Hi, I’m a current high school freshman. What career relates mathematics and helping people? These are my passions and I know I want to do something that relates these two things. I want a career that really utilizes mathematics to solve issues relating to the health of people. (And also prevention in terms of public health.) Specifically in what career(s) is this possible?
ALSO what major in my undergrad would help me get there? (I don’t know what college I’m going to.)
Thank you!
Biostatistics. We work with hospitals, university and professional researchers for new drugs and medical devices, the FDA and public policy advocates. I majored in math in undergraduate and then went on to get a grad degree in statistics. You really need at least a master’s degree (in my opinion) for more of the technical responsibilities. Everything we work on ultimately helps people so it is really rewarding although there are certain paths that are more financially based. There aren’t a ton of us out here so the job market is robust but it is a difficult field. You need great listening and communications skills, programming and database skills and of course knowledge of the most appropriate technical statistical methods for different designs. Looking back on things (I am mid 40’s) I had some similar goals and strengths as you and I am very pleased with my career choice. Alot of math majors get the advice to do actuary-related work and that didn’t appeal to me. Biostats is another career path that is less commonly chosen.