The Math Department sponsored a third "Career Night" on March 21. Designed to inform high school and university students about professions in the field of mathematics, the program featured two invited speakers: Dr. Jerry Cline (PhD67) and Mr. Greg Richardson (BS81).
Cline, head of operations analysis at McDonnell Douglas Aerospace in St. Louis (see alumnus profile in the fall 1995 issue of Math PUrview), provided an overview of McDonnell Douglas Corp. and described what math majors do at MDA. He then focused on his department, discussing the various disciplines of operations analysis and explaining what new hires do. He pointed out that while operations analysis is not taught in school, it is a viable career opportunity for math majors that provides challenging, varied, and interesting work.
Richardson, who holds an MBA from the University of Chicago, is Senior Vice President of F&G Re, Inc. in Morristown, NJ. In his presentation entitled "Mathematics as a Foundation for a Career in Business," Richardson pointed out that while today's job market is very competitive, great opportunities exist for those who have the right skills and motivation. He compared past and present organizational and management philosophies, describing the skills and behaviors needed by workers to succeed in those very different environments. Drawing on his own experience for examples, he outlined the successful career path: getting a first job, performing routine work, and differentiating oneself from others.
Funding for Career Night was provided in part from a gift made by Dr. William Browning (PhD74), President and CEO of Applied Mathematics, Inc.