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Career Exploration

Mathematicians

Also called: Computational Mathematician, Cryptographer, Mathematician, Research Scientist

What they do:

Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods.

On the job, you would:
  • Address the relationships of quantities, magnitudes, and forms through the use of numbers and symbols.
  • Disseminate research by writing reports, publishing papers, or presenting at professional conferences.
  • Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.
On the job, you'll need:

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics

Education and Training

  • teaching and course design

Basic Skills

  • using math to solve problems
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Math

  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem
  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • read and understand what is written

Ideas and Logic

  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
  • use rules to solve problems

Visual Understanding

  • quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things

Investigative

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.

  • Analytical Thinking
  • Attention to Detail
  • Persistence
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Innovation
  • Initiative

Analytical or scientific software

  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • The MathWorks MATLAB

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Object or component oriented development software

  • C#
  • Perl

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Average.

New job opportunities are likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $112,110

Education

Doctoral degree or master's degree is usually needed.