Allan Adler wrote:
> "NC" <nc@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> writes:
> > Another requirement for a successful consultant is being
> > able to communicate in non-technical language, which in
> > many cases is an insurmountable hurdle for "pure"
> > mathematicians.
>
> NC's remarks might show that many businesses are administered
> by people who are deeply prejudiced against mathematicians.
Note that you are replying to my post, but talking about me in
third person; this is very characteristic of people who are used
to scholarly writing, where referring to everyone (including self)
in third person is the norm. How's that for inability to
communicate in non-technical language? :)
> Even a simple google search turned up lots of mathematical
> consulting services.
....almost none of which prefer "pure" mathematicians... Take a
look at Metron, for example:
http://www.metsci.com/careers/openings.html
None of the jobs open is exclusive to mathematicians. Education-
wise, an advanced degree in physics, CS, engineering, or OR will
go just as far as one in math; programming experience is almost
always desired, communication skills are desperately sought.
Or check out Wagner Associates:
Qualifications Sought
* BS, MS, PhD or PhD candidacy in mathematical sciences,
computer science, or in electrical or mechanical engineering,
physics, or mathematical finance/economics. Nonmathematical
degrees must demonstrate broad or theoretical backgrounds.
* Creative research ability
* Versatility
* Senior candidates should be able to represent the firm with clients
* Ability is more im****tant than experience
* Candidates with software experience and mathematical finance
or biotechnology experience
* U.S. citizen****p
http://www.wagner.com/company/careers.html
> A lot of people are damaged by their experiences with the
> educational system and the prospect of dealing with a real
> live mathematician triggers a response not unlike post-
> traumatic stress disorder.
Similarly, a lot of mathematicians are conditioned to speak geek
and despise applied science, so the prospect of dealing with a
real-world problem requiring a cost-effective solution also triggers
a response not unlike post-traumatic stress disorder... Also, a
lot of mathematicians are completely unaware of the mathematical
tools commonly used in other disciplines (most notably, economics
and life sciences) and in the industry (from engineering to insurance).
Tell me: if I need assistance with implementing, say, ARCH/
GARCH models in risk management, what compelling argument
can you offer for seeking help in the Math department of a local
university rather than in the Econ department? More broadly,
why should I pay a mathematician to get up to speed on domain
knowledge, when domain experts with serious mathematical
prowess are available? Or, say, I wanted to hire Edward Altman
to guide the development of next-generation credit pricing tool,
but he was not available. Which mathematician should I hire and
how long will it take him/her to rise to Altman's level of
understanding credit risk? (Hint: Altman has been doing relevant
research and consulting since 1960s...)
> On the other hand, the same people often like to garnish their
> language with mathematical terminology that they don't
> understand and which they use incorrectly. One popular term
> is "topology", which they use interchangeably with the word
> "topography".
I am yet to hear a network engineer say "network topography",
even though they talk about network topologies day in and
day out... Is it possible you are slightly exaggerating?
Cheers,
NC
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