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What he does:
- John Jerger started working at the Center for Conflict Resolution (http://www.ccrchicago.org) in November of 2004. Before working there, he earned a Masters of Science in Public Policy & Management from the H. John Heinz School of Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University, with a concentration in nonprofit and IT management. These studies prepared him for his current job, which involves (among other things) writing and implementing organizational policy, tracking financial documentation, performing financial analysis, managing human resources, and trouble-shooting computer problems.
Math on the Job:
- The majority of time in this position is spent on basic
bookkeeping: tracking, depositing, and paying income and
expenses. Much of this bookkeeping is done using a computer
program, and requires no more identifiable mathematical skill than
simple arithmetic.
- That said, certain "math major" patterns of thought are very
useful for this position. One example is solving problems by
example (when John doesn't know the proper categorization for an
expense, he looks into what was used in the past and applies it to the
current issue). John says, "This is a mental exercise
surprisingly similar to using old theorems to solve new problems.
Furthermore, the kind of rational thinking involved in making policy
decisions has a strong basis in the sort of logical step-by-step
process you learn to implement in the course of being a math major."
- The job also occasionally involves mathematical models in making
decisions. In deciding between different possible projects or
investments, it can be helpful to project returns using interest-based
calculations. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) model is
helpful for choosing between similar alternatives. In fact, John
is currently using the AHP model to help with the decision-making
process of hiring a new employee.
John's background:
- John was an English and Mathematics Major and Theater Minor,
graduating from Franklin & Marshall College in May 2002. He
then went on to study at the H. John Heinz School of Public Policy at
Carnegie Mellon University, earning a Masters of Science in Public
Policy and Management (with a concentration in nonprofit and IT
management) in May 2004. While he primarily uses skills from his
graduate-level work in his job, John cites his background in
mathematics as an invaluable building block to his success in grad
school. His job often requires a cool head, and the training in
the step-by-step logic taught in any math class allows him to remain
calm while tackling difficult issues. In addition, John likes to
claim that the majority of computer programmers are former math majors,
so he gets a boost in dealing with computers because they are designed
with people who have similar backgrounds to himself.
- While in college, John was active with student activities,
serving on the executive board of the College Entertainment Committee
for 2 years and helping plan a Habitat for Humanity Spring Break trip
his senior year. He also sang in the Chamber Singers for three
years, wrote editorials for the school newspaper for two and a half
years, and volunteered as a reading and mathematics tutor as his
schedule allowed. On the rare occasions when he found himself
with additional free time, John took part in several plays on campus.
Advice for students:
- John has this advice for college students:
"Studying math might inspire in you a life-long urge to study numbers and prove theorems. Or it might not, and that's okay. The great value to studying math is that it builds certain pathways in your thinking that will be valuable to you no matter what profession you may pursue. Nevertheless, don't let your studies overshadow your opportunities to get involved in other activities--some of my most valuable skills come from my experiences with student activities and the time I spent with my friends."