The weekly assembly of the Department of Mathematics for the 2nd semester of the 114th Academic Year covered the rich experiences of alumni and current students regarding "Preparation for Graduate School Admissions," "University Study Planning," and "Engineer Career Development." The event record is as follows: I. Preparation of Application Materials and Academic Subjects for Graduate School For admissions via recommendation and entrance exams, it is recommended to start organizing transcripts, personal experiences, and class assignments around July or August. For application materials, students can refer to online templates for formatting and use AI to help polish the drafts. However, the core objective must be to demonstrate the connection between one's undergraduate experiences and the graduate research field, as well as a strong ambition to apply. In terms of academic subjects, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics, and Regression Analysis are essential foundations. When preparing for subjects like Advanced Calculus or Mathematical Statistics, the focus should be on understanding definitions and formula derivations rather than rote memorization. The speakers suggested forcing oneself to absorb and understand the material by organizing notes and transcribing texts. II. Interview Skills and Mindset Building Interview styles vary greatly among different graduate schools. For example, the Institute of Statistics at National Central University focuses on statistical theory and graph interpretation, while the Institute of Health Data Analytics at National Taiwan University and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University emphasize the extension of research experience, English translation, and on-the-spot problem-solving. When preparing for interviews, one should anticipate common questions (such as the motivation for applying) and practice the script repeatedly with teachers or friends to reduce nervousness. During the interview, it is important to maintain a smile and basic politeness. If encountering a mistake in problem-solving or a question one cannot answer, one should face it calmly and admit the oversight, demonstrating problem-solving abilities and a stable mindset to the professors, which is often the key to admission. III. Study Progression Planning and the Advantages of the Mathematics Department The four-year university timeline should be progressive: focus on core courses during the freshman and sophomore years, take advanced courses and seek internships in the junior year, and dedicate full effort to graduate school entrance exams and interviews in the senior year. Pursuing a master's degree involves taking courses, defining a thesis topic, and passing an oral defense; whereas the doctoral stage is more like a full-time job, encompassing research, serving as a teaching assistant, and participating in international conferences. The speakers emphasized that the training in the Department of Mathematics provides a solid theoretical foundation, mathematical logical thinking, and cultivates a research spirit of never giving up. IV. Career Exploration and Practical Skills for Engineers For students interested in developing a career in the tech industry, it is recommended to explore various avenues during their studies, such as through special projects, Academia Sinica research camps, or cross-institutional courses, to accumulate practical experience in Python, R language, and AI image recognition. However, the actual work content after entering the workplace (such as shifting to system integration, setting up AI model environments, or front-end/back-end development) often differs from what was expected during the interview, and technological trends change rapidly. Therefore, possessing "continuous learning ability"—which includes grasping key points, learning quickly, finding resources, and applying them flexibly—is the most core workplace value for a software engineer. V. Extracurricular Activities and Work-Life Balance In addition to cultivating professional skills, the speakers all encouraged students to participate in clubs or organize camps when time permits. This can increase opportunities to interact with people from different backgrounds, broaden their horizons, and improve their interpersonal skills. Finally, it is strongly recommended to find a sport of interest (such as badminton, running, or cycling) during university and stick with it, while also developing reading habits and reducing excessive smartphone use to keep the mind and body in optimal condition.

Implemented by Department of Mathematics
Date: 2026/05/05