{"id":4852,"date":"2023-03-04T12:11:49","date_gmt":"2023-03-04T12:11:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jhcolorpowdercoating.com\/?p=4852"},"modified":"2023-03-31T15:55:22","modified_gmt":"2023-03-31T15:55:22","slug":"mathematics-study-experiences-mathematicians-can","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jhcolorpowdercoating.com\/mathematics-study-experiences-mathematicians-can.html","title":{"rendered":"Mathematics study experiences: mathematicians can do everything"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Mathematics<\/div>\n

"Mathematicians can do everything!"This is at least the experience Bettina, Senior Project Manager at Mentorium, has had in her studies and career.<\/p>\n

Bettina studied mathematics herself and got her PhD. Why she lost her hearing and sight in her studies, what horses have to do with the study of mathematics and what the understanding of mathematical correlations can trigger, you will learn in this interview about her mathematics study experiences.<\/p>\n

If you're already studying math, you may be able to relate to some of Bettina's experiences. If you're still deciding whether studying mathematics is right for you, this interview will give you valuable insight into the study of mathematics and the subsequent career opportunities for mathematicians.<\/p>\n

With puzzles to mathematics<\/h2>\n

Liane: Hello Bettina and welcome to mathematics study tips. I would like to talk to you today about your experiences in your studies and career. Introduce yourself briefly to my readers.<\/p>\n

Bettina: Hi Liane, I am 32 and live with my husband and my daughter in Berlin. I studied mathematics with a minor in psychology at the TU Darmstadt. After that I did my PhD in applied mathematics. Before I went to Mentorium, I worked for a software company for some time.<\/p>\n

Liane: Mathematics polarizes – some people love mathematics, others hate it. You surely belong to the first group. Why exactly did you study mathematics? What do you love most about her?<\/p>\n

Bettina: I had a great math teacher in high school who gave us real-world brainteasers every now and then. These problems did not let me go until I had solved them. I could forget everything around me. That's why I set my mind to study math at that time.<\/p>\n

Being good at school math is not enough<\/h2>\n

Liane: Mathematics is one of the courses with a very high dropout rate. How did you experience this during your studies? Why do you think so many students drop out of math programs?<\/p>\n

Bettina: Yes, I have also had a few people drop out of their studies in between. I think it's because it's not enough to be good at math in school, you have to be willing to put in a lot of passion, time and perseverance.<\/p>\n

Liane: School mathematics does not have much in common with university mathematics as it is taught in mathematics studies. Was this clear to you before you started your studies?? If so, how did you prepare for your studies?? If not, how did you experience the change from school math to university math?<\/p>\n

Bettina: That's right. In the lecture, we always spent a few minutes repeating the mathematics from school and then we really got down to business. It's hard to hear and see. A small idea had, as already mentioned, already given me my math teacher. Therefore, I am not blindsided.<\/p>\n

Hard to accept: Some things you may never understand<\/h2>\n

Liane: What was your biggest hurdle during your studies and how did you overcome it??<\/p>\n

Bettina: My biggest hurdle was actually my own claim. You can't study math with the claim to understand everything. Sometimes contexts become clear only 2 semesters later and some things you may never understand. Very helpful were the office hours, where you can discuss the tasks with tutors and fellow students. But it was also very important to clear my head in the meantime so that I could get back on track. I have then always gone for a ride.<\/p>\n

Liane: What did you enjoy most in your mathematics studies and why??<\/p>\n

Bettina: This may sound strange, but there's something quite wonderful about a math problem solved or suddenly understanding a mathematical context!<\/p>\n

Persistence and perseverance through your studies<\/h2>\n

Liane: Many of my readers are interested in studying mathematics and often ask themselves whether they will be able to complete their studies. What advice do you have for prospective students? What do you think they should have to be successful in their studies?<\/p>\n

Bettina: You don't always have to have had great grades in math at school, what's important is a willingness to tackle tasks yourself and not let up until you've done it.<\/p>\n

Internships for more insight into career choice<\/h2>\n

Liane: About the career opportunities for mathematicians still prevails a rather one-sided picture. Most people think you can't do much with a degree in math after graduation. How was it for you? When did you first look into career opportunities for mathematicians? What options came to mind for you and why?<\/p>\n

Bettina: I did some internships before the diploma thesis. One I did in applied research at a Max Planck Institute, one at an automotive company and one at a bank, so very different things. This helped me a lot to orientate myself. Actuarial and financial mathematics are z.B. super exciting and certainly offer great career opportunities, but I personally like more the directions of technology, research and education.<\/p>\n

From Software Support to Senior Project Manager<\/h2>\n

Liane: After graduation you were employed by a software company. So you've probably covered the technical direction? What tasks did you have there and how did you benefit from your mathematical education in the process?<\/p>\n

Bettina: Exactly, I did technical support and sales for a software that uses mathematics to simulate the behavior of physical systems. This is what companies use z. B. To optimize vehicles, machines or buildings.<\/p>\n

Liane: Today you work as a "Senior Project Manager" at Mentorium. Why did you decide to become a project manager?? Which activities belong to your area of responsibility?<\/p>\n

Bettina: I chose it because I was inspired by the goals and values of Mentorium, which is to help students overcome their fear of math and statistics by providing very high quality and customized math tutoring and coaching. In addition to quality assurance and recruiting lecturers, my tasks also include communication with customers and the continuous development of our services.<\/p>\n

From the everyday working life of a mathematician with a doctorate degree<\/h2>\n

Liane: Please describe to my readers a typical day in your professional life.<\/p>\n

Bettina: A typical day might look like this: I first answer incoming customer requests and make important phone calls. Then I conduct an online job interview with a potential lecturer or draft texts for z.B. New websites or articles. Communication with partners and, of course, my colleagues is also part of everyday work, so that we can implement new ideas to further develop our processes and services as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n

Liane: What do you enjoy most about your job??<\/p>\n

Bettina: What I enjoy most is seeing how my previous experience and mathematical know-how contribute to the success of the company.<\/p>\n

Mathematics study also in retrospect first choice<\/h2>\n

Liane: Looking back, what value do your studies and doctorate have for you?? With your current knowledge, would you choose to study mathematics and do a PhD again??<\/p>\n

Bettina: Yes, I would immediately study math again. Today, I would look for a working student job early in my studies, where I can apply what I have learned, but also to get an insight into the free economy at an earlier stage. As a mathematician, you know very little that can be applied concretely, but you have the gift of being able to familiarize yourself with any subject in no time at all. That's why I always say<\/p>\n

My doctorate was quite a challenge, as it requires an enormous amount of independence and stamina, but I would not want to miss this experience.<\/p>\n

Liane: Dear Bettina, it was a pleasure for me. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences from your math studies, doctorate, and jobs!<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

What should you take away from Bettina's mathematics study experience??<\/p>\n

Bettina also had ups and downs in her studies. The following tips, derived from the interview, are for you to take with you on your way through your mathematics studies:<\/p>\n