PROSPECTS OF MATHEMATICS FOR YOUNG MATHEMATICIANS
BEING A PAPER PRESENTED BY AREMU KAZEEM OLALEKAN
AT THE SENDFORTH PROGRAMME FOR FINAL YEAR STUDENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS, UDUS AT THE ENERGY RESEARCH CENTER, USMANU DANFODIYO UNIVERSITY SOKOTO ON 14TH OF JUNE, 2014.



INTRODUCTION
Whether you are young or old, man or woman, the study of mathematics is of paramount importance to all concerned. As the importance of mathematical and quantitative discoveries increases, we must be focused as a nation to provide sound and concrete mathematics to the young. Obviously, mathematics is the bedrock of any modern day scientific research for innovations in the 21st century. Therefore, any nation with the notion of improvement in national development in science and technology must get it right with mathematics.
Mathematics must be seen as a language with its own vocabulary of words, symbols and tools that are used to proffer solutions to all real life problems. It is a known fact that English, French, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese are international languages of high relevance, despite this fact they are not universal across the globe like mathematics. Studying mathematics gives you the ability to be able to interpret, describe, analyze and make predictions and solve problems in everyday life. Even if you claim not to study mathematics, you still need some basics of it to cope independently and effectively in everyday life which include telling the time, reading timetable, daily expenditure, cooking, measuring and so forth. Doing without mathematics is just impossible because you need to be out of this world to do that, maybe dead! Even if majority of the world population have phobia for mathematics, we should not shy away from the fact that the study of mathematics from the time immemorial has been a blessing to this planet. Mathematics has provided simple answers to complex real life problems.
I want to set this straight that every aspect of mathematics is applicable to real life situation. For the fact that you don’t know doesn’t mean it is not relevant. You should not make this mistake as mathematicians. Prospects in mathematics are bountiful and unlimited provided you are a sound mathematician. As young mathematicians, we have to start to train our brain and mind to participate on wide range of mathematical experiences and relationships both in school and in daily living. This is because the responsibilitie
s as a mathematician today in advanced study or work requires high level of mathematical understanding and skill far different from what is acceptable only short time ago. To enjoy the dividends of mathematics, we should be ready for the challenges.

CHALLENGES
Mathematics can be tasking and challenging, it requires lot of commitment, concentration and interest. You need a lot of mental rehearsals and ability to learn new ideas and concepts. Ability to work in a team and individually will also give you an edge. Mathematics is not static, new development come every day you should be able to adjust and adapt to continuously be relevant in the field. If you are aware and mindful of these facts, you can explore the world with your mathematics.

PROSPECTS
Mathematicians are needed everywhere but mathematicians are not everywhere. Mathematicians are rare to find today, when you stand out to be one you are lucky because you will definitely get a place. Name any sector where mathematicians are not needed. Mathematicians are like a universal charger, they can fit into any sectors because they are highly analytical, accurate and efficient. Young mathematicians can explore the following sectors for career prospects;
1. Education
2. Engineering
3. Banking
4. Government
5. Health
6. Telecommunication
7. Oil and gas
8. Pharmaceutical
9. Manufacturing
10. Aviation
11. Meteorology
12. Agriculture etc
Mathematics and its applications
Every aspect of mathematics has its own unique applications to different career options for example;
i. Algebra: computer science, cryptography, networking, study of symmetry in chemistry and physics
ii. Differential Equations: physics engineering, motion of water, rocket science, molecular structure, option price modeling in business and economics model.
iii. Geometry: Engineering and architecture, geology, automobile, clothing and textile design
iv. Complex Analysis: Electricity, business etc
v. Conic Sections: Satellite engineering, design of television, car headlights, medical applications (parabola)
vi. Combinatorics: Manufacturing, lottery, telecommunication
vii. Mathematical Analysis: aviation, engineering, computer science
viii. Trigonometry: Set design in theartre, astronomy, engineering
ix. Vector: Computer graphics programmer, navigation, airplane designs
x. ……………………………………………………… and many more

CONCLUSION
Yes, mathematics have unlimited opportunities yet not all that read mathematics can grab these opportunities. My advice to the young mathematicians is to give serious attention to their future because the career world is highly competitive.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!

REFERENCES
1. Evans M.G. and John W.M. (2002), Real Life Maths: Everyday Use of Mathematical Concepts: Greenwood Press, West Connecticus, London
2. Mission statement of Math is More(2008), Future of High School Mathematics
3. Laure G. The Importance of Mathematics in Everyday life: African Institute of Mathematical Sciences, South Africa.