Many of us work in what we call corporate America. A lot goes on behind the scenes that allows the workers to do their jobs effectively. Tina Boocher is a corporate secretary at her husband’s fabrication business, Boochers, Inc., a a steel manufacturing company — but her responsibilities go way beyond managing email, calendars and meeting agendas. You won’t believe the math she does.
Can you explain what you do for a living?
I work in the office of a fabrication and repair shop. My job consists of entering orders, making schedules for the employees, working up drawings and prints to build from, bookkeeping and payroll.
When do you use basic math in your job?
I use basic math in just about all applications of my work. When figuring out the dimensions on the prints (which our employees build from), I have to calculate within fractions of an inch what dimensions are required so that we can accurately fabricate and assemble our parts. As for bookkeeping and payroll, math is extremely important because it is used in ALL aspects, whether it is entering items into inventory, tallying outstanding checks to reconcile a bank statement or calculating time cards so that paychecks are printed.
Do you use any technology (like calculators or computers) to help with this math?
Mostly, I use an adding machine to aid my work. Although, I sometimes use a calculator and computer. Spreadsheets, such as Microsoft Excel, are very useful for making reports. Excel requires the user to be able to write math formulas.
How do you think math helps you do your job better?
My job would be IMPOSSIBLE to do without math. Without math, we couldn’t make our parts, track our information in our computers, or pay employees.
How comfortable with math do you feel?
I feel fairly comfortable with the math that I use on a regular basis. There are times when we have drawings that require advanced trigonometry in order to build them. At that point I need help from the fabricators who are more familiar with that type of math.
What kind of math did you take in high school?
In high school, I only made it through Algebra 1.
Did you have to learn new skills in order to do the math you use in your job?
I received on-the-job training for bookkeeping, payroll and figuring the dimensions on the prints.
This is a great example of how important the ability to do math is. If you want more details about Boocher’s or Tina’s use of math at work, comment below. I’ll be happy to ask her!
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