Skills Developed through an Applied Mathematics Degree

A background in Applied Mathematics ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges. Here are just a few of the skills an Applied Mathematics degree can help you develop:

Core Applied Mathematics Skills

• Solid understanding of mathematical principles and fundamentals, including calculus, differential equations, algebra, numerical analysis and symbolic computing
• Capability to use interdisciplinary knowledge to be able to apply mathematics to everyday human processes and technological advancements through modeling and understanding of computational processes

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

• The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written and verbal statements
• Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
• The ability to organize, understand and analyze sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
• The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas
• The skills to collect various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields, put them into writing and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work

Management and Teamwork

• The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project’s intended and successful end result
• The capacity to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
• Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
• The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field. The following is a selection of organizations related to the field of Applied Mathematics that you may want to visit as you research career options for Applied Mathematics graduates.

• Canadian Applied and Industrial Mathematics Society)
• Canadian Mathematical Society)
• International Council for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
• Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics)
• Canadian Statistical Sciences Institute)
• Association for Women in Mathematics)
• Mathematical Association of America)
• American Mathematical Society)
• Canadian Operational Research Society)
• York University Applied Mathematics website)