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Industrial Environments - Views from Inside

20 July 1989

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What is 'Industrial Mathematics,' anyway? In a sense, it represents a way of life for a mathematician, rather than a collection of various kinds of mathematics. Success in an industrial environment depends partially upon having a strong mathematical foundation built with materials from an appropriate curriculum. Just as important, however, are the right attitudes, good communication skills, a willingness to listen, and a healthy curiosity. Mathematical life in industry involves working with people in other fields and capacities -- technical workers, managers and planners, sales people -- and learning about a wide variety of products and processes. In this session we discuss mathematical careers in industry. We describe various aspects of industrial environments, discuss the mathematical preparation which is necessary, and toss in a few guidelines for success.