Careers with Mathematics Degree
Call it ‘Math’ or ‘Maths’ or ‘Mathematrics’ , if you study numbers, it opens up not only numerous but also lucrative career options. With the increasing burden on technology, big data and economic efficiency, in all kinds of industries, expert number crunchers are only increasingly in demand.
Those who study Maths are keen problem solvers, eager to make sense of the most advanced equations. Besides Academic research which is the most common career path, others are business, economics and banking. These opportunities require strong analytical and problem- solving skills, which Maths graduate should have bucket loads.
Mathematicians are in demand across all kinds of industries the world over. A large number of math career are based in business or science and technology – related sectors with roles such as accountant, actuary, statistician, technician, economist or market researcher.
Careers in Accountancy and Finance
A career in accountancy offers a wide range of opportunities across industries that include roles like auditor, tax accountant, forensic accountant, management accountant and corporate advisor. You can look at becoming chartered accountant, in addition to an undergraduate degree in Maths or related area, you will need other professional qualifications.
Careers in Banking
Opportunities in banking range from retail banking to corporate investment banking, both public and private . Areas to specialize – bonds and share, mergers and acquisitions, lending and IPOs, privatization. Duties include market research, creating new business opportunities, developing new financial model and solution for clients. Qualifications in finance will be needed for some roles.
Actuarial Careers
Actuaries involve financial risk to advise and manage clients. By combining risk analysis with knowledge of economics and business, actuaries ensure sound investments are made and commercial/business goals are made. Most new actuaries start working with pension and insurance, which is a relatively low risk area. And with experience you may progress to work in banking, healthcare or investments. Actuarial roles could be client facing with consultancies and pension/investment companies and it demands communicating complex data and analysis to non-specialists.
Statistician Careers
Collation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of statistics and quantitative data. Statisticians are in demand in numerous industries, ranging from healthcare to government and from finance to sports. Statisticians require skills like managing, collecting and arranging data by means of surveys, experiments and contextual analysis that are then used to create reports and advise clients/colleagues on possible strategies, for example in order to make good financial decisions to further business goals. As a statistician, you need to have expert analytical skills as well as impeccable communication and IT skills.
Careers in academia and research
This popular traditional route appeals to those who enjoy the challenge of driving forward the next series of discoveries, application of theories in the field, as well as the sense of prestige attached to this career. These careers can be wide ranging and depends on the area you would wish to specialize. Long-term academics are also often involved in publishing, contributing to journals and specialist periodicals, or helping to produce complete publications.
Common Math careers include; intelligence analysis, operational research, statistical research, logistics, financial analysis, market research (for business), management consultancy, IT (systems analysis, development or research), software engineering, computer programming, the public sector (advisory capacity as a scientist or statistician), scientific research and development (e.g. biotechnology, meteorology or oceanography).
Engineering
The most common way to get into this field is with an engineering degree yet, math degree can also get you there in specialized roles like mechanical, structural, aeronautical and many other realms of engineering as Math graduates are good at solving real world, physical world problems. Engineering internships and work experience will definitely help you improving your employability.
Meteorology
Meteorology involves more than just presenting weather. It calls for excellent IT skills as well as strong skills in analyzing and interpreting complex mathematical data, collected from weather stations, radar, remote sensors, satellite images across the globe. These data is then used to interpret causes and to produce forecasts.
Teaching
Apart from career in academia and research, many rewarding careers can be found in the field of teaching. Numeracy being high priority in primary and secondary education, there is a huge demand for Numeracy graduates. Most countries require a formal teaching qualification. To teach at university level, a post graduate degree is required with relevant specialization. You may also pursue your academic research.