Mathematics Careers

Industry

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

Computers

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.