What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming A Math Major (Mathematics Major)
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- Опубліковано 19 бер 2019
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Cheers for the video Brian. Do you think at all that you really needed to start and go through your math degree program before you would truly understand what area you would enjoy most? Also, Was your interest in Math as degree from a place of general enjoyment of math, or the fact that you were good at math, or perhaps a bit of both? Thanks again.
Cathy O'Neill nails it when she speaks to the fact that math majors in most universities are not set up to allow students to develop the stupid skills of proofs simply because it is used as a weeding out mechanism.
Indeed there is so much opportunity for more students to get into math and develop much needed new ideas in math.
I like how some folks in the comments mentioned that some univ are developing more robust courses for freshman. It's really a wonderful field even with those abelians crawling around. :)
People think calculus is the pinnacle of mathematics. That’s baby food.
Compared to some higher level courses, you're right :)
Its easy to find this out after like sophmore year
@@alfredtovar6451 right
@@alfredtovar6451 Only if you're a Math major. Most other people remain blissfully ignorant. Hell, I've seen plenty who insist Calculus II must be the hardest Math course because it's a "weed out" class or something, and they justify it by claiming their friends thought Calc III and IV were easier. Maybe they were, but they're all pretty damn easy compared to Analysis and Abstract Algebra.
That's for a math major. If you are majoring in a non steem field then you won't even habe to take pre calculus.
That there is nothing wrong with majoring in math just because you find ot interesting. After graduating I found that it helped me to find jobs as a programmer even though the math I learned In college was rarely used
I'm very glad to hear math helped you out! Have a great day.
Did you have any intern experience coding because I am finding it difficult to even get an interview?
Pure math or applied? Or statistics?
Cameron Dudley Sorry I did not see your comment earlier. I hope you had more luck lately I got lucky after answering an ad for math majors and got a job as an "equation writer", believe it or not. My degree did help me to land jobs that required a degree in something. Remember you can't be lucky if you don't try.
115 Stig I was more on applied in college, but now wish I had known more about what pure math had to offer. Statistics did help me land one job, but it was more that I had a degree in something for jobs that required a degree.
I was a math major who also had no idea what I was getting into. I could totally relate. Back then, I wished I knew pure math was more like essay writing with numbers.
I know I'm four years late (before I realized I would major in math), but I'd definitely rather write essays instead of memorizing ways to solve problems.
Wow. This is exactly what I figured out after I graduated with my math degree. After calculus, it became very rigorous and abstract. Also, resources for tutors were almost nonexistent at that point. The biggest help for me was like you said, visiting the professor for help or study groups with other math colleagues. It can feel misleading as a math major when you enjoy algebra and calculus, and then move on to real analysis and abstract algebra. A drastic style change in problem solving I'd say
It’s a whole new world once you get into the major. Thanks for watching and sharing. Have a great day!
I didn’t sign up for Real Analysis 1/2 and Abstract Algebra 1/2! I wanted easy computation math said every math major LOL Complex Analysis and Advanced Linear Algebra and officially a math major :D
@@dre8160 Interesting. Recent math graduate here and Real Analysis 1/2 & Abstract Algebra 1/2 are both required. It completely demolished me! I had nightmares on Ring Homomorphisms. With all this said, I am on the job hunt and it is not going so well.
Ronnie Sokha kinda jobs are you applying to and what city? I’m about to graduate and look for data analyst jobs in Chicago.! Hoping it goes well for me my brother seemed to get a fairly decent job with a finance degree, so I am hoping it goes better for me.
@@dre8160 I've applied to jobs such as Data Science, Data Analyst, Financial Analyst, etc. Mostly any analyst position that is available. I've also applied for many positions in the finance sector just to see if I would get any type of response. All of this to no avail, so far. I live in Seattle, WA so the tech industry is growing rapidly. With all this said, if you aren't offered a 6 figure salary in Seattle, you are most likely living at least an hour or so away, which comes with the crappy traffic/commute. In addition, I've also searched for jobs that are related to CS degrees but obviously, they would want you to know some form of programming. At the University of WA, you are only required to take intro courses to Java Programming; that is, basic syntax and intro to algorithms. Therefore, I also lack advanced programming skills needed for Software Developer positions. I must add, though, that I've been offered teaching positions at a couple of high schools in the area, but one cannot afford to live off of a high school teaching salary. With all this said, I've decided to just take it upon myself to get a better grasp on Java programming via UA-cam. I've just graduated early June so I just need to be patient! Congratulations on the graduation, by the way! Good luck.
it's scary how accurate this is
Glad you thought so. Thanks for watching and have a great day!
I graduated high school in 1990. I was a mathematics major in college but stopped pursuing my studies after two years. I ultimately became a narcotics trafficker and was sent to prison as a middle-aged adult in 2015. While I was there, they made me a mathematics/English tutor with a strong emphasis on mathematics. While there, I decided to change my life and return to school when I left prison. I planned to double major in Mathematics + Spanish (the second language I unintentionally began to acquire as a byproduct of trafficking), but ultimately decided to focus on Spanish because it was uber-problematic for me to obtain tutoring help in prison as I was brushing up on my basic math skills. This was particularly true regarding trigonometry. After qualifying for parole in October 2018, I obtained an AA in Spanish in 2019 and a BA in Spanish with a History minor in 2021. I completed some graduate courses in TESOL in 2022 but am currently taking another pause from my studies because I am unclear about my academic future and goals. There's a void in my brain due to my lack of focus and discipline regarding mathematics from my past. Thanks for making these videos mate. If nothing else, they remind me of what could have been if I knew then what I know now. Cheers.
This video is so true....
Thought I was good in math doing calculus to diff eqs...
Then real analysis, linear algebra, topology, etc brought me back to reality. I was probably in my teachers office every other day but I'm glad I got the applied math degree.
Did you enjoy it?
I’m a psychology major what am I doing here
Come to the dark side :)
BriTheMathGuy I’m tempted, convince me Math Darth Vader
@Atlantic Pacific I'm a BS double major in mathematics and psychology. I suggest you check these links out because you sound very uneducated...
www.mathpsych.org/
www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-mathematical-psychology
I was a psych major once. I'm sending in my application for applied math in a couple weeks.
idktriple6 dang calm down it’s a joke
high school kid here- thank you for making this video! i’m having trouble figuring out what i want to major in, and even though i still have a year and a half till i graduate, i’m looking into all the STEM stuff now!
yep
My advice..
Stay away from Computer Science and Computer Engineering (Unstable career).
If you like math?
Bachelor in Math Education OR Mathematics Major: Probability and Statistics Emphasis.
And try to get a second major, BS in Economics
Hey, what did you end up choosing for your major, if you've chosen yet?
@@orinthiamartin1189 physics! so far I’ve loved it :)
@@arantxapardue2375 That's really cool! :]
I'm amazed at how beautifully you speak. Really interesting video.
Really appreciate it! Have a great day.
Math major student here. I totally relate to what you say, and I really think the way we could solve those common problems is bonding as a community, because we tend to be isolated, so no one tells you how it's going to be. I really hope our experience could help the forecoming generation of mathematicians.
This video makes me feel so seen, thank you
Great vid. I wish I could’ve taken mathematical proofs vs AP Cal AB & BC in high school. It would have saved me a lot of time and $$$ to get a head start on proofs.
Graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in Mathematics Back in 2014.
Hi i'm currently a math major!! I took it as a degree because i was fascinated and inspired by its abstract nature!!
Yeah this is what I noticed too. I was working overtime at my job each week. Once the real math classes started I stopped working so much and had tutors from India and China. I still have no idea what focus I want. I’m thinking computational seeing as I work with computers
I’m sure you will figure everything out. Best of luck and thanks for watching!
Hey Mikaela! How did it go?
mathematics is a basic of science which is necessary of understanding how the nature works.
Absolutely! Thanks for watching!
*understanding how almost everything works.
Unfortunately some apply this definition to physics
@@pianoforte17xx48 Mathematics is about every and any universe, physics is what happens when you specify it to a specific universe (ours or some other)
@@user-dr9gs6wh1k exactly math is the code and physics is the program
I thought that this experience is only limited to me and to my local experience, never expected that this is is an international experience mathematicians go through around the world !
I liked the idea you said if you like to teach go for educational math, if you like work on industries go for applied math!
Thank you for share!
So on point. I went back for a bachelors in math, while having the majority of the 100-300 level courses completed through an engineering degree. I did exactly that, real analysis/abstract algebra sure let me sign up for that wont be so bad once I get there. Start with logic class, and its like damn this is pretty hard but manageable. Next, mathematical proof and problem solving - the most critical thinking class ive ever taken till that point (engineering included). At that point its like awesome I survived, then comes abstract algebra and real analysis....It really does build on each other from course to course at that point, and there is no material to go off of to learn the content. It is absolutely not what I thought it was and the "rigorous" part that he mentions is new to you at that point and is uncharted material. Each abstract/proof based course will feel like a full time semesters load, and will require that kind of effort to learn how to develop proofs in the abstract. If you really want to do this, pick up an abstract algebra book and attempt to understand a chapter! This is not material that comes naturally at all and requires learning new critical thinking skills.
@Nox Eath Geometry is an amazing way to start with proofs! But, it can get frustrating because algebra and calculus proofs sometimes are very different from geometry proofs.
American universities are weird.
Where I live mathematics B.A. curriculum has rigorous courses from semester 1. You don't take the usual "calculus" courses at all. Rather our calculus courses are divided to types - calculus a, calculus b etc, s.t. the 'a' courses are for math majors and there are 3-4 of them. They cover the material of other calculus courses but they're rigorous from the start, covering also the material of an introductory analysis course.
Same goes for linear algebra - we get our variant of the courses that are designed for math majors, we take those instead of the usual courses, in the 1st year.
Also in some unis you have to take an introductory course on set theory and logic in the first semester.
Sounds like that’s probably a better system where you’re from. I think part of the issue in the States is that many students start university not knowing what they want to major in. Regardless of major, the first 2 years include a lot of general education courses and let students sort of figure out what they want to do. Perhaps the curriculum would be different if this weren’t the case. Thanks for sharing!
In some places there is a lightweight "introduction to mathematics" course where you get an overview of some highlights in set theory, algebra (groups..), analysis/calculus - basically you get to know some fundamental mathematical concepts and work with them a bit at a low difficulty level. It's an opportunity for people to learn what mathetmatics is about if they're considering learning it. I took it a while back in the open university and enjoyed it very much.
I haven't looked into the math courses, but a lot of the science courses are divided. In my state, some of them are separated into two categories, "For Science Majors" and "For Non-Science Majors". Pretty self explanatory, the non-science majors are less in depth than the science major classes.
This exists in America (California).
I wouldnt say ALL American universities follow a strict guideline. My uni in New York gave MAT which was designed for pure math major. OR you could take AMS which were the courses for those majoring in applied math or required to take the courses.
The common phrase "If only I knew before what I know now". The conundrum of learning through time and realizing just how ignorant we really were (and are).
What I’m realizing right now in Discrete Math and College Geometry- I’m like wtf. It makes sense, but it’s completely different than what I expected!
It's a different ride. I hope it went well for you!
Aww I appreciate. Honestly, your advice really helped me and opened my eye.
Helpful video.Thank you from Bangladesh ❤.
You are most welcome
The video is quite informative and I want to major in pure math , but you are scaring me by warning about these proof classes, nevertheless the link that you gave turns out to be useful.
at my university in australia, there was a choice between taking math1051 and math1071 in first semester. 1071 was an advanced version of 1051 so I decided to take it. math1051 was basically just more advanced calculus and linear algebra than what was in high school. mainly computational and very little proofs. 1071, however dropped me directly into the deep end with real analysis and pure linear algebra proofs. I found it really hard at the start but I eventually began to enjoy it.
I just finished my first year as a math major, the original struggle for me was being able to stick with it when it didn’t just click naturally. I know people who say “math is boring” but just from taking the more rudimentary college courses you can really see how broad of a field it really is.
Many of the areas of math I’ve looked at did not feel natural for a very long time. Sticking with it is the key! Best of luck to you and thanks for watching!
I'm barely in College Algebra and I grew up disliking math like most people but over the past few years I've been learning to love it more and more. I would REALLY like to major in math and become a professor of math but I'm scared I won't make it through because of how difficult it might be. But I can't see myself studying anything else at this point because I have this hunger to learn math that I can't even explain. Do you think I have to be naturally smart for it or can it be done with a lot of motivation and hard work? I'm definitely willing to put in all the time I need to.
I believe that dedication, hard work, and the willingness to struggle are the requirements to be a math major. Natural talent helps, but work always beats talent. Moreover being definite in your purpose and plan is a huge advantage. If you know what you want and are willing to put in the time and effort, nothing can stop you. I wish you the best of luck.
This was the first thing I read waking up and it might sound lame but it made me tear up. I've been looking for motivation lately to continue. It's not the motivation I lack, but the self-doubt that keeps me back. I've been researching A LOT and I'm glad I stumbled onto your "what I wish I knew before becoming a math major" vid because I plan on getting more into the "rigorous" maths now at least to have an understanding of what I'm getting into. Even though I'm slightly older (28), I don't plan on letting anything get in my way of achieving this. Thank you so much.
@@daisyg509 you have what it takes to study Math or any other subjects. Wish you all the luck.
Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't want to work
@Dayzee Gee, that's exactly my story 😭 I honestly love maths. It's just that am also a bit scared of how difficult it might be. I am happy there's someone who feels how I am feeling. Now I know that the feeling is mutual
Well I hope I'll be good at the abstract stuff because I don't know what else I'd do
I majored in math, secondary education and I wish I knew how difficult it was to find a math-related job outside education. A lot of careers want you to have programming skills, and I did not obtain that during my years at college. I don’t regret my years of teaching, but now I feel pigeon-holed to do one job now.
Allison Gaster RIP i hated programming but im glad my school required programming for a math degree saved my life and opened my eyes to a whole new world
Thanks for this! I am a mathematics education major so I appreciate this comment I’ll take some programming classes.
Programming (and arguably math as well) is far FAR better learned on your own. Grab a good book, apply yourself, and you will be where you want in 6 months. Promise.
They mention about abstract algebra on ''Socratica'' channel, but just a bit.
Thank you for a video and have a great day.
I believe I’ve seen some of those videos! Thanks for watching and have a wonderful day!
At my University, we’re required to take and intro to proofs class before we sign up for any other class and it has saved everyone.
I really want to teach High School math . Ever since I was a teen I always thought math teachers were so cool . I’m just afraid I’m going to fail after the Calculus classes . I did pass Calc 1 with an A !
I want to be a high school math teacher too and I’m going into my freshman year of college tomorrow. Any tips?
@@christinasoter7679 be ready to work hard. Know that it’s gonna get tough at times but that’s just part of the process. Remember, it’ll all be worth it in the end though. I wish you much luck!
@@mocubez7846 thank you!
@@christinasoter7679 get a secondary math education degree, you won’t take the same classes as math majors
I'm a pure math major minoring in Computer science and to be honest I don't care what people actually tell me..do what you like and you will succeed in life.After all every major needs hard work to succeed in it(doesn't matter if engineering or Computer science or science major)
Thank you for this helpful video
If you think you'll get a lot of money by working for someone, you are dead wrong.
@@fragileomniscience7647 if you have a strong skill set you can surely make a lot of money, but of course there will always be a limit. Also with an average-above average salary one - if willing - can easily get into the investing world, work a little extra in terms of research, etc.. and make their money work for them. so apart from the technical skills, financial literacy plays a key role here :)
Very relatable!! I finished my bachelor’s degree in mathematics back in May. I’m still searching for a job unfortunately
Penske Logistics as a logistics engineer lots of operation research.
Financial analysts, actuarial roles
What job did you ended up getting?
Totally abstract? That sounds freaking amazing.
It is :)
What happens if you theoretically travel faster than the speed of light
Hope you like writers cramp :-)
@@wojak6793 You theoretically get a speeding ticket from God
If you could travel faster than light then you would be able to see the past. Example: You travel out of space at a distance of 5M light years away in less than 1 second. Then you will see the earth( if you could) 5M years ago because the light from that time era.
oh my i can relate. Abstract algebra is a pain
It's a wild ride :) Thanks very much for watching!
This describes my college math experience exactly! I ended up switching majors after junior and senior level math
Thanks very much for sharing and have a great day!
What major did you switch to
I was a math major in Germany, graduated 2017, and then I was a PhD student in pure math for 1 1/2 years. In Germany, luckily as a math student you will be introduced into rigorous math very quickly. However, I can relate to the last point to think about what to do with a math degree... it can be very sobering...
May I ask why you quit your PhD in pure math?
@@RedBar3D sure. I didn't gain any useful knowledge for industry. And by time I lost my interest in my research area and, for me, it felt like a waste of time. So I quitted to start a job in industry
1. you wish you study calculus densely and real analysis
2. Abstract Algebra & topology homeworks are hard
3. Math literature and proofs
4. Mathematics is an abroad view, know your area in math
5. Ask the professor about what you don’t understand
The book How to prove it? a sctructured approach by Daniel J. Velleman is the one I'm using to introduce myself to proofs. I found it incredibly appealing and allowed me to take a peek about that mathemathics is really about. I wish I could have gotten to my dream collegue and get a math major.
:(
This is exactly how my experience was in college. I was a mathematics education major which at my school meant I had a double major. I had to take the full math major on top of the requirements for the teaching program. The year I graduated was when they decided to change this for those entering and give people both degrees. This frustrated be beyond belief since under the old policy I would have had to do 20 more gen ed classes to get both degrees. My professors were brilliant and intelligent but were not teachers. This is ultimately why I did not do my masters in mathematics like I wanted. I did not have the means to go to another college, other than the one I did my bachelors in. Knowing what I know now I probably would have become an engineer. I preferred the application of mathematics over the theory of it. I love discussing and playing with the theory in my own time but have not had much of a use for it outside of that being a secondary teacher. Playing with numbers is why I love being a teacher, because I can pass the love I have for it to my students.
Lol the reason of why I didn’t major in math, I love it, but I prefer application over the theory
This is true for many majors, its not what you expected
Hi Brian! Great video! Im considering to do a pure math Masters degree and I absolutely love the subject matter. However, I don't seem to see what income/job prospects (aside from teaching) I can have with such a pure maths degree, as opposed to applied. Any tips on this would be greatly appreciated. Regards!
I really fit into the naive category you described that might have no idea what he/she is getting into. I'm taking calc II this semester in college and although not too nervous about it (because calc I in my opinion was easier than precalc) but like you said might be the calm before the storm, so I try to take the positive things even if math isn't the right path for me. I know a physics major requires all three calculus courses and not anything beyond math wise if I'm correct. Business, finance and economics degrees require calculus. So for math students like me who might not be aware of the difficulty that might be later on, I think we can still use the courses that we've passed for other majors if things don't go smoothly.
Absolutely! Many different majors require the calculus courses so they are a very nice asset to have either way. (You might need a course in differential equations for physics) I don’t want to scare anyone from being a math major since it’s certainly attainable! I usually suggest talking to professors in the subjects you’re interested in for more ideas. Thanks very much for watching and best of luck!
@@BriTheMathGuy thank you and good luck with your masters if you haven't already obtained it. The world needs more math majors like you and hopefully I can get my bachelor's too, that's more than enough for me. But as you said, it'll get very difficult.
@@front331 How did things pan out for you, @ApplesAndOranges?
I’m actually at the perfect point in my math education to branch into proofs (I’m currently in high school geometry, but love researching ahead) and I honestly want to see how really to do that without the bore of writing out the 𝘈𝘭𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 meaningless letters for the lines and triangles and going through the tedium of writing down all the convergence statements, while I dislike the tedium, I love the process and find actual algebraic proofs far more invigorating as they always have 100% necessary steps and don’t make too many rules restating the same thing, except trig, but that’s just geometry in disguise
sigh if only you could complete my calc 3 course for me
Thanks to this video it is so helpful because tommorow I will send may application letter for college major in mathematics
Good luck!
@@BriTheMathGuy can statistician become a data analyst or data scientist
I majored in computer science and I wish I knew more the course materials help me get a job! because they mostly don't and you should become expert by starting soon with jobs and internships. As a researcher point of view this is accurate too you should know more about what are companies challenges which they have not figured out yet.
If I had it to do over I would major in math or computer science. College would be easier for me now than when I was younger.
Going to study mathematics in some couple of months, I'm going to work in the computer Science industry (Developer)
I love math but don't know what job I would enjoy that involves math I'm leaning more towards math teacher
Its SUPER hard finding a job as a math major if u dont have a masters or PHD. Mostly because its not applied math. And those who aren't math majors dont understand what math beyond calculus and lin algebra are. I've went for COUNTLESS finance jobs and yet my degree didnt mean jack. It just is applicable to the real world for people to care.
I believe a math major is , forgive for my lack of politeness, useless alone. Unfortunately not many people grasp what is like to be a mathemathician and while I do believe that pure mathemathics is applicable to the workface not many people undersntand what skills you have. For that I recommend taking programming classes or a finance degree just to back up your resumé a little and try to minimize the fact that you are a mathemathician.
Take my advice with a gram of salt though, I'm only starting collegue and for reasons beyond my control I could not study enter a math major but that's what I've found on my research in job opportunities for mathemathicians.
I just finished my Bachelor's in mathematics, but I'm starting to have second thoughts on whether or not to do my master's in mathematics, precisely because it basically exclusively sets you up for academy, and I'm not sure that's what I want to pursue. I really enjoy the process of math and I can get real sucked into it, but it's only recently that I've started thinking about what I'll actually be doing in the future. It's really stressful, to be honest. I've even gone so far as to consider getting into medicine. Any tips, anyone? I'd be especially interested to hear from people "on the other side", who have done their master's in mathematics and now have a job outside of the academy. Are you happy? Do you regret choosing math as your master's? Would you have done anything differently?
I'm a leadership major with emphasis in Business. I wish I would have went with an accounting degree. Because right now I'm taking prerequisites to gain entry to UC Davis MS in Accountancy. Lol lessons learned
Hello from Ethiopia
Hello there. Thanks for watching :)
That poor homophobic country?
Me too haha
@@sarsenssarcasm3073 lol it's not homophobic, it's called straight thinking instead of deviating to shame.
I am a master student in pure math too I totaly dont know what could I do in the next 5 years
Flicking through the undergrad requirements at MIT, the earliest class that's required by math majors exclusively is Real Analysis. You only need introductory Calculus to take it. Beg, borrow, or pirate a copy of a real analysis textbook, work through it, and keep in mind the entire way that THIS IS WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO BE DOING ABOUT 80% OF THE TIME.
I’m super confused, like enjoy maths the most and I’m considering doing it a university, but I don’t want to end up being a teacher. I’ve heard loads of people with math degrees struggle finding a job and just turn to being a teacher as a back up. So I might end up studying engineering at university. Maybe physics, but I struggle with that at the moment, which makes it not very enjoyable
I think a lot of people don’t realize that your mind adapts. I wasn’t the best at math my junior/senior years of high school. I did trig my junior year as a college class and barely passed. Then I took calc 1/ calc 2 in what would have been my senior year of high school, but I graduated early. And I struggled through calc 1. But I saw the beauty of it and decided to do calc 2. Calc 2 was MUCH more difficult than calc 1. And so I grinded like crazy and I got a better score in calc 2 than I did calc 1. And by the time I got to calc 3 and ode, they were extremely easy. And now I’m at the point where I’m having to go through that same process with proofs. Yes, I can do basic proofs but they’re hard, so I’m learning how to love and be good at proof writing.
You don’t have to be good at math to want to pursue it, I sure as hell wasn’t. But if you’re putting in the effort and genuinely trying to learn, then you will and you’ll come out on the other side a better person, and a more knowledgeable person as a result.
The other thing that I think is important to keep in mind is that you won’t like all math fields and subjects. Some will be more difficult, more tedious, more boring. But it’s important to get through these and see the importance of taking these classes. Reprogram yourself to take on that harder challenge, to learn to love complex material. And as a result you’ll expand your mind and you’ll start to see mathematical concepts in different lights, and understand your previous knowledge that much better.
What do you think an associates in math would be like in terms of curriculum? I am heavily interested in mathematics but would only want an A.S for my own personal interest and love for it. How proficient in math would I need to be before entering the major? Thanks for the video! Take care.
(As a side note, my reason for learning math is to better understand the symbolic language of the world, and assist me in my other science interests like physics, chemistry, and earth science. Not sure what the best "type" of math would be useful to supplement those sciences.)
I guess it is almost everywhere in college, the first one to two years you will just revise what u need from school’s last three years (don’t know why we still study stupid 12 years in school.. 9 is more than enough.. imagine that u skip 3 years how the future will open - for the person and country - when u become a doctor almost when others just finish bachelor)
I just graduated with an applied mathematics this month & this whole video is giving me PTSD lol tooooo relatable.
Congrats!!
Just curious , did y have a job since after?
Surely what he is describing depends somewhat on in which country you do the degree. But what he is saying, in general, I experienced exactly when I did my maths degree between 1966-1969. This schock, of being confronted with real maths, abstraction and proof-based reasoning with no answers in the back of the book, occurred in England between the school sixth form and the first university year. In America, they seem to unnecessarily have to complete 2 years of school work at university before getting down to the real thing. The other point about considering your options is also very important. In my day we had less options (2 subjects) but I still made a stupid mistake in my selection. It appears to me that in both America and England this transition from "school" maths to university needs to be eased. Some of the simpler proof concepts could be introduced in the schools, for example induction. How many times have you seen a stupid what comes next in a series question, when any mathematician will tell you that based on the way the question is usually worded any number at all would logically fit? I ended up in software engineering and to be honest if I was a student today I would choose a computer software course which was hardly available in the 1960s.
This was a very interesting comment, thank you for it. I cannot agree more that the typical path through math education is so deeply flawed as to be actively harmful to one's love and learning of the subject.
What sort of jobs were you able to get with your math degree? Were you happy doing them? I just finished my Bachelor's in mathematics, but I'm starting to have second thoughts on whether or not to do my master's in mathematics, precisely because it basically exclusively sets you up for academy, and I'm not sure that's what I want to pursue.
@@RedBar3D Just after I graduated in 1969 the computer industry started to take off. During most of my time up to the last year in university, a "computer" was to me a human who made calculations. I very soon found out there was a job called "programming" which I thought would be really cool. I also thought astrophysics would be cool. So I got some interviews for jobs in programming and I think one for Jodrell Bank. The people interviewing for the computer jobs were also beginners and gave everyone a test, which I realized later was to see how good you would be in assembler coding. This was never my strong point, although I eventually became quite good at debugging in machine code. For the Jodrell Bank job they quizzed me on what I had studied. I volunteered Maxwell's Equations and General Relativity since I thought they could be relevant. But I had not realized that after I had taken my finals, I had forgotten 95% of what I had learned. Needless to say, I didn't get any of these jobs. So I had to use my backup plan which was Insurance, specifically the pension business. Some colleagues had joined an Assurance company as trainee actuaries, and with a maths degree, you had credits for the first part of the exams. I joined them for what was then a high salary for a university leaver. My main job was to work out the return of contributions for people leaving a pension plan and, slightly more interestingly, some retirement benefits for a few who had reached that age. I was bored to death and after a two-year detour to the south coast of England, I converted to a career as a computer software engineer for embedded systems first in London and then in Switzerland, where I stayed. I specialized in data communication protocols, so my job was quite technical and satisfying.
If you are not sure what exactly you want to do, there are some tests available to determine your suitability for certain jobs. As well as the obvious technical ability requirements, a computer software specialist needs the ability to concentrate for long periods and also welcomes the opportunity for that kind of job. So being slightly introverted, like myself, is ideal. Most computer software engineers have a built-in BS detector. Someone once remarked that managing Software engineers was like trying to herd cats. You will have a great deal of freedom, so if you like being told exactly what to do, like in the regular army, this career path is probably not for you.
I think if you take a masters you will still have the same options as for a BSc with the added possibility of doing a PhD if you are good enough. But if you don't enter a Ph.D. program I am not sure if you would have more options. I would suggest you get more advice from your contemporaries. My first job experience is 50 years old, so I am sure there must be more opportunities for maths graduates these days.
Good luck with your endeavors, whatever you decide.
@@ksmyth999 Thank you for sharing, Kevin. I've been asking my friends who have graduated with a masters and will continue to do so. Many are PhD students, but some work at for example banks as programmers and at pharmaceutical companies as statisticians. Others took a year of pedagogy and became teachers.
i wish i knew exactly what field i want to go in im teaching now but its not my passion (very underpaid)
I am no genius but I use to do calculus in my head. It was the calculus with the derivatives.
I’m currently thinking about changing my major to math. At the moment, I am a Biochemistry major. I plan to go to medical school, but lately my passion for math outweighs how much I enjoy my biochemistry courses. I still want to become a surgeon, but I think I want to take a different route. I thought majoring in one of the sciences was the only way, but now that I’ve gained more knowledge I know that’s not true. However, I’ve completed a hand full of the requirements for the biochemistry major that it doesn’t seem realistic to change majors. Everyone keeps telling me to follow my heart, but I don’t know. I still have 2 years left of undergraduate, but I just feel like time is running out. If anyone has any advice or encouragement pleaseeeee.
That sounds difficult, but good luck! Try talking to more people. Maybe think about the roots of your passion for each, and what you would like to actually do past university. Also, where would you feel contented and have no regrets. I'm an incoming freshman and I already passed in several universities with different programs but I don't really know what I would like to study and become. They were all science courses but know I'm also looking into the math field. Anyway, I hope it works out for you!! :)
Hi Tiera,
How did it go? Did you end up going to medical school?
So I’m going into my third year of being a computational math major and I’m not quite which classes I should pick for upper divs. I’ve taken linear algebra. I’m planning on taking math modeling and math for data theory just to see what it’s like, but I wish I knew which types of math to focus on and what they could be used for. I tried googling this type of stuff but it’s all very broad.
At least at my school the upper division courses center around
1) Partial Differential Equations
2) Numerical analysis and Algorithms
3) Complex/Real Analysis
4) A Computer Science Algorithms Class (like Algorithms, Machine Learning, AI)
5) High Performance Computing
6) Statistical Analysis and Design of Experiments
Usually schools have example options listed in their major requirements
Hope that help!
"Future" Physics & Applied Math BS major, and minor in stats. Starting 8/23/21...
Hey. I'm a civil engineer trying to get into mathematics as a career. Do you have any recommendations? I don't think i can get into a masters program with my background (bs in civil engineering with 1.5years of experience)
A lot of the math classes I have seen at my local community college tie into all different types of fields. Pretty much all science, and engineering classes have the same curriculum. (At the school I looked at. )So I mean what about double majoring? Like why not get a degree in mathematics, and engineering, or math, and physics, or any science related field really? The curriculum I looked at all had the same math classes. So I figure if you take all your math classes first that knocks out half the curriculum for both majors. Or does it? I mean I don't know how it works, but It's just an observation that science, and engineering share the same math classes. It's a little late in life for me, but I thought about going back to college, and double majoring.
Ha, what I got from my math degree was learning that as long as the grading was on a curve 17% was a B / B- and I could survive. It was the 83% I got wrong I am still wishing I could understand. Tough subject! Really twisted me and most of my fellow classmates inside out. You graduate pretty beat up!
I've been studying Computer Science since the beginning of the semester (in Brazil there aren't majors or minors, so we just choose right from the beginning what we'd like to do), but everyday I realize that CS isn't as fun or interesting as I thought it'd be. On the other hand, I've discovered that I truly like mathematics, which I didn't like at all back in high school, because of the way it was taught. I've been doing great on my Calculus tests and I've been reading and watching things about other areas of mathematics. I think I'll take a proof-based math class next semester in order to see if I am truly interested in mathematics as I think I am and wait until the end of the year to realize if I want to stay on CS. Thanks for the videos about math, I believe they'll help me to choose by the end of the year if I want to be a math major or not.
Thanks very much for watching and sharing. I think taking such a proof based class will give you clarify on your preferences. Best of luck with everything!
Well i personally still don't know what I'm going to do but i know wgat i want
Hahaha I feel you man.
I actually did pretty good in all of the baby math classes (algebra, precalc, calculus 1,2,3, DiffQ, etc) but When I took a 4000 level stats class
I was like, hmm what am I doing here?
That was a very very tough class, like nothing I have seen before.
Very useful
Glad you think so!
I'm taking a joint program called Mathematics and Computer Science. Really want to explore more in the field of AI, or just become a programmer
Majored in Applied Math. What I wish I knew how difficult it would be to find a career job after college. For most jobs that we’re qualified for, the hiring managers look for specific degrees that are directly related to the industry (be it economics, computer science, etc). Other than that, I loved all my math classes. Especially PDEs, chaos theory, and ODEs. No upper division math class is easy. Lots of sleepless nights. But DAMN I loved every minute of my classes. At the moment I’m looking for employment in software engineering since I’ve been programming for almost 20 years but it’s hard to even get my resume looked at because alas the recruiters look for computer science majors (though most of them can’t code themselves out of a paper bag and math is considered a related field). I’ve been stuck doing crap jobs that barely pay the bills as a result. I think I wish I knew that upon graduating, the career path is not as clear as they make it out to be. Math is extremely flexible but most industries out there look for people that specialize in their field, as I previously mentioned.
We all tend to think other people are struggling
Right now I’m graduating with an associates in electronics engineering technology (needed to do a quick program to get a career to support myself) but I plan on going for applied math for my BS. What did you guys do to set yourself up for a career with your major junior/senior year?
Are there books to learn what is taught in graduate level classes?
I'm a physiotherapy (physical therapy) student, what am I doing here??? ...
I'm teaching myself advanced maths and computer programming (incredible social life FTW)
May I know which field of Math should I opt for understanding the deep concepts of Mathematics
It really all depends on what you’d like to study and what you mean by deep concepts. If you mean knowing all the mechanics behind why things work and the underlying ideas, then you might want to look into pure mathematics. (Analysis, abstract algebra, topology are the main ones)
Thank you
You’re welcome, have a great day!
“What I ωish I ‘had known’ ... .”
I was an engineering major till I realized I wouldn’t be able to keep up, i hated physics. Maybe it wad just me idk. I just knew that being a teacher was always plan B & 1 rzn i picked engineering was bc i liked math. Therefore i became a math education major. Even when i suck at math, i still love it. Or at least what i think is make such as DE. But i also pick math ed bc i felt like the closest thing to engineering for me was math something. I switched majors as a sophomore. I told the advisor i wanted to do something with math, she said what job do u want with u. Of course me not being well versed in math jobs i said teach. And i feel like math ed is a safe spot. I feel like im not diving head 1st into a crazy world I actually know nothing about.
You are saying people should take a look at mathematic literature befor they get into it. What do you mean by mathematic literature? And where can I fine 'em? I am about to start a degree that might end up in a maths major. I haven't decided whether to choose physics or major.
I meant take a look at pure mathematics textbooks. You would probably want to take a look at intro books in real analysts, abstract algebra, or some linear algebra. Ideally you would look at some books in whichever area you are planning to focus on. Perhaps ask some of your math professors for some recommendations since they would be the ones teaching the courses. Many might even lend you a copy of a book if they see you’re interested. I hope that helps, best of luck!
Calculus isn't an introductory class. That's why it was discovered relatively recently.
It isn’t introductory for most people on the planet, but if you’re doing a math major it’s definitely introductory. In fact I feel like it’s less than introductory… something like discrete math or analysis might be introductory
Do applied math majors to computer science have to do pure math eventually?
During my Senior year into my Mathematics Education degree, I remember fondly going to all my professor's office hours everyday just to get help on the homework sets. I FEEL the no tutoring help so much in my upper division classes so much, but my study group offset that.
Please do a congruence mod 3 this totally eludes me....
maths doesn't make sense to me, but I'll be doing a mathematics major anyways 😭
In my country to study computer science you have to take real analysis and abstract algebra for some reason in your first year and god damn they’re not fun at all
They are hard but they are fun.
There you can see how much language damages logical perception.
Do yourself a favour and learn formal mathematical logic.
I am considering a course in applied mathematics with a masters degree in data science
Applied maths is a good choice
Hi I'm in my last year of high school and I love maths and the way it sees the world and I'm in a dilemma. I want to deal with cryptography, artifical intelligence (maybe do research) and don't know which course I should go for. I was thinking about computer science or applied maths. I know for sure in the future I'll need higher level of mathematics, but I don't know if applied mathematics bachelor's worth it.
It’s a tough call. Try talking to some professors in those areas (many teachers love to talk about their subjects) and maybe check out some intro computer science or applied math books. You’ll figure out what your path is soon enough. Best of luck!
Thank you!
Hey i actually dont like a few mathematical materials and im still in highschool. But i want to go to finance university . And i heard the math’s really hard . Is it true?
In two months I will be applying for the university to study math. And as you said I have no idea what I am getting into (well I have some idea but it's not enough I guess). I just want to have more math in my life but it's kinda hard to decide whether I should or shouldn’t studying it. There are so many opinions on internet that it's really tiring and makes me even more confused. The only thing that gives me hope is that there are still a lot of job opportunities on the other end of the university. Thank you for your advices ! It's a good idea to look at some math litterature🤓👍I will start there and hopefully it won't scare me away😅
How it turned out?
@@Candidato_Fuvest2024 Eventually I threw a coin and made a decision this way. It turned out to be math in the end as I thought originally😅 Are you thinking about your future career?
@@user-pj9uj8rm9p yes, I love studying math but my family is worried about “What will you do with a math major?”. I am trying to convince them that I will be a docent in an university after I graduate, but they answer: “everything can change in 4 years! Since the course is one of the most difficult things that mankind ever created “ .And to complete the picture my parents bring an example of a friend of them that is a physician major and can do nothing with his course besides giving classes online to small and not well known universities.Sorry for talking so much, I really don’t have a lot of people to talk to about this, glad you made your decision happen )
You know, everyone here tell me the same " aaa, what will you do with it?!..'' and blah bla..
In reallity I think these people don't know enough about what opportumities are there for people with the math major. For instance, you can get a master in cryptology, machine learning or mathematical modelling with differential equations. There are an enormous amount of options with this degree. I heard that it's a bit more complicated if you end up studying only pure math, but even then I know people who work as programmers or smth similar. I am gonna aim at applied math so I will see how it goes. But the trick is not to listen to people who don't really have a clear idea about what they are talking about😃 Just go for it if you like it :)
@@user-pj9uj8rm9p The problem is : I really like to code and I love studying math, more than coding to be honest, so my family wants me to take the easy way out : do computer science, I am a diligent student with enough knowledge to submit to highly evaluated courses like engineering and law in normal state universities, so I have 2 choices: apply to computer science in a normal state university or apply to “the best university in Latin America“ which I have the potential to ,if I choose math (because nobody likes it 💀). I never really thought about doing applied math, because I don’t really care about the applications of what I am studying, perhaps I am young and ingenious and I still don’t know what words like “abstraction” or “without application” really means. I am inclined to do computer science (so I will have the support of my family and won’t have to work or anything else while doing the course, just study), but I can’t stop thinking what if I do math…
I'm about to transfer as a math major... I'd like to know a little bit of how the tests in the upper level math courses are like?
Going to make a video about this topic soon! Great suggestion!