This week’s career memes are an ode to mathematicians, the numerical wizards who use their knowledge to solve practical problems in disciplines such as business, commerce, technology, engineering and the sciences.
A mathematician’s job involves performing computations and analysing and interpreting data, reporting conclusions from a data analysis and using those findings to support or improve business decisions, and developing mathematical or statistical models to analyse data.
Many mathematicians work for governments or for private scientific and R&D companies.
Mathematicians typically need a master’s degree in mathematics, and can branch out into specific fields, such as applied mathematics or theoretical mathematics.
A good mathematician will obviously possess solid maths skills, yet he or she is also required to have good analytical, communication and problem-solving skills. The ability to think creatively will also benefit mathematicians when it comes to designing or developing ideas, systems, products or new applications.
In Ireland, employees with a bachelor of arts mathematics degree can expect to earn an average annual salary of €28,249-€40,695, according to PayScale.com.
