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Career Profiles

Mathematics and Statistics

Mathematics and Statistics

Mathematics is fundamental to the study of virtually all science subjects and a prerequisite for the study of many others. More and more careers need some knowledge of mathematics. Whether you are interested in becoming a linguist, geographer or psychologist, a share-broker, architect or market researcher, a computer programmer, physicist or biologist - mathematics opens doors! In addition, the demand for statisticians and for people who have a working knowledge of statistics has burgeoned in recent years.

Statistics is an area of applied mathematics and is concerned with the collection, analysis and interpretation of data. Statisticians examine data and use it to draw conclusions about the nature of the data collection process or the "epopulation" which provided it. Statistics form an integral part of many scientific research programmes, particularly in environmental, biological and social sciences.

A distinction can be made between the various branches of statistics and the rest of mathematics. Mathematics is inherently highly precise, whereas statistics deals with variability and probability. In this leaflet we include statistics under the umbrella of mathematics.

Operations Research, the study of which requires a good understanding of statistics, is the science of decision making in business, industry and government. This involves designing models for an "esystem" and then analysing and optimising these models. This process can be applied tor esource allocation, inventory control, scheduling, optimal design, and the operation of large-scale systems.

Widening Opportunities

Mathematics opens doors because it provides a critical knowledge base, enabling you to study subjects such as physics, chemistry, economics and engineering, and because it compliments and supports so many others. In the job market, many employers consider it a plus if one or more maths papers are included in a degree, as this indicates a good level of numerical ability. The higher you rise in a career, the more likely you are to need management skills, which will include the ability to make decisions based on the analysis of numerical data. The study of mathematics will help to develop your powers of analysis, logical thinking and problem solving, and also help you think concisely and precisely;attributes needed for almost all careers. Your career prospects are therefore enhanced if you include mathematics in your degree.

Related Links:

The Australian Mathematical Society's job website: www.austms.org.au/Jobs

Want to read more? Download a complete copy of Career View on Mathematics and Statistics.

Career View on Mathematics and Statistics is part of the Career View series produced by Career Development and Employmentat Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. While the booklet was originally developed for a New Zealand audience, we believe that graduates in Australia will also find the information within it relevant and useful.

Check out the excellent resources available on the Victoria University of Wellington's Careers homepage at www.vuw.ac.nz/st_services/careers .

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