James FergussonBSc Hons in Mathematics, BSc Hons in Physics
After finishing his Mathematics degree in 2001, James Fergusson was wondering whether he should get a job or go on his Big OE. He sent off a few job applications and was surprised to find most employers offered him an interview! His qualifications must have impressed J D Edwards, the supply chain consultants. He was asked if he liked travel and James said yes. He was duly accepted and was whisked of to Toronto and New York for 8 weeks of training and exploring! Since returning, he has been working in Melbourne, Nelson and Sydney on pre-sales and project work."My job is to construct models of the client’s supply chain using our company’s software, which then uses mathematical programming to find the best solution for running the business." The supply chain incorporates the purchase of raw materials, the manufacturing process, the distribution of goods and the forecasting of future demands. James is involved in running software that gives least cost solutions, statistical forecasts, optimum production schedules and matching orders to stock. "To do this I work with all levels of management, lead workshops assessing the business needs, design the models, hold training classes for the users, work with pre-sales doing product demos, set up networks, manipulate data, and even write some code myself." James finds that his mathematical training overcomes lack of background in other areas. "Despite having not done either a commerce or computing course at university, the logical problem solving skills I was taught during my degree have allowed me to pick up any skills that I lacked quickly, so much so that after only four months I am leading a product implementation in Australia. The greatest strength of mathematics is that it teaches you to see problems (and not just mathematical ones) in their simplest form, making it easy to find the best solution. Also the structured approach of mathematics gives you clarity of thought which has proved invaluable in all areas of my job." | |
