Introduction - Mathematician
Mathematics is the cradle of all civilisations, and the world would not move an inch without it. Mathematicians think analytically, and their reasoning enables them to recognise patterns, quantify correlations, and predict future trends.
Similar Job Titles Job Description
- Arithmetician
- Algebraist
- Statistician
- Mathematical Statistician
- Trigonometrician
- Geometrician
- Geometer
- Number Theorist
- Numerical Analyst
- Theoretician
- Probability Theorist
- Number Theorist
What does a Mathematician do?
What are the typical responsibilities of a Mathematician?
A Mathematician would typically need to:
- Conduct research to develop new mathematical theories, concepts and rules in areas such as algebra, trigonometry, and geometry by expanding mathematical knowledge; recognise new relationships between existing mathematical principles
- Create surveys, experiments, and opinion polls to gather data; collect data; decide what data is required to answer the problems; interpret and analyse data and report conclusions; use data to improve issues in business settings
- Develop mathematical & statistical models of phenomena and use them for data analysis or computational simulation
- Assemble sets of assumptions and explore the consequences of each set; make calculations of variables; address the relationship of quantities, magnitudes, and forms using symbols and numbers
- Create models to resolve practical problems and support decision-making in areas such as engineering, science, and business; develop computational methods and computer codes; make comparative inferences from models through observations or experiments
- Analyse and decipher encryption systems designed to transmit political, military, and law-enforcement information in code; analyse network systems & data; develop information security policies & procedures
- Write analytical reports; publish papers; present research results at conferences
- Stay up to date with developments in the field by reading professional journals, attending conferences, and talking with other professionals
Mathematician Work Environment
Mathematicians typically work in comfortable offices with access to computer software and other tools to develop mathematical theorems and phenomena and analyse them. They often work in interdisciplinary teams, interacting with economists, scientists, IT professionals, and engineers.
Travel away from home is possible to attend seminars and conferences in other towns and cities or overseas. The post may also necessitate a temporary relocation to another city, region, or even country.
Work Schedule Mathematicians work full-time. They may even work during evenings and weekends to deal with last-minute requests and meet competing deadlines.
You may also choose to freelance, in which case, you can set your own schedule.
Employers Finding a new job might seem challenging. Keep in mind, however, that there is a demand for Mathematicians in several industries and sectors. You can boost their job search by asking your network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.
Mathematicians are generally employed by:
- Educational Institutions
- Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
- Governmental Agencies
- Engineering Firms
- Insurance Companies
- Finance, Banking & Accountancy Firms
- IT Consultancies & Providers
- Market Research Firms
- Marketing Companies
- Research Institutes
- Healthcare Sector
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Business Consultancies
- Operational Research Companies
- Petroleum & Nuclear Industries
- Spaceflight Companies
Unions / Professional Organizations Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Mathematical Union (IMU), are crucial for Mathematicians interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.
Workplace Challenges
- Working overtime to complete ongoing research papers
- Stress arising from having to meet competing deadlines
- Spending time away from home in conferences
Work Experience for a Mathematician
An industrial year out, a final year project or a dissertation will be beneficial if you want to employ your mathematical talents in your chosen career. As part of a summer internship, you could also inquire about the possibility of working on a research project with academic experts.
Previous work experience, regardless of the position you apply for, will help your application stand out. Paid or voluntary experience in a relevant field will demonstrate your interest in and commitment to your chosen profession and provide you with the opportunity to network and develop important skills.
If you wish to qualify as a teacher after you finish your degree, you will need experience working with students in a classroom or related settings, such as play schemes or sports clubs. Experience in the classroom is required, whether as an observer, a classroom assistant, or a volunteer.
As in any career, reading about the profession and interviewing those working in computer programming are also important ways to explore your interest.
Recommended Qualifications for a Mathematician
Entry-level jobs typically require a four-year bachelor’s degree in mathematics. Typical courses include calculus, algebra, linear and abstract equations, statistics, probability, and data analysis.
You may also need to take courses in a related field, such as computer science, physics, statistics, or engineering.
Employers usually prefer Mathematicians who have acquired a master’s degree or a doctorate in theoretical or applied mathematics, particularly for jobs in the private sector. Some degree programs may be available online.
Master’s degree programs in mathematics need a bachelor’s degree in related disciplines and take from one to three years to complete, depending on whether you study on an accelerated level or part- or full-time.
Such degrees focus on a particular field of mathematics in areas that are of personal and professional interest and use to them, such as teaching or financial mathematics. Students who receive a doctoral degree may work as professors.
Certifications, Licenses and Registration Some national and local organisations offer certification to students who pass an exam or meet certain experience and qualification standards.
Voluntary certification is commonly seen as confirmation of an individual’s drive and motivation, giving them an edge in promotions and raises.
Mathematician Career Path
Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Mathematicians with consistently high-performance levels may be eligible for promotion every two to three years.
After a few years of practical experience, you will be able to take on more project responsibilities. Once you have handled the work of other Mathematicians, you can advance to Project Manager or Technical Director.
You may opt to work in senior research positions or commercial tasks, such as sales & marketing. There may also be opportunities to embark on projects or secondments abroad with international companies.
Following your PhD, you can move on to three-year fixed-term postdoctoral research positions in academic environments. The majority of freshly qualified postdoctoral fellows pursue advertised posts or send applications to established scientists.
Academic advancement depends on your research accomplishments, determined by the number, quality and originality of papers you have published and your ability to obtain funding. Presenting your work at national and international conferences can help you advance your career.
Mathematics Professors at university teach courses, mentor their students, and serve their institution, community, and the world by conducting research and building new knowledge in their field. They may also take on consultancy work.
With relevant experience, you may choose to work as a freelance Mathematician.
Job Prospects Mathematicians with data analysis abilities and strong communication skills to convey their findings to diverse stakeholders have the best job prospects.
Mathematician Professional Development
Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Mathematician build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.
Most firms in the industry provide training and support to ensure that you have the necessary skills.
Mathematicians may pursue additional educational qualifications by obtaining a master’s degree, which typically entails studying operational research and medical statistics in pharmaceutical businesses, meteorology, and engineering design.
While a PhD in Mathematics is not usually necessary, students should acquire it if they wish to work in mathematical research or teach mathematics at college or university. PhD programs are typically on-campus, require a dissertation, and last four to five years, during which you may pair research with teaching assistantships.
You could specialise in a particular field of statistics, such as applied, medical and official statistics. If you are starting work at a university, you will have access to postdoctoral training.
Attending conferences and events and networking with peers will help you stay updated with changes in your industry.
Learn More
Types of Mathemagicians
Theoretical Mathematicians conduct research to uncover and address unsolved problems in mathematics. They generally focus on understanding their subject better by discovering new areas and connections between mathematical theories. Many scientific and engineering breakthroughs can benefit from the knowledge bank these Mathematicians develop.
Applied Mathematicians solve practical problems using theories and approaches such as mathematical modelling. They frequently collaborate with people in other fields, such as chemists, materials scientists, and chemical engineers, to assess the efficacy of new medicines or industrial designers to investigate the aerodynamic properties of new automobiles.
These fields of mathematics commonly overlap, despite their differences. In their work, many Mathematicians use both applied and theoretical knowledge.
Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment
Freelancing Mathematicians have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.
On the other hand, a full-time Mathematician has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.
When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.
Conclusion
In both direct and indirect ways, mathematics is woven into every aspect of our life. Mathematicians use the world to understand math, and math helps them comprehend the world by applying theorems and rules into a real-life context.
Advice from the Wise Do not hesitate to rewrite a paper if you believe that rewriting the paper from a different perspective will make it clearer and simpler to read. Papers that are well written become "classics" and are extensively read by mathematicians. Poorly drafted papers are either ignored or, if they are sufficiently important, rewritten by others.
Did you know?
With 23 people in a room, you have an even chance that two of them share a birthday. Among 75 people in a room, there is a 99 per cent chance for two to have the same birthday.