Why Math?
Last week, a friend of a student was visiting on campus. She told me
that although she really liked math, she had never really considered
being a math major. Her reason astounded me. She had been told by
her father, a mathematics professor at a state university, that math
was worthwhile preparation only for a teaching career! In the lingo
of our times, that is
SO NOT TRUE!
Unfortunately, though, it is an impression shared by all too many
students. They just don't realize that in addition to being an
absolutely fascinating and captivating subject, math is also excellent
preparation for a large number of career paths, for
a wide range of job titles other than "mathematician."
The MAA has done a good deal over the years to publicize the broad
range of career opportunities awaiting those with mathematical
training, including publishing some very popular books (101 Careers in
Mathematics, and She Does Math). But in this electronic age, we can
all benefit from the efforts of
thoughtful colleagues around the country to explain the attractions
and benefits of studying our subject. Here is a sampling
of web sites that I turned up recently:
- Take This Math Job and Love It (MiraCosta College)
- Math Careers (Cal State Fullerton)
- Why major in Mathematics? (University of Georgia)
- Mathematics Job Opportunities? (University of Georgia)
In addition, the following pages may be of interest:
- MAA Online review of 101 Careers in Mathematics
- MAA Online review of She Does Math
- MAA Online review of Great Jobs For Math Majors
- Career Profiles (Part of the AMS-MAA-SIAM Mathematical Sciences Career Information Project)
- 5 Unique Careers in Mathematics