I got a programming job where I rely heavily on my mechanical engineering background. For much of the day, I am programming in Python and C doing user interface work, web programming, and optimizing numerical algorithms. However, I also get to study and use solid mechanics, the finite element method, fluid mechanics, etc.

In the engineering world, a lot of entry level jobs require just a pocket calculator and a book full of standards and codes. I would hate to have wasted all that time in school learning advanced math not to be able to use it! There are a lot of ways to apply math in your programming simply through how math makes you think. Studying math revitalizes the programming part of my brain, and allows me to attack problems from new angles.

This (highly opinionated) quote [1] from Zed Shaw inspired me to pursue a career that leverages applied math and physics, as well as programming:

> Programming as a profession is only moderately interesting. It can be a good job, but you could make about the same money and be happier running a fast food joint. You're much better off using code as your secret weapon in another profession.

> People who can code in the world of technology companies are a dime a dozen and get no respect. People who can code in biology, medicine, government, sociology, physics, history, and mathematics are respected and can do amazing things to advance those disciplines.

[1] http://learnpythonthehardway.org/book/advice.html