Expert: Bobby Soltani - 9/16/2005

Question
My question isn't so much about how to do certain things in math, but rather how useful it is in careers in general. I wanted more than anything to be a business major, but I had to drop Calculus because it was simply too much for me. I am now reconsidering my major looking specifically for a major that is not "math-intensive." It seems to me that some people are either really good at math, and some really have trouble following it. And those that are good at it do not understand why those who aren't can't catch on. For some math, or in my case Calculus, is like a completely different language. I want to be very successful, but I don't think I will ever be good at math. There are no statistics out there that suggest that people who are good in math will be overall more successful (and by successful I am referring to income) than those who are not good at it? I would like to think so because I just can't follow that kind of logic. It is philosophical type logic that fits into my mind. But math on the other hand does not seem to translate for me. It just doesn't seem as logical. Thanks in advance for your time. I appreciate any ideas or information you can give me.

Answer
Hi James,

Career goals aside, I think a certain level of math is important for everyone's personal life.  For instance, math is helpful when you are balancing a checkbook, deciding on financing for a car or house, or several other similar things.

If you really want to earn a business degree, I suggest that you work hard to pass calculus instead of changing your major.  In school and in work, there will be things you excel at as well as things that are difficult for you.  You may have to spend twice the amount of time on that one class.  Depending on what you plan to do with the major, you may never use calculus, but you never know.

I hope this helps.  Good luck.

Bobby