Eric Johnson, B.S. 1995

1995 Major: Mathematics and Philosophy

How has being a Mathematics graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?

"Even though I have never been employed in a field specifically related to my majors, the training and work I did with Math and Philosophy have been helpful every single day of my life. Math instilled the idea that, when confronted with a problem, I don't have to see the end result. I only have to see the next step. From there, I'll see the next step, and eventually I'll get to the last one. Philosophy showed me that there are almost always multiple way to look at an issue, and just because I think something, doesn't mean it's true. I chose Math because I was good at it and really enjoyed it in high school, and philosophy because took a few classes freshman and sophomore years, and decided it was worth doing the extra work to get the full major. Having great professors certainly helped."

What advice would you give students in Duke's Mathematics programs? 

"Recognize that math is hard. Groups, Rings and Fields with Dr. Pardon was the only class at Duke that ever made me cry in front of a professor. But his reaction was caring and kind--take advantage of your professors' humanity and don't be afraid to tell them about the challenges you're facing outside of class. Immerse yourself in the rigor with the confidence of knowing you are a total badass. When I tell people,. 25 years later, that I was a math major, they sit up and take notice. Also, you'll be amazed at where math majors end up--the COO of our ad agency was a math major who decided she really liked advertising..but her quant abilities set her aside from most of her competitors. Same with Philosophy--the Speaker of the CA Assembly, Anthony Rendon, was a philosophy major. The cliche about "It teaches you how to think" is a cliche because it's true! Go get 'em."