Why is everyone down on the math degree?

[Chu]

Originally posted by: BaboonGuy
become a pro poker player, make millions, laugh at everyone

Gimmie 5 years I'm definatly playing the WSOP next year though . . . and apparently the expected attendance is 7,000-10,000 people . . . so big that days 1-2 have to be at the convention center and moving to the Horseshoe only for days 3-5.

EDIT : BTW, if they use the standard payout structure, that's $12.2M to first place!

 

[oboeguy]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42
All I hear about my degree is how useless it is.

"Guess you'll be teaching math forever"
"You should major in Engineering."
"No one wants someone with a math degree"
"It's not practical"

Why all of the hate for a math degree? I mean, mathematicians have to have something to do, right?

Anyone who tells you any one of those things above is obviously clueless. For example, all the engineers I know are working in areas other than their field of engineering. Math for math iself is a worthy cause, surely, but you will end-up either a teacher of professor if that's the path you take (a good path, mind you). OTOH, after a math undergrad degree, you can do anything, you don't have to continuein poure math. Be sure you take classes in other areas you find interesting (e.g. physics). That's what I did -- majored in math, took lots of classes classes in three other fields (no formal minors at my college). Guess what? I've had jobs in each of those three areas!

Stick to math and you will go far. Ignore the haters.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: Megatomic
Come to work at JLAB.

Looks interesting.

My goal in life is to make serious headway in math and physics. If I don't, I'll die at my desk trying.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: oboeguy
Anyone who tells you any one of those things above is obviously clueless. For example, all the engineers I know are working in areas other than their field of engineering. Math for math iself is a worthy cause, surely, but you will end-up either a teacher of professor if that's the path you take (a good path, mind you). OTOH, after a math undergrad degree, you can do anything, you don't have to continuein poure math. Be sure you take classes in other areas you find interesting (e.g. physics). That's what I did -- majored in math, took lots of classes classes in three other fields (no formal minors at my college). Guess what? I've had jobs in each of those three areas!

Stick to math and you will go far. Ignore the haters.

See, that's what I was thinking. With a math degree, I can do just about anything.

I'm anxious for Calc III though. I've reviewed up to around there, and this limits stuff is boring.