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Response to your postscript: I know quite a few people who've worked for the NSA's mathematical research arms. They're not numpties. They're among the smarte
by auntienomen 9y ago
Response to your postscript: I know quite a few people who've worked for the NSA's mathematical research arms. They're not numpties. They're among the smartest people I've ever met (and I've been hanging around tier 1 research institutes, both public and private, my whole adult life).
- kakaorka 9y agoMaybe that's because one of the biggest hiring firms for mathematicians is the NSA.
- Bahamut 9y agoNot one of - they’re famous for being THE biggest employer of mathematicians.
- auntienomen 9y agoFor clarity, let me emphasize: The people I'm talking about stood out among professional mathematicians, not just among the general population.
- peoplewindow 9y agoPresumably that's because the alternative line of employment for mathematicians is academia, which I can imagine pays even worse.
- auntienomen 9y agoMost math PhDs work in industry, not in academia or government. Industry pays the best of the 3 by far. But NSA has nonetheless attracted some very smart cookies. Personally, I sleep a bit better knowing that they're there.
- girardthelinear 9y ago> most of the tech companies, banks, insurance, a number of retail corps as well as consulting all hire mathematicians. the NSA is a bit overhyped there