4 answers
Ashley
Student
Orlando, Florida
1
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What courses can I take it to better my career path in math?
What courses can I take it to better my career path in math?
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4 answers
Andrew Au
Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Retired
178
Answers
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
There are a wide variety of career paths in mathematics. They all start with a humble beginning.
If you are in high school, you should start your future career endeavor by taking Algebra I and Algebra II. Then, you should consider taking AP Precalculus, and Calculus AB, and preferably Calculus BC. This will give you a firm footing in a STEM curriculum in college.
If you are in high school, you should start your future career endeavor by taking Algebra I and Algebra II. Then, you should consider taking AP Precalculus, and Calculus AB, and preferably Calculus BC. This will give you a firm footing in a STEM curriculum in college.
Jordan Wilk
Statistical Programmer
18
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Jordan’s Answer
Hi Ashley!
Having a strong foundation in areas of mathematics such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus are all great ways to set yourself up for success in a future career in mathematics. I suggest pushing yourself to take some higher-level courses in these subjects if you feel comfortable doing so, and make sure you really take the time to break down and understand the material - not just memorizing the formulas or ways to solve a problem, but figuring out *why* you do it that way.
Besides just taking mathematics courses, I would also encourage you to take courses that involve mathematics to a heavy degree, so you can see the ways that mathematics are used in different fields - subjects such as physics, statistics, and even chemistry and biology to a lesser extent are all great examples.
Having a strong foundation in areas of mathematics such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus are all great ways to set yourself up for success in a future career in mathematics. I suggest pushing yourself to take some higher-level courses in these subjects if you feel comfortable doing so, and make sure you really take the time to break down and understand the material - not just memorizing the formulas or ways to solve a problem, but figuring out *why* you do it that way.
Besides just taking mathematics courses, I would also encourage you to take courses that involve mathematics to a heavy degree, so you can see the ways that mathematics are used in different fields - subjects such as physics, statistics, and even chemistry and biology to a lesser extent are all great examples.
Shirley L
Accountant
64
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Shirley’s Answer
Hi Ashley,
I enjoyed mathematics in school, too. Generally, schools will recommend students to start with Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus. If you're really up for a challenge, I strongly recommend AP Calculus BC. Once you pass the exam, depending on your desired college's AP course conversion criteria, you may be able to waive the college Calculus course requirement. Some ivy-league schools don't accept AP credits at all regardless of your grade. Some colleges will grant credit for AP scores of 4 or 5. As an alternative, you can also take AP Calculus AB, which is a challenging course, but not as intensive as AP Calculus BC.
I'll also add in accounting is not as math-heavy as most people think it is. For instance, you won't be looking at areas under curves or finding the derivatives of a given function. Accounting is just adding, subtracting, dividing and multiplying. Once in a while, you'll solve for an unknown variable similar to solving a simple algebraic equation.
I enjoyed mathematics in school, too. Generally, schools will recommend students to start with Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus. If you're really up for a challenge, I strongly recommend AP Calculus BC. Once you pass the exam, depending on your desired college's AP course conversion criteria, you may be able to waive the college Calculus course requirement. Some ivy-league schools don't accept AP credits at all regardless of your grade. Some colleges will grant credit for AP scores of 4 or 5. As an alternative, you can also take AP Calculus AB, which is a challenging course, but not as intensive as AP Calculus BC.
I'll also add in accounting is not as math-heavy as most people think it is. For instance, you won't be looking at areas under curves or finding the derivatives of a given function. Accounting is just adding, subtracting, dividing and multiplying. Once in a while, you'll solve for an unknown variable similar to solving a simple algebraic equation.
Melody Tharpe
Education - Teacher
166
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Melody’s Answer
Hi Ashley,
Here are some careers that involve heavy math:
Meteorologist
Mathematics teacher
Accountant
Research Analyst
Computer programmer
Financial analyst
Financial planner
Information security analyst
This is to show you where you would use your math skills. As Professor Andrew stated above, you will start with the usual Algebra courses and continue to Calculus. As you work on those courses, please explore what area you may want to use these skills. Other skills are needed to develop a career even with a Mathematics degree or background such as communication skills and others. Take your time and try to match your personality, likes, and hopes for your future to your future direction. Best wishes for your future endeavors.
Here are some careers that involve heavy math:
Meteorologist
Mathematics teacher
Accountant
Research Analyst
Computer programmer
Financial analyst
Financial planner
Information security analyst
This is to show you where you would use your math skills. As Professor Andrew stated above, you will start with the usual Algebra courses and continue to Calculus. As you work on those courses, please explore what area you may want to use these skills. Other skills are needed to develop a career even with a Mathematics degree or background such as communication skills and others. Take your time and try to match your personality, likes, and hopes for your future to your future direction. Best wishes for your future endeavors.