Careers in Mathematics
WHAT IS MATHEMATICS?
Mathematics is the study of the relationships between quantities and magnitudes. Mathematics gives the logical operations that are used to deduce quantities and magnitudes. Mathematics was once regarded only as the science of quantity, dealing with magnitudes in geometry, numbers in arithmetic and the generalization of both when dealing with algebra. In the middle of the 19th century mathematics began to be regarded as the science of relations or the science that draws necessary conclusions. This latter view encompasses mathematical or symbolic logic, the science of using symbols to provide an exact theory of logical deduction and inference based on definitions, axioms, postulates, and rules for combining and transforming primitive elements into more complex relations and theorems.
The PROFESSION:
As a profession Mathematics reaches far beyond the normal mathematical field. Most people think that the only professional field a mathematician can work in is teaching. This is an absolute falsehood. Professionally, Mathematics opens the door for many possibilities. Since Mathematicians use inductive and deductive reasoning they are well sought after in the industrial world as well as in the Federal government in the past, the professional world of Mathematics seen very few minorities or women. Today, due to the growing number of Mathematical professional societies women and minorities are urged to pursue a career or degree in mathematics. Teaching is only the beginning of the professional possibilities in Mathematics but it is definitely not where it ends. The profession of mathematics calls for the use of skills in problem solving, organization, numerical computation, analyzing data, critical thinking, computer literacy, and logical thinking. Mathematics also enables the mathematician to be able to be a strong test taker, very efficient, and systemized. When talking to a Mathematician one is able to see a strong use in the analyzing of data.
POSSIBLE JOBS:
1. Actuary- Some technical work is involved but most due senior management at insurance, benefits, and consulting firms.
2. Air Traffic Controller- Must be able to think and visualize in 3-D. Also must be able to gather information from what you hear and make decisions.
3. Biostatistician- Work for state and local health departments. Identify and research new diseases that may arise.
4. Cryptologist- Encryption and decryption of code.
5. EDP Auditor- Analyze the system function and operations to determine adequate security and controls.
6. Estate Planner- Plan for the future of others in their legal, taxes, investment and insurance needs.
7. Investment Banker- Give people advise on where to invest their money and then invest it.
8. Mathematician- Decipher and solve problems logically using already derived axioms and theorem. Needs the use of deductive and inductive reasoning.
9. Mortgage Researcher- Involves tracing deeds back many years and then compiling the data into spreadsheet form.
10. Statistician- design research and analyzes data from both uni-variate and multivariate methods.
11. Teacher- Works with students to help relate the importance and need of mathematics in every day life.
12. Treasury Management Specialist- Provides information necessary to determine and evaluate the present and projected economic activities of organizations.
13. Underwriter- Responsible for selecting business, specifying rates, binding coverages, issuing policies, arranging reinsurance, collecting, premiums and settling claims.
