Mathematician

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A mathematician could...

Overview Listen to this section

Mathematicians are part of an ancient tradition of searching for patterns, conjecturing, and figuring out truths based on rigorous deduction. Some mathematicians focus on purely theoretical problems, with no obvious or immediate applications, except to advance our understanding of mathematics, while others focus on applied mathematics, where they try to solve problems in economics, business, science, physics, or engineering.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Mathematician?

1. Mathematics: ? Using mathematics to solve problems.
2. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
3. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
4. Active Learning: ? Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
5. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

6. Science: ? Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
7. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
8. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
9. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
10. Learning Strategies: ? Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Mathematician might do:

• 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.
• Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.
• Apply mathematical theories and techniques to the solution of practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields.
• 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.
• Perform computations and apply methods of numerical analysis to data.
• Assemble sets of assumptions, and explore the consequences of each set.
• Develop new principles and new relationships between existing mathematical principles to advance mathematical science.
• Develop computational methods for solving problems that occur in areas of science and engineering or that come from applications in business or industry.