By Fran Molloy
Four-unit HSC maths followed by liberal arts study at Yale University in the United States, followed by a masters of business administration (MBA) at the University of Cambridge in Britain doesn't at first glance seem like a straightforward study path.
But it has worked for Alexandra Galin, a former North Sydney Girls' High School student.
And anyway, who says HSC study, university and career choices need be linear any more?
Galin, who also studied French and other arts subjects at high school, was surrounded by students who stayed in their lanes, so to speak, by studying either maths and sciences or arts, whereas she enjoyed the mix.
HSC maths high achiever Alexandra Galin. Credit: Simon Pierce
The theoretical demands of 4-unit Adv, Extension 1 and 2 meant a "break" from arts subjects, she says, and the smaller class size for high-level maths meant students had the benefit of a lot of teacher input.
Galin's bachelor's degree from Yale is in comparative literature, yet she went on to graduate with an MBA in venture capital and non-profit management, and work in finance and banking before signing on with Sydney-based fintech OnMarket BookBuilds.
Galin recommends studying HSC maths, even if arts subjects are a student's main passion. The dividends pay off down the track in career opportunities.