Math careers are everywhere – even on a college campus!

How do you use math?

“I use math to figure out student grades based on their performance on a variety of assignments. In an administrative role, I use math to figure out how various aspects of the curriculum are serving the student population-how aspects of the major and minor requirements are or are not working for our students. This involves looking at enrollment numbers, frequency of a particular course being offered, and polling data.”

— Roy Kamada
Professor, Emerson College

What is a professor?

Think professor is a really advanced teacher? Well, yes, but that’s not all. Professors study a specific subject until they are experts in that field, then they teach what they’ve learned at the college level. They may, however, spend very little time teaching. Professors conduct tons of research and present that research to colleagues and students; they read and write a lot (they may even author books); they advise students on academics and careers, they develop new courses, and they lecture. Sound like a lot? It is, but it’s a great career for anyone who loves to learn and share knowledge.

How much education do you need?

Most professor careers require a master’s degree or a Ph.D., M.D. or J.D. (law degree).

Does this career fit your personality type?

This career is great for social and investigative types.

SKILLS YOU NEED

Writing Good writing skills are required! Professors have to be able to communicate clearly and set an example for their students. Brain Power Like doing research? Professors spend a ton of time (sometimes whole school years!) learning all there is to know about their subjects. Creativity Creative thinking skills come in handy when trying to develop interesting lesson plans for college students. Time Mastery One-hour seminar? Three-hour lab? Whatever the class, there’s a limited amount of time for professors to teach you important skills. Leadership Professors have to teach and help guide their students along their college and career paths. Math Whether teaching formulas in engineering or statistical trends in sociology, math skills are essential for any professor career.

Instructions

Find one more fact about this career and share it in the response box.

Posted In: Everyday Math, Use Math, Why Math