Anyone who studies math must have a talent for the subject! Studying is considered particularly difficult. Every second person drops out again. This means that math has the highest dropout rate of all MINT subjects. So, is studying math really just for high achievers? And is the reputation that math students are “nerds” true?
Not all math students are high achievers, but of course you should have done well in school. However, anyone who believes that they are among the best in math with 15 points in their high school often experiences disappointment. Because, math at university has little to do with math at school, says Julia Kraus. She earned a Master of Science in mathematics.
10 Common Mathematics Myths
- Math is all about memorization
- Only certain people are good at math
- Mathematics is only useful for certain careers
- There is only one way to solve a math problem
- You’re either a “math person” or you are not
- Mathematics is only about numbers
- Real-world problems don’t require advanced math
- All mathematical problems have only one right answer
- Mathematics is boring
- You’re too old to learn math
Career with a Mathematics Degree
A dissertation, a final-year project, or a related industrial year out would be beneficial if you’re eager to use your mathematical talents in your chosen field of work. As part of a summer internship, you might also inquire about the possibility of collaborating on a research project with academic staff members. You can discuss this opportunity with any A Level Maths Tutor.
Placements are available on some mathematics degree courses in areas such as:
- the Civil Service
- banking
- computing
- financial services
- consulting
- retail.
Having prior job experience will make your application stand out for whatever post you apply for. Consider potential career paths and make an effort to align some relevant experience with them.
For instance, after completing your degree, if you want to become a teacher, attempt to gain some classroom experience or work for a sports club or play scheme. Additionally, you may search job openings in engineering firms, IT departments, or banks.
What Mathematicians Have to Say About Math?
“At school you learn how to calculate. You learn rules, how to divide correctly, and if you practice it often enough, then you’ll eventually know how it works. At university, on the other hand, you learn how to come up with these rules, you prove. This calculation with numbers actually doesn’t exist anymore. It’s becoming much more abstract, less tangible.” – Julia Kraus, Mathematics Master of Science.
A quick survey
Many new students have difficulty with this type of logical, abstract thinking. According to a study by the USA Center for Higher Education and Science Research, every second new student drops out. Not understanding everything straight away is completely normal when studying math.
The pace in the lectures for the main subjects Linear Algebra, Analysis and Stochastics is high. The students have to study the material again later. Solving practice problems is also part of the course. It’s important to network with fellow students, says Niklas Weber, a math student in the master’s program, and to let others explain problems that you don’t understand yourself.
“If you’ve already stared at some point in the book for three hours and think to yourself, I don’t understand it, then the message comes from the other person: ‘Look at it again for another hour: I think I understand something now.’ And then you maybe invest another hour. That way you can push each other. Not because one is better than the other, but you just don’t always do the jumps at the same time. So I managed quite well with my friends.” – Niklas Weber, master’s degree in finance and actuarial mathematics.
Practice Mathematics
In order to complete this difficult course of study, you have to invest a lot of time. This involves pondering over individual questions for hours. Nevertheless, mathematics students are not “nerds,” says Carolin Bauernhenne, enrolled in the elite “Topmath” course at the Technical University of Munich.
“I would say that there are very different types of people who have a place in math studies.” Carolin doesn’t look like a nerd at all, even though she’s a real math whiz. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she wrote her doctoral thesis straight away.
“What is most important in my opinion is to have fun with abstract thinking. And of course you need patience if you can’t solve a problem. Not at the first step, not at the second. But if you enjoy abstract thinking enough then patience comes automatically.” – Carolin Bauerhenne, Topmath Technical University.
Women Are Also Actively Taking Part
Many women are now studying mathematics. According to the Federal Statistical Office, in the teaching profession it is even over 60%. In the scientific courses, the Bachelor and Master of Science, only around 35%. The fact that math is not for girls is one of the myths that is not true. But women are still in the minority in scientific courses. Like medical courses, such as to become orthopedic surgeon after 12th, mathematicians have good career prospects.
The opportunities on the job market for mathematicians are excellent. According to estimates by the US Association of Mathematicians, unemployment is only 0.8%. Virtually full employment. The graduates are in demand in almost all industries. Because they approach problems in a structured manner, do not shy away from highly complex questions, and can think logically and precisely, they can be used universally. And it is precisely in the course of digitalization that new fields of work are emerging that are suitable for mathematicians.
After graduating, Julia Kraus immediately found a job at a household appliance company in Munich. She works in the “Data Science & Analytics Architecture” department. For the company, she uses algorithms to evaluate large amounts of data, which have recently been generated in the increasingly digital production of household appliances. Her boss, an economist, appreciates her employee’s competence.
Demand for Mathematicians
Mathematicians are also in demand in management consultancies, banking, and insurance. That’s why there are now mathematical courses that combine mathematics with economics. Mathematicians are valuable in the finance and insurance industry because they can systematically assess risks or make predictions. Studying mathematics offers many opportunities and career opportunities. Anyone who enjoys abstract, logical thinking and has perseverance and persistence should give it a try!
Also Read: Top 7 Careers for Math Graduates
