What Do Mathematicians Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Mathematicians 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. They also develop computational methods for solving problems that occur in areas of science and engineering or that come from applications in business or industry.

Other tasks include:

• Apply mathematical theories and techniques to the solution of practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields.
• Develop mathematical or statistical models of phenomena to be used for analysis or for computational simulation.
• Assemble sets of assumptions and explore the consequences of each set.
• Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.
• 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.

We asked Mathematicians how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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70% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Mathematicians address the relationships of quantities, magnitudes, and forms through the use of numbers and symbols. They develop computational methods for solving problems that occur in areas of science and engineering or that come from applications in business or industry.

A typical day for a Mathematician will also include:

• Apply mathematical theories and techniques to the solution of practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields.
• Perform computations and apply methods of numerical analysis to data.
• Assemble sets of assumptions and explore the consequences of each set.
• Conduct research to extend mathematical knowledge in traditional areas, such as algebra, geometry, probability, and logic.
• Develop mathematical or statistical models of phenomena to be used for analysis or for computational simulation.

We asked some Mathematicians a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	21% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	26% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	38% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	9% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	0% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	13% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Mathematicians also maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences. They may also apply mathematical theories and techniques to the solution of practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Mathematicians Assemble sets of assumptions and explore the consequences of each set. They might also Develop mathematical or statistical models of phenomena to be used for analysis or for computational simulation.

In addition, they Perform computations and apply methods of numerical analysis to data.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Conduct research to extend mathematical knowledge in traditional areas, such as algebra, geometry, probability, and logic.

To some Mathematicians, it is also their responsibility to Address the relationships of quantities, magnitudes, and forms through the use of numbers and symbols.

Working life

More than 40 hours per week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Mathematician, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/math/mathematicians.htm

http://www.ams.org/

http://www.siam.org/

http://www.usajobs.gov/