Mathematician--Career Q&A: Professional Advice and Insight

What is it like to be a mathematician? In this Career Q&A video interview, Naveed Zaman talks about his career path, what he does on the job, and the keys to success in mathematics. He also offers candid advice on breaking into the profession as well as insight into the industry's biggest challenges and how the field may change in the next ten years.

Length: 15 minutes

ORDER CODE: FFM-BVL190409

Copyright date: ©2019

Closed Captioned

Mathematician: Main Duties and Responsibilities (01:21)
Dr. Naveed Zaman is the dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at West Virginia State University. Main responsibilities include preparing for lectures, teaching, and developing research.

Mathematician: Career Beginnings (02:07)
Failing a math class helped Zaman fall in love with the subject. Gabriel's Horn possessed finite volume but infinite surface area. After obtaining his doctorate, Zaman chose academia over finance and mechanical industries.

Mathematician: Keys for Success (01:14)
Have good organization and time management skills. Enjoy the beauty of mathematics and teach it whenever possible.

Mathematician: Education and Certification Requirements (01:23)
A PhD in mathematics is required to be a university professor. A variety of companies will hire mathematicians with a master's degree.

Mathematician: Workplace Atmosphere (01:07)
Zaman enjoys being surrounded by smart people and students who want to learn. Travel is necessary two or three times a year.

Mathematician: Advice for Aspiring Pros (01:51)
Have an appreciation of mathematics and teach it whenever possible. Famous mathematicians include Carl Friedrich Gauss, Leonhard Euler, and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. Join the Mathematical Association of America.

Mathematician: A Day on the Job (01:32)
Zaman teaches one or two classes, holds office hours, meets with colleagues, performs research, and prepares lectures for the next day.

Mathematician: Industry Goals and Services (01:09)
The goal is to solve problems. Problems in mathematics take much longer than those in other areas.

Mathematician: Industry Challenges (01:19)
Mathematical problems are the biggest challenges. Individuals need to inspire younger generations to become mathematicians.

Mathematician: Looking at the Future (01:05)
Mathematicians will incorporate technology into their methodology and cross into different disciplines.