I'm considering careers.

What are some jobs for a person with a Ph.D in math and that'll earn over 100k (or eventually will)? No computer programming though. I absolutely love computers, but I don't want to stare at a screen 8 hours a day coding or reviewing code. My vision is bad enough.

I heard mathematicians work for governments. Is that hard to get into? I heard my Kumon instructor talking about his cousin working as a mathematician for the government in the U.S., makes 200k, and doesn't do much work (i.e., slacking).

Is that still possible?

BTW, are mathematicians a "9 to 5" job? A primary reason I didn't consider to become a doctor is the fact that when you come home, you'll have to keep learning about new discoveries and stuff and take tests. Also, you often get weird hours.

I'm pretty sure as mathematicians you'll have to read papers about new discoveries and stuff, would companies give you time to do that during work?

Essentially I'm looking for a job where I come home, and I can forget about work. Steady, short (8) hours is nice. Non stressful is nice. And of course decent pay. I'm willing to get that whatever degree needed.

Thanks. Sorry for it being so long.

A big money maker is an "actuary". It's all about the dolla bill y'all. Check it out. It's not a bad gig.

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I'm just reading about actuary on Wikipedia, and a thought made me chuckle.

I'm careless, I'm trying hard to fix this problem, but I'm careless, which is why I'm not getting 100% in grade 9 or currently grade 10 math even though it is 1+1 for me. For me to analyze risks and uncertainly, I can't imagine the crap I'll go through if I make a mistake. Oh, this investment is fine, it'll pay itself back. Then made the company lose a load of money. Oops...

Anyway, in all seriousness, even though the last paragraph is semi serious, but interesting job. Also sounds like a job that is hard to get into.

Ahhh, just saw exams for actuary. I guess there is no such thing as high paying jobs without tests...

second edit: the exams are extremely difficult...

Oh, contraire monfraire, the demand for actuaries is high! This is because there are only a chosen few who love math enough to go the distance. Do you know what I mean?

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Just looked at one of the actuary exams, O.M.G!!!

http://www.soa.org/files/pdf/edu-2009-fall-p-ques.pdf

I wonder how much time they have to do 142 questions!

The test gets progressively harder. The highest question I could do was 45 (maybe more, but I'm too tired), the probability density functions and expected values question. I'm not too good with probability. I should be able to do 1-45, at least with the amount of probability, algebra, and calculus I've been taught so far, but I couldn't. The problem is finding a route to do for me...

This is way passed my sleeping time. I spent too long trying to do the exam... I'm going to bed now.

Chengbin. I like you, man. I can tell that you will contribute to math one day. Pleasant dreams, buddy.

Peace.

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Math is a very smart major to have, even if just an undergraduate. You can head into so many directions of applied math, data analysis, actuarial science, etc. If you do well in your undergrad studies, by the 3rd or 4th year you should hear about internships for big companies and be able to make some connections.

Being a professor has a lot of perks if you can keep your job secure. Good pay, low hours and research facilities. Getting a PhD is a long road though and isn't something many just happen to get. You have to be very motivated and determined.

I think an undergrad in math is a great start. Good luck on your quest!

I would question that - last academic year was the final year of my degree so I was applying to jobs, and actuarial work appealed to me for a number of reasons. Now, I was a good student (I got consistently good grades in 4th and 5th year courses) and eventually got a first from a good university. However, I got one interview for one actuarial company, and they didn't want me.

My point is, it may be easy for some to get into, and there may be lots of demand, but there is no guarantee...

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I would also like to add that I am sceptical about the existence of a job that is 9-5 and pays 100k. However, I currently spend the hours between 10am and 5:30pm as a PhD student in my office working or attending lectures and seminars and other such things, but my "hours of work" would have to include my 45 minute commute, as well as most evenings and Saturday mornings. With a good job based aroung thinking, you never stop working...

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2009 was a bad year for recruitment in the financial sector!

CB

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Truth does not change because it is, or is not, believed by a majority of the people.

Giordano Bruno

Yeah, although at the time I was unsure how much actuaries would be affected as they tend to work for insurers, auditors or consultancies, not banks. I figured KPMG, PWC, et al. would be doing quite well for themselves in such a climate...

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How's the job security for these math related jobs? I forgot to mention that I really value job security.

How many years away are you from a math degree? If you have all 4 years then this might be enough time for the job market to change for the better.

The world economy sucks now as we all know so although it might not be the best time for finding entry level jobs, a math degree is still worth getting. So many undergrads leave with with poly sci, english or sociology degrees - which add almost nothing to a resume unfortunately. A math or science degree sets you apart.

I really can't add anything about the job market from personal experience, but from everything I've read and heard applied math fields are booming and pay well. I feel like the security of the job you end up with depends on so many factors it's too hard to say in general.

I'm 15, so another 15 years before I finish a Ph.D

Oh, wow. That's awesome you have such motivation so young. Don't worry about the details too much though. You have a lot of hoops to jump through before you specialize into your field. I am trying to say have a balance between a goal and letting yourself see how you like different things. Like I said though, a math degree looks good in any field

Someone mentioned actuary, which is a good money making job. Another job that pays a lot is statistician. Basically you analyze data to derive various inferences from said data, but you can always wikipedia it if you're interested. As a statistician you can be employed by many people, ranging from politicians to all levels of government to businesses, the opportunities are endless.