Math Degree or Accountancy?

[monikernemo]

I am a 95'er, currently in NS awaiting for ORD (10 months to go~)

Currently I accepted SMU School of Accountancy's offer to enroll in class of 2020. Rejected NTU's Accountancy because thought once (true story) went for this talk conducted by NBS during their open house. They invited an distinguished Alumnus back to share her experience. Must say that she wasn't really much of a speaker and was unable to captivate the crowds. Was very displeased by my experience with NTU.

I also am currently holding an office post in NS, and found myself dislike working like a horse/cow/computer/dog (yeah you get the idea) on the desk doing repetitive stuff (doing a lot of write-ups, email, data-entry).

I have a keen interest in Math, not just solving problems, but also proving. Took H3 Math for A levels and must say, though can be discouraging at times, the joy you get from proving a given statement is FANTASTIC!!!

Okay now, back to the present, I have a University course crisis. Of course I know Accountancy earns you good money, but I want to learn Math for the sake of learning Math (mostly satisfaction from mental vigor). I dont know whether if I will excel further in the pursuit of studying Math in Uni, but would like to get at least a Masters (for bragging). I understand that most Accountancy Grads work like a horse/cow/server/dog at their peak, and personally, after working at a desk job, really find it unsatisfying, though heard in the long term, money is fantastic (and no one really studies till Masters for Accountancy)

My Grades are AAAB/E (e for excellent) H3 Math, Distinction

If TL;DR, my questions are:

1. What are the career choices (kindly state agencies too) one can have being a Math Major? And of course, estimated salary?

2. Differences between NTU and NUS Math programs?

3. What to expect in the years to come if I study Math (personally may want to focus on Pure Math than other branches of Math)?

4. Should I change my course from Accountancy to Math if I dislike doing repetitive stuff or working on a tight deadline?

 

[thestarlight]

I have a friend with master in mathematics from Australia university. Hes currently working as a Quantitative Analyst at jp morgan. Starting pay ard 4k plus.

 

[FrostWurm]

Math quite good as you can branch into quantitative finance or data analytics in the future

 

[Adenovirus]

Hi moi ish from SMU SoA. If you hate repetitive stuff like you've mentioned, then accounting will be a painful ordeal, especially in the fields of audit and tax I suppose. In any case, SMU life is not that bad compared to other schools because you have a more forgiving timetable. If you want to know more about life here, feel free to ask me

 

[AhPORK]

1. Career choices pretty much depends on what you specialize in and ya, same goes for the estimated salary
Some of the possible careers you can take on as a math graduate: Teacher, statistician, data analyst and etc

2. If I'm not wrong you're supposed to choose your specialisation in year 1 for NUS math whereas for NTU math, we get to choose our specialization in year 2

3. Lots of provings I guess

4. I believe you can do a course transfer but that'll mean you'll graduate later than your peers in most of cases I believe that a course transfer from biz to math would be easier than from math to biz

 

[monikernemo]

I have a friend with master in mathematics from Australia university. Hes currently working as a Quantitative Analyst at jp morgan. Starting pay ard 4k plus.

Wow but bet he specialised in stats?

 

[monikernemo]

Math quite good as you can branch into quantitative finance or data analytics in the future

Other than finance? How about IT related market? Is it hot for mathematicians? Say in fields of encryption?

 

[thestarlight]

Wow but bet he specialised in stats?

To be honest, I'm not sure what he specialized in. As mathematics isnt my line of interests, i didnt ask much abt his studies all along.

However, I remember his job requires good knowledge of statistics and finance. So i guess he must have specialised in what you have mentioned.

Anyway, I'm from accounts and the work is pretty repetitive. However, you should note that accounting degree branches out to many different career lines in areas such as-- financial reporting, management reporting, audit, financial planning and analysis, corporate finance, consultancy, etc...

Any company would appreciate an employee who knows how to read and analyze financial statements well. Afterall, companies in commercial sector are usually most interested in maximizing shareholder's wealth in terms of monetary profits. This is why an accountancy graduates are quite highly valued in the society.

 

[FrostWurm]

Other than finance? How about IT related market? Is it hot for mathematicians? Say in fields of encryption?

Key ability is being able to do programming/software development etc. Good thing is most math degrees cover it, esp applied maths and stats.

 

[kan3siao]

Key ability is being able to do programming/software development etc. Good thing is most math degrees cover it, esp applied maths and stats.

Second this.

Don't just limit your abilities to what is being taught in Uni.

You will be amazed what can be achieved with strong background in maths and being able to code.

Try picking up "R" programming language for a start.

 

[yusoffb01]

take math...

 

[monikernemo]

Second this.

Don't just limit your abilities to what is being taught in Uni.

You will be amazed what can be achieved with strong background in maths and being able to code.

Try picking up "R" programming language for a start.

Hahaha I see will take a look ^^

 

[monikernemo]

take math...

More interested to hear reasons than just one worded answers hahaha

 

[benson987fm]

Both disciplines deal with numbers. The jobs are going to be boring and require critical thinking.

Regardless which discipline you choose, make sure you like what you are doing. More importantly, you must be extremely good in it and your employer valued your work. If you can't achieve both requirements/conditions, you will hate your work and you will just be another expendable employee in a large organisation.

Good grade give you more options but it does not necessary lead you to success/rich.

I got the above advice when i was young, and i think it is a shitty advice. Now i think these are the best advice.

Have fun !!! =)

 

[anglewing]

In my honest opinion, I would say go with Maths. Do what you love doing.

 

[-Wanderer-]

But which field of mathematics are you interested in?

Mathematics in itself is a very vast field.

 

[monikernemo]

But which field of mathematics are you interested in?

Mathematics in itself is a very vast field.

I like learning about math a lot, be it applied or pure. I like proves, as well as Combinatorics?

Not really a great fan of statistics though.

 

[arcanum00]

I like learning about math a lot, be it applied or pure. I like proves, as well as Combinatorics?

Not really a great fan of statistics though.

I think you mean you are not a great fan of business statistics. Theoretical statistics does require knowledge in functional analysis and measure theory. You need to do rigourous proofs too.


Cheers!

 

[Havok_ex]

Math is a diverse field with very diverse career opportunities. But if you want money go for accountancy.

 

[monikernemo]

Both disciplines deal with numbers. The jobs are going to be boring and require critical thinking.

Regardless which discipline you choose, make sure you like what you are doing. More importantly, you must be extremely good in it and your employer valued your work. If you can't achieve both requirements/conditions, you will hate your work and you will just be another expendable employee in a large organisation.

Good grade give you more options but it does not necessary lead you to success/rich.

I got the above advice when i was young, and i think it is a shitty advice. Now i think these are the best advice.

Have fun !!! =)

It was quite recent that it dawned on me money would be a rather important factor in deciding my career choices. In life, you would have many regrets eventually, so why let money be yet, another regret?

Then again, I thought that I would regret in the future for not choosing the course I like. Quite a dilemma actually.

One thing is for sure. I would never want to exchange my time/life mindlessly for $$$.