What can I do with a major in mathematics?

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

Sample occupations

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 GPA 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.

Areas

Research
Administration

Employers

Federal agencies including:

• Defense
• Labor
• Justice
• Agriculture
• Health and Human Services
• Transportation
• Commerce
• Treasury
• NASA
• Library of Congress

State agencies involving research and problem-solving teams

Sample occupations

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.

Areas

Data Collection
Information Analysis

Employers

Market research firms
Consumer goods manufacturing firms

Sample occupations

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.

Areas

Programming

• Systems
• Applications

Systems Analysis
Data Processing
Information Systems
Software Development
Networking
Hardware
Training

Employers

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

Sample occupations

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.

Areas

Actuarial
Underwriting
Claims
Risk Management
Sales

Employers

Insurance firms 

Sample occupations

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.

Areas

Sales
Research
Operations

Employers

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

Sample occupations

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.

Areas

Branch Management
Credit Lending
Operations
Systems
Trusts

Employers

Commercial banks
Regional banks
Savings and loan associations
Credit unions

Sample occupations

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.

Areas

Teaching

Employers

Public schools
Private schools
Colleges and universities

Sample occupations

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.