SUNY Oswego - Career Services
- Career Communities
- Major And Career Exploration
- Resumes and Cover Letters
- Networking, Personal Branding and LinkedIn
- Job and Internship Searching
- Graduate School
- Online Career Tools
- Affinity Group Resources
- Compensation Negotiation
- Events
- Graduate Outcomes
- Information for
- Resource Center
- Connect with us
What can I do with a major in mathematics?
SUNY Oswego - Career Services
- Career Communities
- Major And Career Exploration
- Resumes and Cover Letters
- Networking, Personal Branding and LinkedIn
- Job and Internship Searching
- Graduate School
- Online Career Tools
- Affinity Group Resources
- Compensation Negotiation
- Events
- Graduate Outcomes
- Information for
- Resource Center
- Connect with us
View videos of professionals describing a day on the job
Join a student organization today
Math Club Computer Science Association Financial Management Association American Marketing AssociationGet involved in a professional organization
American Mathematical Society Mathematical Association of America National Association of Mathematicians Association for Women in MathematicsSearch for opportunities
Companies:
New York City Department of Education
Thomson Reuters
PeerPlace Networks
Titles:
Sales Analyst
Mathematics Teacher
Engineer
Explore the numerous career fields related to your major
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.
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 a specific area of interest.
- Supplement curriculum with courses in business, economics, computers, or statistics for increased job opportunities.
- 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.
- 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.
- Earn a master's degree in math, business, or related field for advanced positions or for consulting jobs.
- Become the treasurer of an organization.