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PRACTITIONERS
Actuary:
- Actuaries are hired by insurance companies (life, health, casualty, etc.), pension plans, businesses, cunsulting firms (business and actuarial), and government agencies. To become an actuary (an Associate or a Fellow), one must pass a series of examinations administered by the Society of Actuaries. The initial exams are primarily mathematics, including probability and statistics, and can be taken while still an undergraduate student. Because actuarial science is a mixture of mathemetics and business, the student should speak with an advisor about other course work needed to prepare for this career. For more more information about a career in the actuarial sciences, see http://www.u.arizona.edu/~donaldm/actuarial/actuarl.html or www.beanactuary.org
Computational Scientist:
- A computational scientist is an applied mathematician who interprets problems arising from the physical sciences and engineering in mathematical form and develops mathmatical solutions to these problems. Very large and sophisticated computers are used intensively. Potential employers include government laboratories, the chemical industry, and the biotech industry.
Operations Research Analyst:
- Also called management science analysts, operations research analysts help organizations coordinate activities and operate in the most efficient manner, by applying scientific methods and mathematical principles to organizational problems. Computers are used extensively in their work. Students interested in this career path should minor in Management Information Systems (MIS) or Systems and Industrial Engineering (SIE).
Research Mathematician:
- In non-academic positions, research mathematicians conduct mathematical research in areas of interest to large corporations and various departments of government. These include the Department of Energy, various branches of the military, and security agencies. While the demand for non-academic research mathematicians has been shrinking in recent years, there still are positions available at national laboratories, the National Security Agency, and other government entities, as well as some large corporations. An advanced degree is usually required for these positions.
Scientific Communication:
- The scientific publishing industry has a need for scientifically trained individuals for sales and editing. Excellent writing and oral communication skills are essential in this career field. Accurate and understandable technical writing is widely needed.
Software Engineer or Software Consultant:
- A software engineer generally designs and writes software that performs nonnumerical functions, such as graphics. A background in math and computer science is needed. Employers include consulting firms and large corporations which do their own software development. There is also room in this field for the entrepreneur or consultant.
Statistician:
- Statistics is both a very applied field and also a theoretical one. Many, but not all, statisticians are active in both applications and the development of new theory, but the greatest potential in terms of jobs is in applied statistics. Statisticians generally work with people in other fields, therefore communication skills are very important. Statistical applications nearly always include the analysis of data and hence some knowledge and experience in computing is very important. There are opportunities for statisticians in the government, in industry, business, medicine, and in academia.
Systems Engineer or Systems Analyst:
- A systems engineer or analyst usually has substantial course work in engineering or another technical field. This enables him/her to apply mathematical techniques to solve the problems unique to the industry of their employer. Students interested in this career path should consider minoring in Systems and Industrial Engineering (SIE).
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