Carmen
What are some different career choices for a future in mathematics or science?
I am really good at math and it is one of my favorite subjects in school, as well as science. The only one I can think of is an actuary, and that type of job seems like it would get boring after doing the same thing for years. #Math #Mathematics #Actuary
7 answers
Marica Hueneke
Marica’s Answer
Adam Adam
Adam’s Answer
I studied Math and got both a BA and MA in it. I found my way from math to theoretical computer science (which is basically a branch of mathematics). I started a PhD but dropped out early with a masters and started to do software engineering. Doing software engineering is obviously pretty different than doing research in mathematics and proving theorems, but there's no job, not even a math phd student, that you can go into without learning new skills. If you want to become an actuary, you'll have to study for actuarial exams. If you become a phd student you'll have to take coursework. If you're still in undergrad, it might be worth checking out computer programming courses to see if it's something you'd want to pursue.
I want to also address the point that "that type of job seems like it would get boring after doing the same thing for years". I got bored of doing research in computer science. It seems kind of crazy to say because all research is, by definition, new. And I was able to work on whatever I wanted. It's inevitable that interests change over time, but every job has things that keep it interesting. Sometimes it's technical things and sometimes it's working with different types of clients/people. And sometimes it's good to have a job that can be dependable and you can become good and confident at. You can always find interesting hobbies and things to spend your time on.
The main point is that it's ok for your interests to develop over time. If being an actuary doesn't excite you, definitely don't go into it. But maybe talking to some actuaries would help you out. Any job can become boring but having a pleasant work environment and a good mentor will help you to grow and stay interested no matter what field you're in.
Breanna Bergin
Breanna’s Answer
This is a great question, one in which I actually questioned my college adviser right before officially changing my major to Mathematics. The answer that she had given to me was, "Anything". Great right? Yes - as it's reassuring that so many doors are open, but no in the sense that it's slightly overwhelming not to have a direct answer of what's next.
Some obvious answers that Mathematics degrees typically enter into is Teaching, Business - Finance or Accounting roles, Actuary work, or Statistical work. The truth is, Mathematics is so much more than what people think and realize. Every class that you take is more than numbers or solutions, it's about processing what's in front of you, questioning the task, analyzing what you know and problem solving many potential different scenario's. You become detail oriented, organized, and methodical, while also trying to determine the best course of action for the situation at hand. Mathematics gives you an understanding of figuring out different ways to think and process tasks, which is incredibly beneficial to you as well as many employers.
There is a book called "101 Careers in Mathematics" I suggest you read, which my adviser in college pointed me to read as well when I declared Mathematics as my major. This will give you an idea of the endless possibilities that Mathematics opens the doors to. I would recommend thinking what interests you and what excites you when you think about your career.
Jeff Berglund
Jeff’s Answer
Secondly, is more variety in actuarial science than you may initially think. Especially with emergence of new technology and industry disruption, the future will certainly hold more opportunity for interesting work projects. The distinction between actuarial science, data science, predictive modeling, etc. merges as time progresses. Thinking outside the box is how companies can gain an advantage in the market, and inherently that means actuaries need to be able to do so.
Lisa G. Ullman
Lisa G.’s Answer
You might want to check out the website BeAnActuary (http://beanactuary.org) beanactuary. As an actuary you would be a business professional who evaluates risk which is often in an insurance company. However, instead there are nontraditional opportunities for actuaries because risk is so much a part of modern life. I work as a subject matter specialist at a very large accounting firm. We talk with management at many different organizations and help them solve problems. This gives me a view of many of the business challenges across different industries, not just concentrated on insurance products.
If you like what you see on the website you should know that you need to be a self starter as an actuary, so you can pass the exams required to get the credentials while you are also working in a business environment. But you don't have to go to school beyond an undergraduate degree to get these credentials.
Lisa G. recommends the following next steps:
Neeraj Ahuja
Neeraj’s Answer
Zhijian Huang
Zhijian’s Answer
Mathematical modeling is also a good area. It has lots of application areas.