by Heidi Turner '93.
So, you are a senior math major just about to graduate from Smith and have no job. You are a little concerned to say the least. When you were a freshman you thought oh I'll be a math major and then it'll be easy to get a job. Then you got interested in Modern Algebra, Topology, and Logic. These do not readily appear to have an application in the types of jobs that are out there, like economic consulting. What do you do?
It's all in the attitude. Getting a job is a matter of selling someone on the idea that you can do the job and do it better than anyone else who is interested in it. You are a math major from Smith! You are intelligent and can do anything! You are a superhero! OK, maybe not a superhero, but you certainly can do any job. Being a math major taught you more than you realize. You did not just learn how to write a proof or solve an integral. You learned a way of thinking, a rigorous way of thinking. You learned to pay close attention to details. You learned you can solve almost any problem. And most importantly, you know you can learn how to solve any problem. Being a math major is not for everyone. To get through it proves to someone that not only are you intelligent but you have perseverance and can think deeply about a problem. Now you are wondering: Great, I have these skills, but how do I get someone else to see them?
Well, this part is up to your personal style, but I'll tell you a few stories about what happened to me. One good, one bad.
I was on a second interview in Chicago for a position as a trader. I had no previous experience that would show that I could do this (i.e. no internships, no summer jobs in this field, nothing). I had two interviews this day. The first went fine. The guy asked mainly simple probability questions (I didn't study this but they were easy questions, no sweat). On to the next interview--it was with one of the partners of the firm. He had a computer in front of him and I was allowed to stare at him and the blank wall behind him. His first question: Tell me the current market price of a 15yr government bond and I do not want this morning's price but the current price. My response: I don't know. (No point in lying, he had the answer in front of him.) Click click--he taps some buttons on the computer. OK then, how about the current price of Stock X? My response: I don't know. The interview proceeds like this--he asks a ridiculous question, I don't know the answer. Meantime, I'm getting more nervous than you can imagine. So nervous that after ten minutes, I'm thinking if this doesn't stop soon I'm going to throw up on his desk. Five minutes later I'm about to, so I ask, ``Can I go to the bathroom?'' He points where it is. I run and just make it in time to throw up in the toilet. But at least he wasn't asking me any more questions. I take a few minutes, regain my composure and walk back into his office. At which point he tells me the interview is concluded. Needless to say I didn't get the job. But what the heck, you can't have everything.
At another interview, again my second interview with the firm, an economic consulting firm. (I'll let you in on a little secret: I've never ever taken an econ course (or anything that looks like one) or an applied math course. I took strictly theory classes. Again it is with a partner in the firm. First question he asks: ``I have your transcript and resume here and nothing indicates any interest in economics. Why do you want to work here? You do know this is an economic consulting firm, don't you?'' (Don't be intimidated by this type of question. You are a math major. Always remember this.) Smile. ``Well, this is true, but I am interested in a job that will allow me to continue using mathematics and since economics is based on math, I thought this would be a good place to start. I realize most of my classes are theoretical, but I have learned to solve problems. I can learn economics. I'd be willing to take any classes you might suggest. Blah Blah Blah.'' Ok, this wasn't exactly my response, but it's a close approximation to what I said. I demonstrated that I can learn what needs to be done and my past experiences back that up. I accepted a job with this firm.
Since getting the job, I asked the partner why they did hire me. The answer was that they'd rather have a math major who is interested in what they do than an econ major. It's the choice between someone who knows how to think and someone who knows stuff. They can teach me stuff.
Being a math major means you can apply to do any job and have a pretty decent chance at getting it. To give you another example, I was also offered a job as the assistant to a CEO of a company that makes chandeliers. Do I know anything about that?!? I think you already know the answer, no. The firm I currently work for does its consulting mostly for the natural gas and electric utilities. I knew nothing about this when I started. Now almost a year later, I have a small clue. This does not mean that once you get the job it's smooth sailing. I spent most of my summer and fall (even now) when I wasn't at work including my lunch hour reading textbooks, trade magazines, and anything the partners suggested so I could get up to speed. You might have to work a little harder in the beginning to catch up, but the point is: you can.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. You can write me at work:
Heidi Turner
Incentives Research
125 Summer St.
Boston, MA 02110
Also, just so you know, before I got any job offers, I sent our over 100 cover letters and resumes. So don't be dismayed when you get a few rejections. Just keep in mind: you are a math major and can do anything! Good Luck!