In which I offer some unsolicited advice to students.  So naturally first, ...

Seek advice.  All students are urged to seek wise counsel in choosing classes and considering career options.  While GVSU allows students to register for courses completely independently via Banner, my experience is that too many students self-advise badly.  Every student should consult with a faculty advisor in her major, as well as consider the resources offered by professional advisors in the CLAS Advising Center, or those of the Career Services Office.  Consulting with other students, say in the Math & Stats Club is also wise.  In all, seek multiple and different professional opinions on your available options.  There is also lots of good information on the portion of the math department’s home page that is devoted to students.  While your mother certainly wants the best for you, and your boyfriend’s sister really wants to help, these people almost certainly do not know whether taking Math 345 before Math 310 is the proper advice for you.  Your professors do.

Go beyond your classes.  Engaging in mathematics beyond standard coursework is a fantastic opportunity for growth and challenges.  Many students find these activities broaden their horizons and suggest new paths for study and careers.  Consider attending a meeting of the GVSU Math & Stats Club, joining our student and faculty problem-solving group, applying for the GVSU REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) or another NSF-funded REU, investigating the possibility of a GVSU S3 grant or becoming a McNair scholar, or even studying abroad.  Alternatively, you could simply read some great, modern, accessible mathematics for fun by looking at the monthly online feature column at the AMS.

Consider a wide range of options.  Majoring in mathematics opens career possibilities.  Learn some of the things you might do with a math major, what some past GVSU math majors have done after graduation, and why Auto Owners Insurance loves our graduates.  More can be learned from the Mathematical Association of America.

And that’s my $0.02.  It didn’t even cost you that.