Do you have a love for numbers and using them to solve problems?
If that sounds interesting, working as a Mathematician could be perfect for you. This involves interpreting mathematical data for scientific studies or corporations. Mathematics is one of the oldest sciences and can be applied to work in a wide range of ways. To master this field, you will need to dedicate several years to extensive study and training.
So, let’s find out, ‘what does a Mathematician do?’
Contents
The Main Types Of Mathematicians
There are several different areas you can choose to specialize in. Each of these areas requires specialist skills and comes with its own set of duties and responsibilities. Let’s take a look at the main types of mathematicians and what these fields involve.
Theoretical Mathematics
This specialization involves developing new principles to increase basic knowledge. It generally involves spending a lot of time thinking about the way numbers connect and how they can be manipulated. Once principles and theories have been developed, they have to be tested while following set protocols.
Applied Mathematics
This field involves using mathematics to solve real problems in the area of industry, engineering, and government. It involves taking a problem and breaking it into several parts and then reducing them into various elements. Computational methods and mathematical modeling are applied to each area of the problem to try and solve it.
Pure Mathematics
This specialization focuses on studying abstract concepts in detail. While similar to theoretical mathematics, it also takes real-world application into account. In addition to drawing on techniques and tools, experts in this field often utilize social and natural phenomena.
Mathematics Teachers
Many people who choose this career are engaging in teaching mathematics on a certain level. Becoming a professor allows you to teach mathematics courses at a university and supervise graduate and undergraduate research. You could also serve on an academic committee if you choose this route.
Consultants
Many Mathematicians are employed by companies to consult on projects for corporations. This can include working for insurance companies and analyzing data to estimate the likelihood of certain types of events. This can include injury, sickness, loss of property, and even death.
Other consultants use their skills to calculate the cost and risk of certain projects. This can help companies determine the best investments to make to maximize their revenue. While most consultants work for a particular company, some work in a freelance capacity.
What Does A Mathematician Do? – Essential Skills
Understandably, you need to have an advanced understanding of mathematics to do this job. However, you also need to develop a set of hard and soft skills to accompany this expertise. Here are the key skills and attributes a successful Mathematician should possess.
Analytical skills
You need to be comfortable spending hours at a time analyzing large amounts of data. While you do this, you will usually be looking for trends and patterns. Associated skills include data analysis and the ability to translate data.
Attention to detail
You need to be able to recognize discrepancies in data. Even the tiniest misplaced point or number can throw your data out of balance. You need to be able to focus on the data without becoming distracted.
Communication skills
You will need to be able to explain complex concepts clearly and simply. This will be especially important if you decide to teach mathematics. You will often write reports to explain your findings and express new theories and ideas.
Software skills
You will often work with specialist software and programs during your daily tasks. These programs are used to analyze and present data. It is essential to have at least a basic understanding of computer software.
The Work Environment
Your work environment will depend on the industry you choose to work in. There are several different types of industries that employ professional Mathematicians full-time or as consultants. Here are some of the main industries you could choose to work for.
Education
Mathematicians are hired to work at all levels of education, from high school through to university. This is usually a full-time role that includes imparting knowledge in a classroom setting or research lab. There are also roles for mathematics professors and teachers on education and research teams.
Engineering
You could choose to work in a construction or industrial environment. This is usually a full-time role that requires an OSHO safety certificate to qualify. Mathematicians are hired to check calculations and determine the effectiveness of different work.
Data Science
As the name suggests, this role mainly involves working with large amounts of data. It is usually a full-time role that takes place in an office setting. Data scientists work with computer software to read and analyze data for government agencies and corporations.
Finance
This is another office job that involves analyzing data in an office setting. The main focus is likely to be analyzing financial data to create financial plans and budgets. People who work in this sector often work as part of a team and may be charged with drafting financial documents.
Education And Training Requirements
It is necessary to have a strong foundation in mathematics before graduating from high school. Most jobs in this field require at least a bachelor’s degree. If you are planning to teach at a university, you will also need to earn a Ph.D. and complete other requirements.
You will need to complete a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or data analysis. After completing the four-year course, you will take the graduate record examination. This exam will test your reasoning skills in several different areas.
A Doctorate will take you far…
After gaining a bachelor’s degree, you can enroll in a master’s program and then work on your Ph.D. earning a master’s degree shows that you are an expert in a particular field. While a Ph.D. is not required for all jobs, it allows you to teach at a university and lead research programs.
Training
After gaining an advanced degree, you will be ready to secure an entry-level job. You will usually receive industry-specific training when you start work. This additional training can take anything from a few weeks to several months.
Professional Organizations
Joining a professional organization is the perfect way to take your career to the next level. You can make valuable connections and learn about potential career opportunities. Here are some of the main professional associations and societies that are open to members.
American Mathematical Society
This society was founded in 1888 and boasts around 30,000 members around the world. The main mission of the American Mathematical Society is to promote mathematical research and foster excellence in mathematics education. Several conferences and other events are held throughout the year, while the society also publishes and promotes papers.
Association for Women in Mathematics
If you are a woman, you will know how tough it can be to advance your career. This non-profit Association for Women in Mathematics is dedicated to providing female mathematicians with the support and encouragement that they need.
Casualty Actuarial Society
This organization is dedicated to advancing knowledge of actuary science that is applied to property. Members gain access to the latest research materials and studies. There are also opportunities to make connections through conferences and mixers.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
This is a nonprofit professional association that was established to improve mathematics education for students in the United States and Canada. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics boasts more than 120,000 members. This is the perfect organization to join if you are interested in a career in teaching.
Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
Joining this professional organization gives you access to the AMS-SIAM Mathematics Careers Bulletin Board. This is the perfect place to find your first job as well as more advanced roles. There is also a dedicated careers section on the society website, where you can gain valuable information.
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What Does A Mathematician Do? – Final Thoughts
Becoming a Mathematician can be a rich and varied career. Because this skill is used in a wide range of industries, you can choose the field you want to work in. It is best to choose your specialization as early as possible and work toward gaining the necessary skills.
While it can take several years to become qualified, your hard work will eventually pay off. The average salary for this type of role is around $90,000 per year. Specializing in analysis and financial data can boost your earning potential considerably.
So, what are you waiting for? Go crunch those numbers!
