Degree in statistic and mathematic

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around concerns regarding the future job prospects for a degree in Statistics and Mathematics, particularly with a specialization in Statistics. Participants explore potential career paths, the value of mathematical skills in various fields, and the implications of switching to other areas such as software engineering or healthcare.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the future of their degree in Statistics and Mathematics, citing concerns from others about job prospects.
  • Another participant encourages sticking with the current degree, noting that math skills are in demand, especially in finance and related fields.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that the perception of job availability in quantitative finance may be more myth than reality, indicating a historical context where such jobs were scarce.
  • One participant shares their positive experience finding a job after graduating with a Math degree and emphasizes the importance of networking and practical skills, particularly in Statistics.
  • Concerns are raised about job opportunities in Canada, especially regarding language barriers for non-French speakers.
  • Another participant suggests considering stable fields like healthcare as an alternative career path.
  • Language challenges are mentioned, with one participant expressing difficulty in writing courses affecting their academic performance.
  • A suggestion is made to take ESL courses to improve language skills for better academic outcomes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions regarding the job market for Statistics and Mathematics graduates, with some advocating for the value of the degree while others highlight potential challenges and uncertainties. There is no consensus on the best career path or the future job market conditions.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various factors influencing job prospects, including personal interests, language skills, and the importance of networking. The discussion reflects a range of experiences and perspectives without resolving the uncertainties presented.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a degree in Statistics or Mathematics, those exploring career options in STEM fields, and individuals interested in the job market dynamics for math-related degrees.

d_b
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Hi! I'm on my way to get my bachelor in Statistic and mathematic with specialization in statistic...the thing is i heard a few people said that they have to go back to school because this field has no future...Now I'm kinda worry because I'm not sure if I'm in the right field. I like doing what I'm doing right now but what kind of jobs can i get from this degree? I've been thinking about switching it to software engineer but i don't know what would the future hold for that either...does anyone know??
 
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Since you are already persuing a degree in Math or Statistics , you should just stick with it. If you are interested in it you should stick with it. I am currently a Computer Science major, and i can tell you that math skills are very sought after especially in finiance and wall street. Trust me you still would have marketable skills. If you really are interested in Computer Engineering you should just minor in it. You don't need a software engineering, to be one you just have to be technically skilled and be a problem solver. If you have a good portifilio you do fine.
 
Tacomablack said:
Im currently a Computer Science major, and i can tell you that math skills are very sought after especially in finiance and wall street.

Yea, now's a great time to go hit up wall street or a bank for a job.

/sigh

There have been a few times in the past that firms were working hard to find quantitative finance people. As time has gone on, it's become more myth than reality. Right now probably all myth.

Even at the best of times, a math/statistics BS didn't get you a job as a quant.
 
d_b said:
Hi! I'm on my way to get my bachelor in Statistic and mathematic with specialization in statistic...

What do you want to do? What kind of work do you want to do? What kind of job do you want to have? What kind of company or entity do you want to work for? Where are you getting your degree from? Where would you like to work?
 
I think you have a pretty decent shot at getting a job with a B.S. in Math with a Statistics concentration. I just graduated in May with a Math degree and Stats minor and started my career (actuary) in July, and I know plenty of math majors that found jobs pretty quickly: a friend of mine works for the Census bureau, another works on weapon systems for the Navy; in fact, each of these guys were both Math majors and Statistics minors. A (stats) professor of mine used to joke about the degree: the math for fun, and the statistics to get a job. He is right: emphasize your Statistics experience. However, the math major is a valuable thing as well: emphasize problem solving skills, logical thinking skills, patience :smile:

Computer skills can be very valuable when looking for a job. Having experience with SAS, a programming language (C++ or Java or ...), MS Excel (and if you have the time, mess around in MS Access) are definitely a plus. You don't need to be an expert with any of these programs, but you should have some knowledge of each.

Networking can also be extremely valuable (it's how I got my job). Once you have an idea of what it is you would like to do, then start getting involved with people in the profession. Don't ask them for a job (yet), just ask them lots of questions and if possible have lunch and talk with them: see if they like the profession, what skills are necessary to excel in the profession, and so on. Also, look into job fairs - either on campus (preferred) or in your local city.

However, all of what I wrote is meaningless until you can answer Locrian's questions: what do you want to do? There are lots of jobs out there, just find what you want and go for it!
 
The thing is I'm not sure what i want to do. I'm good in math and I'm good in programming. I can sit for hours doing either one. I just need to know that after school I could get a job that pays off. Especially in Canada, I don't really speak french and I don't know how hard to get a job in Canada without french.
 
how bout doign something else liek healthcare? you know that's going to be stable.
 
English isn't my first language, I have a hard time getting through school without getting bad marks from all the writing courses, I don't know if I could write well enough to get me into medical school
 
try to take ESL courses at a community college. I am sure they got tutors there.
 

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