(Applied Mathematics BSc, 1981)
Mathematics underlies so much of the universe, society and everyday life but it is often hidden or some people are afraid of it.
Why did you study BSc Applied Mathematics at Queen Mary?
Applied Mathematics was the course that stood out most to me and which suited my passions. I started off in first year taking an even mix of pure and applied mathematics modules. But by the start of the second year, I wanted to focus more on modules that fitted into the applied mathematics coverage, despite enjoying the logic of pure mathematics.
When I applied to study BSc Applied Mathematics at the end of the nineteen seventies, I didn't have a clear career path in mind. In truth, I have never really planned my jobs or career, instead I have adapted along the way.
What aspects of your degree did you enjoy and what were your most memorable moments at university?
I enjoyed every aspect of the course content and then spending three years as a postgraduate student in the School of Mathematical Sciences, but the best memories were getting a better understanding of how broadly the concepts of mathematics apply across many different areas of life.
Using mathematics to solve practical problems made me see how a solid understanding of mathematics could be applied to political and social challenges, engineering matters, medicine and generally trying to work out what people thought by looking at how large numbers answer questions via the statistics they generate, directly and indirectly.
Apart from medicine and other very specialist professions, I can think of few other areas where Mathematics skills would not be valuable. The degree equips graduates with such a wide range of transferrable skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking.
How did you get involved in student life throughout your studies?
I was a member of the Maths Soc group, and we often went out for meals in the evening and for other social events - a medieval banquet in St. Katherine’s Dock springs to mind! I also enjoyed ensuring the student bar maintained a healthy flow of Theakson’s Old Peculiar into my glass... As a postgrad I also played in several five-a-side football tournaments in the gym, but did not apply to join the College team as I was already playing for a Saturday team created by my former schoolmates.
How has your degree remained relevant throughout your international career?
My first job after leaving Queen Mary following my six years studying was in mathematical modelling with British Gas in its Research and Development division, hence the obvious connection. I have since worked in almost every area of IT and the ability to understand information is as valuable today as it was then. I am currently working as an IT Industry Analyst, which makes the ability to understand how IT works and what numbers mean in the broader context, rather than focusing only on how big the numbers are, essential. I like to think that the research methodology and knowledge of mathematics has allowed me to create models of almost everything, and to understand the limits and boundaries of such information.
What are some of your daily responsibilities in your current role as Director of Engagement and Distinguished Analyst at Freeform Dynamics?
I speak with IT vendors everyday to understand what they are bringing to markets. I also help investigate what the business users of IT solutions think about developments to get a picture of their drivers and perceptions. The goal of Freeform Dynamics is to try and help IT professionals make the most of the huge range of ways IT fits into almost every facet of their organisations. We do this via writing papers, research notes, blogs and giving presentations. We also try to help vendors better understand how their solutions can fit into the way organisations work. Essentially, we try to bridge the gap between buyers and sellers of IT solutions so that everyone can move forwards.
What made you choose the field you’re working in right now?
As mentioned above, I didn’t plan to end up as an IT Industry Analyst. In fact, I rarely came across the job until just a few years before I started working in the area. When the chance came, I took a leap to move from my early jobs as an IT professional and working in IT Pre-Sales, and not quite by accident, I appear to be a fairly good fit.
Why would you recommend this industry to current and recent graduates based on your own experience?
The IT Industry Analyst community is quite small and basically has two components. One section involves people who process survey results or work on updating established technical solutions and this field may appeal to recent graduates. The smaller side of the business concerns the advice and feedback we give to both IT solution vendors and their customers, but this requires considerable real-world experience. It also demands being comfortable with giving presentations and feedback to a range of skilled professionals at all levels, and with writing in a variety of styles. Experience really is essential here, hence becoming an IT Industry Analyst can take time.
April is Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month, and its goal is to increase public understanding of and appreciation for mathematics and statistics. Based on your own studies and career, what do you think is interesting about mathematics?
Mathematics underlies so much of the universe, society and everyday life but it is often either hidden or some people are afraid of it. Understanding the limits of information, particularly these days when so many claims are made on social media and by politicians, means that everyone would benefit if the knowledge of mathematical sciences was far broader.
Can you think of anything that might surprise people who don’t come from a mathematics or statistics background?
Many decisions, political, social, business etc., are often based on some form of mathematical modelling. Sometimes very crude, often skewed. Better understanding the models and data used, and their limits as I mentioned earlier, would make it easier for people to make better decisions.
I may be somewhat prejudiced as I was born in Mile End, but Queen Mary is located in one of the greatest cities in the world. The University itself also gives a great grounding for its students to build upon once they graduate.
What are some of the careers that a degree in Mathematics can open?
Why would you recommend that prospective students study Mathematics at Queen Mary based on your own experience?
Did studying at Mile End after being raised and born in this area change your opinion of the area?
Not really, I always recognised how lucky I was to be able to study at university at a time when it was economically much easier than today. I have always been very comfortable being a genuine cockney, and I still position myself as one, or as a Londoner to those who are not familiar with the term, even though I have since worked all around the world and even moved to Germany and become a Citizen here. I tell people (often in German) that you can take the Londoner (or the Cockney) out of London but can never take London out of the Londoner. Today I am a very proud German Cockney, or Cockney German!
Finally, who has inspired you throughout your lifetime?
I tend to aggregate ideas and ways of looking at things from many people, both famous and those I meet in everyday life. All in all, I would say that if you pay attention, you can find inspiration from some of your friends, teachers and colleagues. Sounds like marketing PR, but it can be true if you watch out.
If you would like to get in touch with Tony or engage him in your work, please contact the Alumni Engagement team at alumni@qmul.ac.uk.