| An understanding of mathematics and science creates tremendous job
opportunities. However, the link between a degree and a career is
not necessarily direct. Challenging mathematical problems enable students
to acquire and to demonstrate critical thinking skills. These skills
become useful in many, seemingly unrelated, disciplines.
In May of 1999, Lisa Schkade graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
with a bachelor’s of science degree in mathematics and an
impressive array of minors in economics, physics and astronomy,
Spanish, and history. Shortly thereafter, she joined Hallmark as
a Service Representative. She serves as the primary contact for
various levels of Hallmark staff, including retailers, managers,
and sales representatives. Throughout the holiday season, she also
created card layouts for the Hallmark Business Expressions line.
During her workday from 9:30 a.m. until 6:15 p.m. Schkade answers
inquiries into orders, accounts, and sales networks. Schkade finds
satisfaction in “foreseeing potential problems and reassuring
retailers about appropriate solutions for their stores.”
Although Schkade’s work doesn’t directly apply mathematics,
she frequently uses the skills she acquired as a mathematics teaching
assistant and tutor. Describing her experience, Schkade stated,
“I learned to communicate complex concepts and problems to
my students. If the students did not understand my first explanation,
I looked for other ways to clarify the difficult mathematical ideas
and answer their questions.” The ability to effectively explain
the subtleties of calculus to frustrated college freshman translates
well to Schkade’s work coordinating accounts at Hallmark,
including an occasional conversation with a disgruntled client.
Regarding her future, Schkade’s options remain open. “I
studied mathematics because of the flexibility I would have upon
graduation. I was not sure if I wanted to study science and engineering
or if I would prefer to go into business,” she explained.
Schkade states that the liberal arts education made her a well-rounded
person and a better thinker, skills that every employer desires. |
