<p>Pardon the delayed response. Other things were taking my time (MAO competition on Pi day, haha) and I had to think of a proper response.</p>
<p>I like Pure math, but I don’t like academia. I rather just major in something other than that, and take it as a hobby of sorts(I’m a nerd in that regard xD). As for this “common myth”, I don’t know. I suppose to a certain extent I do belief, just a little different as I came to be aware that there was Applied Math and Pure Math as majors. I think the latter is the traditional “academia or nothing” math major. As for Applied Math, though, I don’t know. I had considered that but, once again, I was unsure of its prospect. If Applied Math just ended up doing what engineers, but facing tougher competition since I wouldn’t have majored in Engineering, then why bother?</p>
<p>In a sense, one of the things I like about engineering is that it is kinda exciting. I won’t feel like I’m wasting my life doing nothing remotely productive. As an Actuary, I’d be finding out how much money should a person get from a pension. : / . Not exactly the most exciting career ever. I thought Engineering would be nice since I’d explore the problem-solving I long for, using math, and getting pay. But lately, with the latter two being shut down almost exclusively, I think I might be deluding myself, hence my doubts. When I found about Applied Math, I was unsure if it was any different than Engineering. I’m still kind of unsure if it’s any different from Engineering. Like, what kind of internships could I possibly get?</p>
<p>I guess what I truly seek out of a career would be: 1) Problem-solving, 2) Extensive use of math (or at least some), 3) decent pay. Now I’m just trying to find what major in college would give me the ability to get such a career.</p>