Mathematical Association of America. He has included a link to an appropriate website.
American Mathematics Society -- This is the home page for the American Mathematical Society. They have a page which discusses careers at Mathematical Sciences Career Information.
Mathematical Association of America -- This is the home page for the Mathematical Association of America. They have a page which discusses careers at Careers and Employment Resources for Mathematical Students.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) -- This is the home page for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. This group promotes mathematics education for educators in grade k-12.
Actuarial information -- Actuaries are people who study the "Risk" involved in running a business. They evaluate the likelihood of future events and work to design practices which will reduce (or minimize the effect of) the likelihood of undesirable events.
Famous Non-Mathematicians -- Dr. Dale Buske at St. Cloud University has posted a list of famous people who majored in math and worked in occupations that are not considered mathematically related. The list includes basketball stars Michael Jordan and David Robinson.