GRADUATESUCCESSWITHPLYMOUTHUNIVERSITY

GRADUATESUCCESSWITHPLYMOUTHUNIVERSITY

Interested in teaching?As these success stories show, there are many jobs open to mathematics and statistics graduates. Relatively few go into teaching (around 7% according to a recent national survey).

Our students can progress to a postgraduate teacher training course in Plymouth, staffed by mathematics lecturers who they know from their degree.

There are now bursaries of £20,000 for any student with a 2:1 or above wishing to train to become a mathematics teacher in secondary education. Despite this, in 2013 the government only recruited less than 80% of its target for mathematics teacher trainees.

Mathematics & Statistics

Many more profi les inside, including:

High adventure Maria Leijerstam on combining management consultancy with expeditions

Sporting chanceDavid Jones on sports tradingin Gibraltar

Super computingPeter Jermey using one of the most powerful computers in the world

If you require this publication in an alternative format, please contact us on +44(0)1752 58 58 58 or via email at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Employment opportunitiesMathematicians and statisticians are needed in all areas of the economy. Possible careers include:

AccountancyActuaryAuditingBanking (investment/retail)Business analystChartered statistician Civil ServiceClimate researchComputing Economics modellingEngineering

Environmental modellingFinancial modellingIndustrial modellingManagementMedical research/analysisOperations managerPharmaceutical researchResearch (industry/university)Retail (marketing/forecasting)Teaching

To fi nd out more about our courses visit: www.plymouth.ac.uk/maths

PETER JERMEYBSc (Hons) MathematicsData Assimilation ScientistThe Met Offi ce

“ As well as delivering superb teaching, the maths lecturers were very supportive of their students”

Devon is where the headquarters of the Met Offi ce is based. Weather predictions are carried out by solving a system of equations which includes the conservation of energy and mass, Newton's laws, the laws of thermodynamics, the hydrostatic equation and the ideal gas law.

This vast and complicated system of equations can only be solved numerically and, to obtain accurate results, this requires a huge amount of computing power. The Met Offi ce currently uses an IBM supercomputer, which for a time, was the second most powerful computer in the UK and one of the top twenty most powerful computers in the world.

As a Data Assimilation Scientist at the Met Offi ce I am part of the team that maintains and improves the computer code which assimilates observational data, which is used to update the weather forecast models.

My degree from Plymouth University gave me an essential introduction to numerical mathematics and mathematical programming – and these are the basis of modern applied mathematics in all industries. As well as delivering superb teaching, the maths lecturers were very supportive of their students and ensured that the courses were not only educational, but enjoyable.

Plymouth is quite simply the best city in the country for study. It takes only minutes to travel to some of the most stunningly beautiful and dramatic coastlines in the UK, and its size also means Plymouth has all the benefi ts of a major city, but is not so huge as to make one feel ‘lost’. The student nightlife is brilliant!

After looking into all the options of locations and courses, I decided that Plymouth University best suited my lifestyle, and most importantly offered a respected qualifi cation which would give me lots of choices and

opportunities throughout my life. After meeting with some of the school’s senior staff it was clear that there was a fantastic knowledge and enthusiasm at Plymouth. The lecturers themselves are integral to the learning environment and very keen for the students to succeed.

After leaving university I began a career in accountancy. Now I am a qualifi ed Certifi ed Accountant, and in November 2005 moved to the Caribbean to work for ‘Big 4’ fi rm KPMG in the Cayman Islands. Having a strong understanding of maths is essential, and taking that understanding and ability to degree level gives one an instant competitive advantage in the workplace. My degree has given me a solid platform upon which to build a successful career.

SARA HENSHALLBSc (Hons) Mathematics with EducationMathematics Teacher

When I left school I was unsure about what I wanted to do with my career. However, after spending some time as a teaching assistant during my gap year I thought that I might be suited to mathematics teaching. Initially I was unsure whether or not this was the right career choice, so the BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Education offered by Plymouth University seemed a perfect option. It offered me the chance to fi nd out more about teaching and learning as well as to study mathematics to degree level.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Plymouth University, I studied a variety of modules throughout the three year course and gradually opted for more and more

education based modules. Hands-on teaching experience gained during my second year gave me a valuable insight into some of the many aspects of teaching and learning. I was able to observe and teach episodes to pupils across the age and ability range and gain an understanding of classroom dynamics that would stand me in good stead for the demands of my PGCE course.

I am now in my second year of teaching and have been given responsibility for mathematics at Key Stage 5 in my school. The modules in statistics and decision mathematics that I studied at Plymouth University allowed me to teach A level Further Mathematics and Mathematics with a sound knowledge base and one which other members of staff frequently call on for support!

DOMINIC WHITAKERBSc (Hons) MathematicsCertifi ed Accountant, KPMG

A degree warmerClare Nasir on the highs and lows of weather forecasting

What can you do with a mathematics degree?A mathematics degree opens many doors. As well as giving you high level skills, including programming, operations research and statistics, mathematics teaches you to think and reason. This makes our graduates very attractive to a wide range of employers. Our degrees are taught by internationally recognised researchers, and in the 2013 National Student Survey 100% of our students agreed that our staff are good at explaining things.

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CLARE NASIRBSc (Hons) MathematicsWeather Presenter, ITV

Born and raised in Milton Keynes in 1970, I left school with A levels in geography, history and maths and achieved a place at Plymouth University in 1989. I immensely enjoyed the course, the teaching was to a very high standard and the subject matter itself varied enough to keep my options open afterwards.

I went on to complete an MSc Applied Marine Sciences degree at Plymouth, sponsored by NERC.

Applying for a job as a weather forecaster at the Met Offi ce I found myself well qualifi ed. My degree thesis in atmospherics dynamics was probably the reason why I was initially short listed for the job, although the job criteria included a maths or physics degree and a masters in an applied science.

After an intensive fi ve month residential Met Offi ce course in meteorology I began my 20 year career as a TV and radio weather forecaster. During my 10 years as GMTV’s weather anchor I was in charge of the output and production for science and weather stories as well as presenting many strands on travel, lifestyle and

special awards. The broad basis of my degree and masters has held me in good stead for my work. I do miss the academic life in Plymouth which I class as some of the best days of my life.

“ The broad basis of my degree and masters has held me in good stead for my work”

DAVID JONESBSc (Hons) MathematicsSports Trader at Betvictor, Gibraltar

I chose Mathematics as it was my strongest subject and I believed I could apply this degree to a wide range of careers. Whilst looking for possible universities I visited Plymouth University on an open day. It was at one of these open days when I fi nally decided on Plymouth. I instantly fell in love with the scenery and the fact it was only a few minutes’ walk from the sea was an added bonus!

After I had completed my fi nal exams I received an email from one of my lecturers concerning a graduate job based abroad. It was a job which was advertised for maths graduates with an interest in sport. I felt this was perfect. I emailed the company my CV, had an interview and then was offered the job!

All this was during the course of only three weeks.

I am now living in Spain and working in Gibraltar for an online betting company called Betvictor, formally known as Victor Chandler. It is a graduate scheme where I am trained in various departments of the company, primarily the sports trading department. I am using the knowledge gained in my mathematics degree every day whilst setting up the odds for a particular tennis, football, rugby or even Korean basketball match! I also use a lot of maths when writing up the statistics at the end of each game.

Without the mathematics degree I would never have been able to do this job, and without Plymouth University I would never have known this job existed!

BEN MAHONEYBSc (Hons) Mathematics and StatisticsBiostatisticianPAREXEL International

People often ask me how I found my time at Plymouth University and my reply is always the same: I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing right now if it wasn’t for the high level of support I received from the whole mathematics and statistics/computing staff.

Since graduating in 2010 with a fi rst class honours degree my statistical career has been rapidly progressing. Being primarily interested in the pharmaceutical industry, I was able to apply for, and successfully

receive funding on, a very prestigious statistical MSc course. During that time, my knowledge and understanding of statistical methods and its applications learnt at Plymouth were built upon, leaving me with an even greater arsenal of skills ready to be used in real-life situations.

In parallel with the MSc I applied for many job vacancies and accumulated four job offers: three in the pharmaceutical industry and one in the government sector. After careful consideration I eventually accepted a job in Sheffi eld as a Biostatistician where I am now working under the supervision of experienced Biostatisticians. Part of the role requires me to produce analysis plans and reports

for statistical sections of integrated clinical reports as well as statistical outputs such as tables, listings and fi gures. I also have to understand and apply advanced statistical methods such as logistic regression, survival analysis and most importantly, medical statistics. The pharmaceutical industry is defi nitely an amazing industry to work in.

CHARLOTTE WELLSBSc (Hons) Mathematics with FinanceAccounting/Auditing Assistant at Francis Clark LLP

I really enjoyed my time at Plymouth University; the course suited me well and the lecturers were second to none as they were friendly, helpful and always willing to answer any queries I had. Mathematics is such an interesting subject to study as it covers many different areas. There is a lot of fl exibility in which areas you study more deeply, as there are a wide range of modules on offer. Having a degree in mathematics opens many doors for you, as it is versatile and is useful in many businesses and industries.

Plymouth is a lovely place to study, as most places are close by and within walking distance. Having the Barbican and the Hoe provides a nice mix with the city life.

Whilst at university, I secured myself a position as an ACA Graduate Trainee with Francis Clark. I’ve been working for the fi rm for three months now, and have so far completed 3 out of 15 of my ACA exams. I am really enjoying my job, and applying the knowledge and skills I learnt at university. Hard work really pays off!

Having recently completely my PhD I have started working at Towers Watson where I am training to be an actuary. I absolutely love my job and get a lot of job satisfaction. There are exams to sit each year but in my mind they are worth it.

For anyone considering studying mathematics or statistics at Plymouth I would defi nitely recommend doing so. And, don’t worry if you haven’t decided on your career path yet - things can turn out better than you could even imagine as long as you work hard!

Mark SkipperBSc (Hons) MathematicsTrainee Scientist at Defence Engineering& Science Group (Ministry of Defence)

Between my second and third year I took a year out and undertook a work placement at the Department for Communities and Local Government. My studies up to that point had prepared me well for the work that was being carried out here and it took me very little time to integrate with the team. The experience was invaluable.

I started my job hunting early, starting half way through my third year. One thing I found was that a mathematics degree is truly about as fl exible a degree as there is.

The variety of jobs available meant that I was spoilt for choice when it came to applying for positions despite all the media coverage about the national shortage of jobs.

I am now on the Defence Engineering and Science Group (DESG) graduate scheme. Within two years I am to re-grade into a permanent post within Air Command where I shall resume my career as an Operational Analyst.

Six months into my scheme I am enjoying every minute. I spent the fi rst four months at RAF Coningsby in Lincoln working at 17 squadron Test and Evaluation unit within their operational analysis team.

My role was to aid statistical analysis and modelling for trials on the Eurofi ghter Typhoon and the multitude of upgrades being undertaken. Working on a military base where you have some of the most advanced aircraft in the world parked “out back” was a truly great experience. I am currently on placement in London within the Capability Theatre Airspace team carrying out a stock take of all last year’s research within the Air Defence domain.

The combination of my placement year and maths degree at Plymouth University has allowed me to get this great position but it also gives me the fl exibility to move into other areas should I so please. As such I would defi nitely recommend doing a maths degree at Plymouth.

To fi nd out more about our courses visit: www.plymouth.ac.uk/maths

MARIA LEIJERSTAMBSc (Hons) MathematicsSenior Business Improvement Consultant

There are two things that have put me where I am today: the fi rst thing being a degree in mathematics and the second being a member of the University Offi cer Training Corps whilst studying at Plymouth.

I chose to study maths at Plymouth as it offered a wide variety of subjects being delivered by some very inspirational lecturers. I had a great time and have not looked back since.

After graduation I was immediately offered a job with BAE Systems where I worked as a Systems Engineer for two years. Having this technical start enabled me very easily to progress up the career ladder and into

senior project and operations management roles. I worked across the UK, Europe, India and South America, holding a number of different roles from Operations Manager for the new aircraft carriers being built for the Royal Navy to a Project Manager responsible for developing new military IT systems. Whilst working for BAE Systems I passed the Certifi cate in Management and further progressed in my career.

After four years I decided to leave to become a Business Improvement Consultant in the area of LEAN Six Sigma. I have recently been working as a consultant to the automotive and telecommunications industries across Europe and Scandinavia. My work is technical at times and I always call upon my maths skills to help with the detailed analysis of Six Sigma projects.

Besides work, I have a rather active expedition life. I have recently completed the Marathon Des Sables, a 151 mile marathon across the Sahara Desert in seven days. On returning I also completed the Three Peaks Yacht Race, where I sailed from Wales to Scotland stopping off en route to run up the highest mountains in Wales, England and Scotland. My team came third! I believe in working hard and playing hard as life is about balance!

On 27 December 2013 Maria established a world record by being the fi rst person to cycle to the South Pole.

“ I chose to study maths at Plymouth University as it offered a wide variety of subjects being delivered by some very inspirational lecturers”

“The pharmaceutical industry is defi nitely an amazing industry to work in”

“After I had completed my fi nal exams I received an email from one of my lecturers concerning a graduate job based abroad”

GRADUATESUCCESSWITHPLYMOUTHUNIVERSITY

"One thing I found was that a mathematics degreeis truly about as fl exible a degree as there is"

“Having a degree in mathmatics opens many doors”