Ben Erdeljac, B.A. 2001

Mathematics Teacher, Mount Lebanon School District, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

2001 Major: Mathematics, with minor in Sociology and Markets & Management Studies certificate

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

"Earning a mathematics degree from Duke opened many doors for me professionally. Following graduation, I was able to obtain job offers in a variety of fields including sales, marketing, underwriting, and teaching. My math degree from Duke was evidence to potential employers that I was able to think critically and problem solve. Fluency in numbers gave employers further confidence that I could navigate a world where quantitative data is so important. After working as an underwriter for a short time, I chose a career in secondary education as a math teacher. I share the value of math with my students daily. Personally, I’ve always taken great pride in my math degree from Duke. Having learned from such great professors and problem solved with classmates from all over the world is a point of great pride for me and continues to give me confidence in any personal and professional situation."

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

"Be a problem solver! Develop analytical and critical thinking skills. Learn to reflect on your own thinking and be able to communicate your problem solving strategies. These skills can be honed in many courses, but I believe math is especially good at developing them."

Ben Erdeljac