Loveday Kempthorne completed a BSc with Honours in Maths in 1996. The following year she also completed a BA Honours in French . She continued on to graduate Maths ( Part III of the Mathematical Tripos) at Cambridge, and recently completed a Masters in International Relations.
“I really love the problem-solving in Maths. It's such a clear theoretical science, not like real life where there are so many grey areas! I think Maths is an excellent base for all the Sciences, and actually I found that analysing French poetry had a sort of mathematical precision about it as well.”
Loveday has just started working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as Desk Officer for the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. This may not seem very related to Mathematics, but again, the problem-solving skills, methodical approach and analytical abilities she developed studying Maths, are invaluable in Loveday's new job.
“ I think the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade likes to have a diversity of disciplines and skills among its staff. And I find it gives a certain level of credibility, having a degree in Mathematics.”
Loveday worked for UNHCR (United Nations Refugee Agency) in Eastern Europe for three years, working on refugee protection and status determination. She's only just started working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and is looking forward to developing that role.
“I feel that I could use my Maths more, although I'm not sure how. I do still do some secondary school tutoring, and I'm confident that Maths has given me vital skills for the work I do. I have never once regretted taking Mathematics as a degree and would strongly recommend it.“