fuzzybottom

i'm just wondering if there are any math majors here, and if so, what can you or are you doing with a degree in mathematics or statistics?

phukraut

Currently I'm not doing any career with my mathematics degree. Here are some examples to think about:

1. Mathematical modelling for science, economics, other things.
2. Teach.
3. Doing statistical work for the government.
4. Actuarial science (insurance companies; I hear good things about this).

My suggestion:
You don't necessarily have to dual major or anything like that, but have at least one other interest you're willing to invest some time fleshing out. This way you can put your mathematics in context.

For example, math and journalism => science writer.
Here's another. Math and comp sci (a type of math really) => researcher at a tech company.

Did you know AT&T Labs hires mathematicians, including mentoring-type programs?

Mathematics is versatile---hell it's the foundation of all scientific discourse---but you have to be creative with your degree. Stewart spoke at our graduation. He said, look for your career in the cracks, between the traditional jobs. Mix and match. Mathematics is a great ingredient in any such mix.

fckm

The NSA loves math majors.
You could go on to graduate school in physics, etc.
Truth told, most math majors I know went off to do CS during the bubble, not sure what they're doing now.

__________________
And if you say to me tomorrow, oh what fun it all would be.
Then what's to stop us, pretty baby. But What Is And What Should Never Be.

McG

If you wanted a job doing Math related stuff and didn't go to graduate school then I think you would have a really hard time finding one. Most of the Math majors I know went on to a computer science type of field.

taylorspl

I work with someone who has a BS in Mathmatics and a BS in Computer Science and he does the same job that I do. I've only successfully completed one semester at a community college.

fckm

Now that I think about it, there are probably a bunch of investment firm type places that look for math majors. If you are in college right now, I suggest that you drop by any career fairs that your school holds.

__________________
And if you say to me tomorrow, oh what fun it all would be.
Then what's to stop us, pretty baby. But What Is And What Should Never Be.

roderickpsu

I minored in math. THis definitely has helped out with my degree in chemistry when I need to tackle the theoretical basis for things.

belkins

I have my degree in mathematics and I do system administration for a living!

As someone pointed out you can go into actuarial science (basically it's insurance statistical analysis). You have to take a series of exams to be fully licensed. The exams are very difficult but the pay is quite good.

You can work as an actuary even if you haven't passed all the exams, the company is mainly interested in the fact that you are pursuing the license. I tried going this route but the studying involved for the exams wasn't worth it to me personally.

There is an actuarial society based in Chicago, Illinois that is responsible for the administration of the exams.

I've had a number of engineers tell me you couldn't possibly have a better foundation for getting a Master's degree in engineering (I would expect an undergraduate degree in engineering might possibly be better!).

maleficent

I majored in Math and minored in Finance - and have forgotten everything I learned.

When I graduated from college I had two objectives... vastly different, law school (Patent law was what I wanted to get into) or Engineering School (I wanted to work for Nasa in some capacity, so aeronautical engineering was what I wanted to pursue) -- I didn't get into my top three choices for law schools, so I opted for engineering school (where i discovered I was really really stupid)

With a math major, you can do almost anything --for a lot of stuff - graduate school helps-- teaching (while the pay isn't great) is incredibly rewarding - and math teachers I understand are desperately needed. (ever have a teacher who actually got excited about math? - those teachers are unforgettable - Mr F was the reason why I wanted to major in math - -he made Stat Analysis fun.

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RangerDick

In addition to many other things, an advanced background (i.e. Masters or PHD) in mathematics (statistical analysis, etc.) will help open up opportunities for a career in the algorithmic equity trading world. Most traders/strategists on quantitative, statistical, and index arbitrage trading desks have advanced mathematics degrees. It is a highly lucrative, and therefore competitive (or vice-versa), field.

gar1976

My wife got a math degree, and ho-boy, I learned early not to ask what she learned in class that day.

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Blistex, in regards to crappy games -

They made pong look like a story driven RPG with a dynamic campaign.

kolila

theres something attractive about women in mathematics

fuzzybottom

sorry i haven't been here, and thanks for all the comments. they're definitely backing my decision to head this direction, and i think helping me to decide what i really want to do with it. i think i want to avoid anything similar to accounting; i get the feeling the tedium would start racking up and get the best of me. i'm just taking calculus this year, and i seem to be the only person i know who doesn't hate it. in fact, i almost think i enjoy it sometimes =X

filtherton

I think calculus gets a bad rap because it is drastically different conceptually than algebra, yet also requires a super solid grasp of algebra. I think calc is right where mathematics starts to get really interesting.
Right now i'm on track for a bachelors in M.E. (hopefully), but occasionally i think i might be better off mentally just going for a math degree. The only difference for me is that having a good paying job right out of school is nearly certain with m.e. while having a good paying job right out of school is less certain with a math degree.