Mathematics

What can I do with this major?

Industry

Area

  • Research
  • Development
  • Design
  • Data Processing
  • Testing
  • Operations
  • Quality Control
  • Statistical Processing Control
  • Environmental Analysis
  • Consulting

Employer

  • Industries including:
    • Manufacturing
    • Transportation
    • Aerospace
    • Communications
    • Machinery
    • Electrical equipment
    • Pharmaceuticals
    • Other private industries
  • Consulting firms

Information / Strategies

  • Note that greatest demand is for applied mathematicians with skills in computer science, electronics design and theory, statistics and probability.
  • Develop computer and research skills. Learn to use relevant software packages.
  • Earn a master's degree in math, business, or related field for advanced positions or for consulting jobs.
  • Maintain excellent G.P.A. for graduate/professional school admission.
  • Gain relevant experience through internships, volunteering, summer, or part-time jobs.
  • Develop good oral and written communication skills.
  • Learn to work well in teams.

Government

Area

  • Research
  • Administration

Employer

  • Federal agencies including Defense, Labor, Justice, Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Transportation, Commerce, Treasury, NASA, and Library of Congress
  • State agencies involving research and problem-solving teams

Information / Strategies

  • Become familiar with government hiring procedures.
  • Make contacts through involvement in campus, local, or state politics.
  • Obtain internship with local, state, or federal government.
  • Join related professional organizations.
  • Maintain a high grade point average.

Market Research

Area

  • Data Collection
  • Information Analysis

Employer

  • Market research firms
  • Consumer goods manufacturing firms

Information / Strategies

  • Develop good oral and written communication skills.
  • Acquire a business minor.
  • Volunteer to assist a professor with research.
  • Become a student member of the American Marketing Association.
  • Assist with canvassing/phone interviewing for charities or political campaigns.
  • Complete a market research internship.

Computers

Area

  • Programming
    • Systems
    • Applications
  • Systems Analysis
  • Data Processing
  • Information Systems
  • Software Development
  • Networking
  • Hardware
  • Training

Employer

  • Computer hardware and software firms
  • Service companies
  • Manufacturing firms
  • Government (federal, state, and local)
  • Financial institutions
  • Wholesale and retail trade firms
  • Custom software builders
  • Service companies
  • Specialized training organizations
  • Educational publishers
  • Consulting firms

Information / Strategies

  • Develop advanced computer skills.
  • Gain knowledge of computer languages and programming.
  • Take classes and earn relevant certifications.
  • Gain relevant experience through internships, part time, or summer jobs.
  • Learn effective listening and verbal communication skills.
  • Stay abreast of the latest developments in computer technology.
  • Develop good interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Obtain experience with public speaking/teaching and learn to develop curriculums for training positions.
  • Master technical writing skills.
  • Some areas may require a graduate degree.

Insurance

Area

  • Actuarial
  • Underwriting
  • Claims
  • Risk Management
  • Sales

Employer

  • Insurance firms

Information / Strategies

  • Develop strong computer skills.
  • Acquire a business minor or take supplemental courses in business or statistics.
  • Become the treasurer of an organization.
  • Obtain experience in fundraising drives.
  • Join a related professional association.
  • Gain relevant experience through internships.
  • Become familiar with exams and/or certifications required for actuarial positions.

Securities

Area

  • Sales
  • Research
  • Operations

Employer

  • National and regional brokerage firms
  • Discount brokerage houses
  • Commercial banks
  • Financial organizations

Information / Strategies

  • Obtain a business minor or supplement curriculum with courses in finance and/or economics.
  • Plan on acquiring an MBA.
  • Gain relevant experience through part-time or summer sales positions. Complete an internship with a related organization.
  • Join finance-related student organizations.
  • Be geographically flexible when job searching.

Banking

Area

  • Branch Management
  • Credit Lending
  • Operations
  • Systems
  • Trusts

Employer

  • Commercial banks
  • Regional banks
  • Savings and loan associations
  • Credit unions

Information / Strategies

  • Complete an internship in a financial institution.
  • Develop good interpersonal skills.
  • Obtain a business minor.
  • Develop excellent computer skills.
  • Demonstrate attention to detail.
  • Become the financial officer or treasurer of a campus organization.

Education

Employer

  • Public schools
  • Private schools
  • Colleges and universities

Information / Strategies

  • Obtain appropriate state licensure and/or certification for public school teaching positions.
  • Volunteer to teach, supervise, or tutor with organizations such as Big Brother/Sister, YMCA, or churches.
  • Develop excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Acquire a master's degree or Ph.D. for teaching positions at the college or university level.

General Information and Strategies

  • Math majors develop transferable skills including critical thinking, problem diagnosis and solving, computer skills, and quantitative skills.
  • A bachelor's degree is often sufficient for entry-level positions, but an advanced degree may open the door to more upper-level opportunities. Pair a strong background in mathematics with another technical discipline such as computer science or engineering.
  • Gain experience through volunteering, internships, and part-time or summer jobs.
  • Develop competencies in a specific area of interest.
  • Supplement curriculum with courses in business, economics, computers, or statistics for increased job opportunities.
  • Maintain a high grade point average. Demonstrate attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
  • Build relationships with faculty for career information, contacts, and letters of recommendation.
  • Join related student professional associations and seek leadership positions.
  • Develop the ability to work well in teams.
  • 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.