What Can I Do With a Mathematics Degree

Industry

Areas

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

Employers

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

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

Areas

• Research
• Administration

Employers

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

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

Areas

• Data Collection
• Information Analysis

Employers

• Market research firms
• Consumer goods manufacturing firms

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.

Banking

Areas

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

Employers

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

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

Employers

• Public schools
• Private schools
• Colleges and universities

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

• 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.

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA Employer