It's mainly a tool for working with matrices (matrix laboratory). This is useful for solving ordinary differential equations. Learning Matlab is usually a requirement for first year engineering students. I'm now a licensed chemical engineer, and I haven't used Matlab since sophomore year.
You can also get into a amateur radio fairly easily. In the US, lots of radio clubs put on license classes, especially for the entry level technician class license. Most other countries have an amateur radio scheme.
Cutting junior employees today sounds like a great option, until 10 years down the road you realize you don't have any experienced people to backfill the senior employees who are leaving.
The top one is a mathematician who wanted to hire geometric manifolds, but got engine manifolds.
The bottom is a mechanic who needs engine manifolds, but got euclidean surfaces.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manifold