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What does a mathematician do?

Mathematicians use formulas to conduct research and predict outcomes in regard to particular models or theories. They are often using mathematical principles, mathematical theories, and data analysis to come up with solutions to practical problems.

Mathematicians often use technology to help them in creating and evaluating existing principles oftentimes in fields such as business or engineering. Often, they use abstract algebra, differential equations, number theory, and rankings.

What skills do I need to become a mathematician?

To be a mathematician you need several important skills beyond math courses. Here’s a look at some of the skills mathematicians use. The type of skills necessary for a particular job will vary depending on where their career path leads them.

• Problem-solving: It should go without saying that a mathematician's job requires them to solve a lot of complex problems. While they need a knowledge of mathematical theories and mathematical models they are also going to have to think somewhat abstractly about how to apply those models.
• Analytical skills: Mathematicians also need to have strong analytical skills and a sense of process and order. Analytical skills are essential when it comes to working with mathematical models and understanding how they relate to practical problems.
• Computer programming: While not every mathematician’s job will require this skill it can help if a mathematician is well-versed in computer science. Given the presence of computers, smartphones, and tablets in society today, knowledge in this field can help a mathematician
• Public speaking: A career path in academia will require a mathematician to be comfortable speaking in front of a crowd. Postgraduate and doctoral work where a mathematician may be speaking at conferences can give them some of the work experience required for this.

What are the core responsibilities of a mathematician?

The responsibilities of a mathematician vary depending on whether they are working as a math teacher in academia, as a statistician, as a federal government contractor, or somewhere in private industry. Insurance companies can sometimes use mathematicians as actuaries.

Some common duties of a mathematician are:

• Expand mathematical knowledge to develop new principles.
• Use mathematical principles to recognize previously known relationships.
• Resolve practical problems in a business, engineering, or scientific setting
• Use computational methods and computer programming

Mathematicians can also be divided into two types:

• Applied mathematicians: This type of mathematician uses mathematical models to solve practical problems.
• Theoretical mathematicians: This type of mathematician identifies unexplained issues and attempts to resolve them. Typically theoretical mathematicians are looking to increase mathematical knowledge without considering real-world use. The insight they gain typically aids the related fields of engineering and business.

Should I get a mathematics degree?

It doesn’t hurt if you have an undergraduate degree or postgraduate degree specializing in mathematics.

Many mathematicians have a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctoral degree. While higher education may be your first thought when it comes to the field of mathematics, you can also pursue certifications and other programs that may involve some mathematics coursework.

Here are a few options you may want to consider adding to your profile:

• A bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or a doctoral degree in applied mathematics, theoretical mathematics, another mathematics program, or a related field.
• Any coursework you may have undertaken in the field of mathematics including linear algebra, data analysis, number theory, or advanced mathematics
• Computer science, data analysis, or information technology certificates from Google