Careers

A major in mathematics can prepare you for a career in industry, government, academia, or secondary education. Alternatively, it can be a springboard for graduate work in mathematics or in another field. The extensive offerings in applied mathematics make Marietta distinct, preparing the graduate for a wide variety of career and educational paths.

The MAA publications 101 Careers in Mathematics, Great Jobs for Math Majors, and She Does Math! are available at the Career Center. These incredibly informative books describe careers for which a background in the mathematical sciences is useful. They also contain information on looking for a job and on the expectations of industry.

Discipline	Areas	Employers	Strategies
Industry	Research, Development, Design, Data Processing, Testing	Aerospace; Communications; Machinery; Electrical Equipment; Pharmaceuticals	The greatest demand is for applied mathematics with skills in computer science, electronics design and theory, statistics and probability.
Consulting Firms		Large CPA firms; Independent firms	May require experience.
Government		Federal agencies including: Defense, Labor, Justice, Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Transportation, Commerce, Treasury, NASA, and the Library of Congress; State agencies involving research and problem-solving teams	Make contacts through involvement in campus, local or state politics.
Research		Industry; Government	Develop computer and research skills. Plan for graduate degree in area of interest.
Computers	Computer Industry, Programming, System Applications	Computer hardware and software firms	Develop advanced computer skills. Gain knowledge of computer languages. Get exposure to large-scale hardware or mini/micro systems.
	System Analyst		Develop ability to listen to what customer wants. Keep up with latest developments in computer technology. Learn good communication skills. Acquire programming experience.
	Data Processing and Information Systems	Service companies; Manufacturing firms; Government - federal, state and local; Banking, insurance, and real estate; Wholesale and retail trade firms	Develop good people and communications skills. Acquire programming experience.
	Software	Standard software suppliers; Custom software builders; Turnkey contractors; Service companies	Develop computer skills.
Training and Teaching		Public and private elementary and high schools; Colleges and universities; Computer camps; Specialized training organizations; Educational book publishers	Obtain certification for public schools. Acquire a graduate degree in area of interest. Master technical writing skills.
Insurance	Sales, Actuarial, Underwriting	Insurance firms; Local and home offices	Develop computer skills Acquire a business minor. Become treasurer of organization. Obtain experience in fund-raising drives. Become student member of professional organizations. Get experience in benefits/personnel departments of corporations or in insurance companies. Find internships.
Market Research	Data Collection, Information Analysis	Market research firms; Consumer goods manufacturing firms	Develop communications skills: reading, writing, speaking, typing and/or word processing skills. Acquire a business minor. Take a business research practice. Become a student member of the American Marketing Association. Assist with canvassing/phone interviewing for charities or political campaigns. Work as a reporter on campus newspaper.
Securities	Sales, Research, Operations	National and regional brokerage firms; Discount brokerage houses; Commercial banks; Insurance companies	Plan on acquiring an MBA. Get sales experience. Obtain a business minor. Participate in team competition. Become member of investment club. Get telephone solicitation experience.
Education		Public Schools; Private Schools	Need certification for public schools. Volunteer for tutoring, child care centers, churches, teen counseling. Work in summer camps. Become involved in school programs: yearbook, debate, newspapers, government.
		Two-year community colleges and technical institutes	Acquire a graduate degree (Ph.D).
Banking	Credit Lending, Operations, Systems, Trusts	Commercial banks; Regional banks; Savings & Loan associations	Find a summer internship. Develop good interpersonal skills. Obtain business minor and computer skills. Work as cashier/teller. Get clerical experience. Become financial officer/treasurer of campus organization.
Retailing	Store Management, Buying	Department, grocery, drug, specialty and variety chain stores	Get retail or selling experience. Secure leadership positions. Become treasurer or financial officer of organization. Seek sales position on yearbook or campus newspaper. Find internship.

Thanks to Roxin Zhang at Northern Michigan University for this compilation.

Career Resources

Mathematical Sciences Career Information

From AMS, MAA and SIAM

Careers and Jobs in Mathematics

Hosted by Towson University...

Occupational Outlook Handbook: Mathematicians

From the U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics...

Opportunities for Mathematics Majors

Hosted by Colorado State University, Department of Mathematics...

Careers in Mathematics

From the Association for Women in Mathematics...