Research:
Theoretical
Applied
Mathematical specialties:
Modeling and simulation
Numerical methods and analysis
Statistics and probability
Engineering analysis
Differential equations
Operations research
Discrete mathematics
Functional Areas Include:
Accounting and finance
Computer programming
Computer systems
Analysis operations
Sales and marketing management
Actuarial science
Engineering
Analysis and control of processes
Optimization and scheduling of resources
State government agencies
Federal government:
National Security Agency
Department of Defense
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Social Security Administration
Department of Homeland Security
Department of Energy
Military
Government laboratories
Scientific research and development services
Consulting firms
Computer services companies and software publishers
Electronics and computer manufacturers
Engineering firms
Insurance companies
Financial services firms
Chemical and pharmaceutical companies
Aerospace and transportation equipment manufacturers
Airlines and airports
Communications firms
Energy companies and petroleum producers
International government agencies
Nonprofit organizations (e.g., American Institute of Mathematics, Mathematical Association of America, American Mathematical Society)
To work in applied mathematics, consider earning a double major in a scientific or technical area. Many students with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in math work in related fields (e.g. computer science, engineering, science, or economics.
Some entry-level jobs in industry and government may be available at the bachelor’s level.
Develop substantial knowledge of computer programming and software administration. Seek experience with relevant software packages.
Learn to work well with a team of people from diverse backgrounds and differing technical specialties.
Gain experience in an area of interest through internships or research programs (e.g. those sponsored by National Science Foundation).
Maintain a high grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations to gain graduate school admittance.
Plan to earn a doctoral degree to work as a mathematician.
Research government hiring processes and internship opportunities if the public sector appeals to you.
Teaching
Research
Higher education administration
Public and private K-12 schools
Universities and colleges
Develop excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
Gain experience working with age group of interest through volunteering and tutoring.
Acquire appropriate state teacher certification for K-12 teaching opportunities. Math majors may be eligible for alternative certification programs in certain public school systems.
Private schools may hire candidates with degrees in mathematics who don’t hold certification.
Earn a doctoral degree in math to teach at four-year institutions. A master’s degree may be sufficient for two-year colleges.
Maintain a high grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations to prepare for graduate school. Assist a professor with research.
Seek appropriate graduate degree to enter higher education administration. Gain experience on campus in student leadership roles such as Resident Assistant or Orientation Leader.
Programming
Systems development
Systems analysis
Software development
Network administration
Web administration
Technical support
Training
Most areas of business:
Examples of areas of businesses:
Computer companies:
Computer services companies
Software publishers
Internet related companies
Consulting firms
Businesses that hire computer competence:
Financial & insurance companies
Manufacturers
Telecommunications companies
Retailers
Healthcare organizations
Hotels and restaurants
Entertainment companies
Environmental management firms
Education institutions
City, state, and federal government
Develop substantial knowledge of computer programming and software administration.
Take classes to earn relevant certifications.
Gain related experience through internships, part- time positions, or summer jobs.
Work with campus information technology department or volunteer to develop/maintain the website for a student organization.
Learn effective listening and verbal communication skills and how to work well with end users.
Stay attuned with developments in computer technology.
Consider earning an advanced degree in computer science or management information systems, especially if interested in management.
Actuarial Science
Risk management/Assessment
Loss management/Control
Underwriting
Insurance carriers
Insurance agents and brokers
Professional, scientific, and technical consulting firms
Government agencies
Take additional courses in statistics and finance.
Complete an internship with an insurance agency to gain relevant experience.
Actuarial science is a good career path for those who want to extensively use math on the job.
Areas such as claims, underwriting, and risk management are less math-intensive. Talk to professionals in the industry to learn more about various positions.
Develop strong communication skills, as many positions require interaction with others and the ability to explain information clearly and concisely.
Learn how to use statistical analysis software and various computer programming languages.
Plan to take a series of actuarial exams to gain licensure from either the Society of Actuaries or the Casualty Actuarial Society. The type of
insurance you deal with will determine which path to pursue. Most actuaries take these exams while working full-time, and the process takes several years.
More than half of actuaries work for insurance carriers.
Corporate and consumer credit analysis
Commercial lending
Trust management
Capital services and mergers and acquisitions
Mortgage loans
Originations and packaging
Branch management
Operations
Cash management
Credit scoring and risk management
Private banking
Financial analysis
Investment banking
Regulatory agencies:
Federal Reserve
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)
Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS)
Commercial banks
Credit unions
Savings and loan associations
Savings banks
Mortgage banks
Captive finance companies
Brokerage firms
Double major or minor in business to build a solid background in marketing, finance, and accounting.
Gain experience through part-time, summer, or internship positions in a financial services firm.
Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills in order to work well with a diverse clientele.
Serve as the financial officer or treasurer of a student organization.
Plan to earn a graduate business degree to enter investment banking.
Be geographically flexible when job searching.
Sales:
Industrial sales
Consumer product sales
Financial services sales
Services sales
Advertising sales
E-commerce
Customer service
Sales management: District, regional, and higher
Buying
Purchasing
Retailers
Wholesalers
Hospitals
Universities and schools
Local, state, and federal government
For-profit and nonprofit organizations
Product and service organizations
Manufacturers
Financial companies
Insurance companies
Print and electronic media outlets
Software and technology companies
Internet companies
Obtain experience through part-time, summer, or internship positions.
Seek leadership positions in campus organizations.
Become highly motivated and well-organized.
Develop strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people. Take additional courses in interpersonal communication and public speaking.
To prepare for a buying position, work in a retail store to learn about the industry.
Research certification options within the purchasing field.
For sales:
Work for the campus newspaper, directory, or radio station selling advertisements.
Learn to work well under pressure and to be comfortable in a competitive environment.
Prepare to work independently and to be self-motivated.
Plan to work irregular and/or long hours.
Math can be found in almost every sector of the world of work. Students majoring in math should consider if they want to use math skills directly or indirectly in the work place. This may determine the types of experiences and further education necessary to prepare for area of interest.
Math backgrounds may work in a variety of settings and jobs such as analyst, researcher/research assistant, technical consultant, computer scientist, or systems engineer.
Math majors develop many transferable skills including critical thinking, problem diagnosis and solving, computer skills, and quantitative skills. Other important skills to develop include good reasoning, persistence, and communication, both verbal and written.
Seek relevant experiences through internships, part-time, and summer positions.
Supplement curriculum with courses in business, economics, computers, or statistics for increased opportunities.
Consider earning a graduate degree in a related area such as statistics, computer science, science, business, engineering, or other integrated degrees. Some examples of specialties that utilize a background in math combined with study in another field include bioinformatics, computer animation and digital imaging, climatology, or financial mathematics.
Join relevant organizations and seek leadership roles. Learn to work well in a team environment.
Conduct informational interviews with professionals in areas of interest to enhance knowledge and make contacts.
Stay informed of new developments and current trends in the field.