What are our alumni doing?
Nathan Timmer
Graduation Year: ‘20
Major(s) and minor(s): math (SEC teaching) major, minors in philosophy and economics
Post-grad education: Georgia Tech OMSCS, Masters in Computer Science
Current position: Data Engineer I
Employer: Amazon
The most helpful aspects of my undergraduate education in mathematics were: learning how to problem solve in various situations and be comfortable in ambiguity.
The advice I’d offer to current undergraduate students in mathematics: take any opportunities you have to learn about yourself, your passions, and the opportunities available to you. Take full advantage of what GVSU offers in terms of programs, course work, and faculty. Don't be afraid to work outside of your major. Obviously, I'm not currently teaching. However, I am really enjoying what I am doing now and how it has afforded me the ability to use my math background daily (specifically linear algebra and some calculus concepts).
In a typical day in my work, I: use AWS and other data pipelining tools to create, manage, and optimize data warehousing and processing for Worldwide Amazon Stores. I am also responsible for making sure that data is secure and finely tuned to meet operational and corporate demands.
Other thoughts/comments: For context, I did not just apply for this job out of college. I started on the warehouse floor and my mathematics background was attractive to the hiring manager at the time - for a Data Analyst position. I have worked my way up internally over the past 2 years. I am happy to have conversations with anyone about my experience and helping other students or graduates network!
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