Mathematician (Wiskundige)

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A mathematician is a scholar or scientist who thinks about possible problems in an abstract and logical way, so that these problems can be solved in a mathematical way. Mathematics is a formal science, in which the mathematician studies numbers, structures and patterns in order to arrive at solutions. Although most people will soon think of mathematics as arithmetic and geometry, mathematics should be seen much more broadly, because mathematics relates to recognizing patterns and structures. An important part of mathematics is that there must be mathematical statements, the accuracy of which has been demonstrated in order to be able to use them. A mathematical statement is sometimes called a proposition or statement, which is true or false. Despite the fact that the profession of mathematician in most cases relates to scientists, there are also training opportunities at hbo level. The substantive activities of a mathematician cannot simply be indicated, because a mathematician can work for different companies, institutions and other organizations. Mathematics plays an important role in quite a few professions and sciences in various ways. Mathematicians are important employees within the business world, because it is the mathematicians who can make difficult and especially complex calculations. It is not the case that mathematicians are solely responsible for performing mathematical calculations. Think, for example, of mathematicians who work as econometricians, programmers or mechanical engineers.

Exactly which work a mathematician performs depends entirely on the education received and the type of employer. In general, we can say that a mathematician conducts research into mathematical theories, methods, concepts and techniques, which can help an organization further. Making probability calculations is also common as a mathematician. For example, a probability calculation may relate to the probability of damage. This kind of information is important for insurance companies. Another example is the statistical calculation of the probability that a stock market share will rise or fall. This type of information is important for asset managers and pension funds. Mathematicians are common in practice, but a mathematician will not easily call himself a mathematician. Think, for example, of an accountant, engineer, credit analyst, mechanical engineer, programmer, econometrician or a traffic engineer, all of whom have to do with mathematics. There are therefore countless professions imaginable that fit the profession of mathematician. Within mathematics, there is an important difference between a normal study of mathematics and the study of applied mathematics. The difference between these studies is that a normal study of mathematics is focused on the foundations of mathematics, such as geometry and topology, and that the study of applied mathematics is a technical study.

TASKS AS A MATHEMATICIAN

A mathematician is at his core responsible for abstract and logical thinking about possible problems, so that these problems are solved in a mathematical way. In practice, mathematicians can also perform other activities in which coming up with solutions is important. Consider, for example, an automotive engineer, who is responsible for making vehicles safer. An automotive engineer can do this by calculating material strength and by conducting impact tests. In addition, mathematics plays an important role in other sciences. Think, for example, of physics and chemistry.

WHAT DOES A MATHEMATICIAN DO:

TRAINING TO BECOME A MATHEMATICIAN

There are various training options when it comes to the profession of mathematician, such as the Hbo-study Mathematics and the university study Mathematics. As described earlier, there is an important difference within mathematics between a regular mathematics programme and the applied mathematics programme. The applied mathematics programme is a technical programme. In addition, there are also plenty of external training institutes where you can follow a course. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.

COMPANIES WHERE A MATHEMATICIAN CAN WORK

A mathematician can work for different companies, research institutions and governments. Think, for example, of financial institutions, insurance companies, engineering firms, pension funds or the IT sector. A mathematician can also work within the logistics sector. Some professions such as mathematician can be logistics analyst, software architect, business economist or, for example, tax advisor. In addition, a mathematician can work as a mathematics teacher within education.

COMPETENCES MATHEMATICIAN

The competences of a mathematician cannot be clearly indicated, because they can differ per level of education and the chosen programme. In general, we can say that a mathematician must be good at analyzing data. Structured and disciplined work can also be regarded as an important competence. In addition, you must have mathematical insight. If you work as a scientist, you will also need to have research skills. Generally important words are passion, insight, independence, comparison, communication, perseverance and performance.

LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A MATHEMATICIAN

The labour market perspective of a mathematician is generally good. Graduate mathematicians generally don't have much trouble finding a job because mathematicians can work anywhere. The career opportunities as a mathematician should be seen in obtaining a managerial position or obtaining a PhD when we talk about a scientist.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND SALARY MATHEMATICIAN

There are no examples of the employment conditions as a mathematician because you can work for various types of companies, governments and research institutions in different sectors. In general, a mathematician will earn a salary between 3500 and 5500 euros gross per month, depending on age, education and further responsibilities. Within this profession, it is conceivable that someone will earn much more, for example if the mathematician has great responsibilities.

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