From a researcher at the Institute of Mathematics to programmers, or what other profession that is in demand can really be mastered?

Question

Career in IT

Hello dear forum members! Please give me advice. My story is this: I graduated from the specialty "Applied Mathematics and Informatics". At the university, they programmed in C ++. Then many classmates went into programming, the oil industry. And I went to work in a scientific institute. Now I work as a research assistant (for 7 years), I am engaged in purely theoretical mathematics. Now I am 34. A year ago, I worked part-time in an organization that develops software for oil companies. My work there was as follows: I analyzed the code written in Delphi and then described what was done there (formulas, algorithms) so that programmers would rewrite it all in C ++. To check how the algorithms work, I myself studied Python a little and wrote in it (but I wrote quite elementary things, as I understand it). At that moment, I started listening to lectures on Phyton at MIT. I couldn’t completely go to work in this company, because I didn’t understand at all what prospects I might have there. But now I understand that theoretical mathematics just began to kill me, there is no desire and inspiration to do it for the rest of my life. It kills that we are solving abstract problems and I do not see applications in real life. And of course the salary of 28 thousand. (when there are no grants), on which it is possible to live with a small child, but only, as they say, there is enough for the rent and food. I really want to change jobs and careers. I don't want to be a theoretical mathematician anymore. Advise in which direction to dig, I like programming. Is it possible to become a programmer at my age? What is in demand now. Absolutely confused where to start. Thanks in advance :-) Sorry for the long text :-)

Answer 1

I don't want to be a theoretical mathematician anymore.

Maybe then a practicing mathematician?
Algorithmistics, let's say, is rather a part of mathematics. Most active, skilled programmers don't come up with algorithms (and many don't even know). Serious computational tasks, for example in the oil industry, require deep analysis before routine coding. Data science, big data, artificial neural network - it's more about mathematics than about programming. Cryptography again - few coders clearly understand what multiplication on elliptic curves is. Exchange strategies, investment portfolio optimization.

Answer 2

You can try to work in Data Science or where they do more or less complex machine learning. There are not as many vacancies for this as we would like, but they pay well there and knowledge of mathematics is appreciated.
If you go into web programming or corporate programming, you will find yourself in the rat race after a while.

Answer 3

Is it possible to become a programmer at my age?

It's not about age, but about abilities, availability of time and readiness to master a new profession for more than one year, and then for more than one year (and if you don't become a good programmer in the end, then for the rest of your life) work "for food".

Answer 4

Naturally! Everything is only in your hands! And no one cares about age. You can also search on YouTube about your question, I think there is a huge number of stories that will help you

Answer 5

Welcome to analytics!

Answer 6

be a frontend developer?

Answer 7

Look for vacancies of mathematicians-programmers or mathematicians-analysts. For vacancies and see what else you need.
Someone writes tungsten-alpha, someone writes mathematical online reference books, someone develops 3D engines or improves cryptography, someone audio / video compression algorithms - no one knows what part of mathematics you are strong in.

Answer 8

I think that with such a background - an analyst is a great choice.

Answer 9

Now I am 34

Is it possible to become a programmer at my age?

Formally, it is possible to become a programmer, but to work to the fullest is not. Those in their early 20s will tear you to shreds on the topic of growth and work speed.