Mathematics is a fundamental science that has been studied for hundreds of years. Mathematicians apply mathematical theory, algorithms, computational methods to answer economic, engineering, scientific, physics, and business questions. Mathematics is separated into two categories: theoretical and applied mathematics.
Theoretical mathematicians develop new mathematical theories and connect previously unknown relationships between mathematical concepts. Their research and theorizing has led to engineering advancements while contributing to mathematical theories. Theoretical mathematicians teach and conduct research at universities, think tanks and government agencies.
Applied mathematicians utilize theories, modeling, and computational methods for practical uses in all industries. They can devise the most effective way to schedule airline routes, manufacture cars, develop a high-tension bridge and much more.
Applied mathematicians specializing in industrial research use mathematical models to develop solutions for real-world problems. Cryptanalysts are mathematicians that decipher encryption codes intended to transmit sensitive information such as financial, police, or military records.
Applied mathematicians evaluate practical problems, break down the elements of the problem, and convert elements into mathematical variables, usually using advanced computer modeling to determine relationships, develop theories and come up with mathematical solutions.
Many professionals use applied mathematics in their work since mathematics is the foundation of many disciplines. Engineers, physicists, doctors, economists, actuaries, operations research analysts, computer programmers, technicians, accountants, financial managers and many more professionals use applied math in their daily work.
Mathematicians typically do the following:
Mathematicians work in government and in private science and engineering research. They work on teams with engineers, scientists, and other professionals.
Workers other than formal mathematicians use mathematical techniques. For example, engineers, computer scientists, physicists, and economists use mathematics extensively. Some workers, such as statisticians, actuaries, and operations research analysts, are specialists in a particular branch of mathematics. Some people with a mathematics background become math teachers.
Mathematicians work in the government and in private science and engineering research companies. They often work with engineers, scientists, and other professionals and therefore must often work around others’ schedules.
Mathematicians who work in post-secondary education usually have a mix of teaching and research responsibilities. Many academic mathematicians do research by themselves or in collaboration with other mathematicians. Collaborators work together at the same institution or from different locations, communicating electronically. Mathematicians in academia often have help from graduate students.
A person working as a Professor – Mathematics in Kenya typically earns around KSH239,000 per month. Salaries range from KSH110,000 (lowest) to KSH380,000 (highest).
Even though job openings for the title ‘mathematicians’ are expected to decline, demand for individuals with a masters’s degree or Ph.D. in mathematics, as well as those with degrees in related disciplines, is predicted to be strong. The best employment opportunities for those with a degree in math will be in computer science related occupations and engineering.
Mathematicians are some of the most highly educated professionals in the world. A doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in mathematics is typically the minimum qualification for becoming a mathematician. Some organizations, including government agencies, will hire individuals with a 4-year bachelor’s degree in math and/or a master’s degree in math. However, most organizations including engineering companies, technology firms, etc., require job candidates to have a Ph.D. in mathematics.
Most mathematicians will find positions in research and development in laboratories, working as researchers and analysts. In this environment mathematicians are involved in basic research using mathematical concepts and principles or in applied research. Those involved in applied research focus on developing processes or processes for application in real-world situations, usually commercial in nature. Those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mathematics usually work in fields related to math, such as computer science, engineering, or systems analysis, but don’t work specifically as mathematicians.
