A mathematician analyzes data and applies mathematical and statistical techniques to solve real-world problems in business, engineering, healthcare, or other fields. They typically work in conjunction with other professionals to interpret numerical data to determine or project outcomes and needs, whether it be statistically or mathematical.
Watch a video to learn what a mathematician does:
How to Become a Mathematician
Mathematician requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, while most employers and private industries often want individuals with an advanced degree like a master’s or doctorate. Degree programs usually consist of courses in calculus, abstract algebra, linear or differential equations, statistics, and data analysis. You may also be required to take classes in related fields such as engineering, physics, or computer science.
Becoming a mathematician requires you to love numbers, computations, and problem-solving. Your time can vary pending on your chosen college path; advanced mathematics degrees can take up 6-8 years. However, it’s generally four years of full-time undergraduate courses and an additional 2-6 years for a masters and doctorate.
You must also maintain knowledge of current trends by attending professional conferences, reading professional journals, and talking with other mathematicians.
Also, there are many mathematics associations that one can join. The American Mathematical Society (AMS) is an association of professionals focused on mathematical research and scholarships. They serve their communities through publications, meetings, advocacy, and have several resources for students wanting to enter this career field. Another one is the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM), which offers student chapters, resources, rewards, and fellowships. Lastly, there is a national honor society called the Mu Alpha Theta for high school and two-year college students and a National Mathematics Museum, MoMath, located in New York. Even if you cannot visit it, you must check out their website.
Job Description of a Mathematician
Mathematician duties may vary depending on their field of work. However, they typically develop new mathematical theories, concepts, and rules in areas like geometry and algebra. They use these theories to solve problems in the sciences, business, and engineering fields, working closely with staff in the related industries. They do this by collecting data, looking for trends/relationships, determine validity, sampling error, and concluding, Sometimes they may use or even create software to analyze data more accurately and efficiently. They often use mathematical models and formulas to prove or disprove theories and present written reports, tables, charts, and graphs on their drawn conclusions. A mathematician always uses data analysis to support and improve business decisions.
Most mathematicians work full time and often due to deadlines, and last-minute requests may require overtime. Besides, they travel to attend seminars and conferences when presenting their findings. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mathematicians work primarily in an office building. Over half mathematicians work for the federal government, and most all others work for educational institutes or
management, scientific, and technical consulting services.
BLS states that the employment of mathematicians is projected to grow 26 percent from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average. However, those entering the field should know that digitally stored data will increase over the next decade. A lot of companies are conducting business online and use social media, smartphones, and other mobile devices. As a result, companies will seek mathematicians to analyze the large amount of digital information and data collected, so technology skills are a must!
Mathematician Career Video Transcript
If you enjoy solving puzzles and have a good head for numbers, you might be interested in a career as a mathematician. These workers use equations to solve both academic and real-life problems. Theoretical mathematicians use equations to develop new rules, disprove existing mathematical theories, or create new ones. They may develop methods to solve problems emerging from the science and engineering fields. They often work for research firms or teach math and conduct research at colleges and universities.
Applied mathematicians address an almost endless variety of problems, from making aircraft more aerodynamic, to programming models for a video game, to designing and deciphering encryption systems for the military and financial industries. Applied mathematicians working in industry and government, dealing with robotics, pharmaceuticals, space exploration, and more! Despite the differences between applied and theoretical mathematics, these areas often overlap. Many mathematicians, particularly those in government or private industry, use both applied and theoretical knowledge in their job duties.
Mathematicians, however, are a relatively small occupation. Most people with a degree in mathematics or who develop mathematical theories and models work in related fields and professions, such as information technology. Some become math teachers in a middle school or high school. This typically requires a math degree and a teaching credential. Government jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in math. For private industry jobs, a master’s degree or Ph.D.is usually expected, and in academia, a Ph.D. is needed. So, is this challenging career in a fast-growing field the right choice for you? You do the math.
Article Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Mathematicians and Statisticians.
National Center for O*NET Development. 15-2021.00. O*NET OnLine.
The career video is in the public domain from the U. S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
