Mathematics

Career Programs and Student Development

Explore - What Can I Do with This Major?

Mathematics

Links to related Web Sites are listed at the bottom of this page.

AREAS

EMPLOYERS

STRATEGIES

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

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

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
Research
Administration

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

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
Data Collection
Information Analysis

Market research firms
Consumer goods manufacturing firms

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 and phone interviewing for charities or political campaigns.
Complete a market research internship.

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

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

Develop advanced computer skills.
Gain knowledge of computer languages and
programming.
Take classes and earn relevant certifications.
Gain relevant experience through internships, parttime, 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
Actuarial
Underwriting
Claims
Risk Management
Sales

Insurance firms

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
Sales
Research
Operations

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

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
Branch Management
Credit Lending
Operations
Systems
Trusts

Commercial banks
Regional banks
Savings and loan associations
Credit unions

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

Public schools
Private schools
Colleges and universities

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
• 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.

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