What can you do with a Mathematics Degree?

What can you do with a mathematics degree?

What should I do with my maths degree?

Mathematics graduates will develop logical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills valued highly by employers and always in demand. As a result, a degree in mathematics will open various doors to different career paths, including academic research, business, economics and banking. This degree will provide you with the flexibility to take your career in various different directions, which you can tailor to your interests and will hopefully result in a successful and satisfying work life.

What jobs can you get with a mathematics degree?

Mathematics has its place in many industries and subjects. From more mundane to tasks to bigger problem-solving. Studying for a mathematics degree will help you build the knowledge so that you are able to advise, guide and contribute to the future advancements of many industries.

The skills you learn from being a mathematician such as logical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills are valued highly by employers.

Career options

Natural career paths following a mathematics degree:

  • Data Analyst/Scientist
  • Actuary
  • Financial Analyst
  • Operations Research Analyst
  • Statistician
  • Quantitative Analyst
  • Software Engineer/Developer
  • Researcher/Academic
  • Cryptographer
  • Engineering or Technical Consultant

 

Transferable skills career paths:

  • Project Management: IT, construction, marketing, event planning.
  • Communication and Public Speaking: Public relations, marketing, sales, journalism.
  • Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Consulting, data analysis, research, financial analysis.
  • Leadership and Team Management: Management positions in various industries.
  • Creativity and Innovation: Design, advertising, entrepreneurship.
  • Customer Service and Relationship Building: Customer service, sales, human resources.
  • Adaptability and Flexibility: Technology, startups, consulting.
  • Research and Data Analysis: Market research, business intelligence, policy analysis.

Many employers will accept applications from students that have studied various degrees. 

Work experience

Those wanting to find a career centred around their mathematical skills should investigate doing an industry placement – this will help you understand how your skills transfer to the real life world. You may also want to get in touch with the academic departments at your university to see whether they need any assistance on a research project where your skills will be valued and challenged. Some university courses will offer a year’s placement in areas such as:

  • Banking 
  • The Civil Service
  • Computing
  • Consulting
  • Financial Services
  • Retail

 

You may also want to consider applying for voluntary work – this will show that you are passionate and committed to your chosen career. This will also provide you with the opportunity to network and build a list of contacts who may become useful in the future.

Typical employers

The skills of a mathematician or a statistician will always be in demand across all sectors and there will be many opportunities available. The most common industries where employment is usually found is: 

  • Scientific Research and Development
  • Finance and Insurance
  • Technology and Software Development
  • Government and Defense
  • Education and Academia

Skills for your CV

Through your degree, you will learn various professional skills such as approaching problems analytically and rigorously; formulating theories and applying them to solve problems and advanced numeracy and analysing large quantities of data. Alongside this, you will have developed additional skills which will be transferable. Make sure the following skills are highlighted on your CV:

  • Advanced mathematical knowledge and proficiency in areas such as calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics.
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
  • Ability to work with complex data sets and perform data analysis.
  • Programming skills
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy in mathematical calculations.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills for presenting complex mathematical concepts.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team.
  • Strong problem-solving and logical reasoning abilities.
  • Time management and organisational skills to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
  • Teamwork and independent working

Further study

While further study is not essential, it is a popular choice amongst graduates. Most mathematics graduates decide to study at a Masters level for more advanced and specialised knowledge. This is particularly useful for those seeking a maths-related career such as operational research, medical statistics, metrology and engineering design. 

Other maths-related careers, such as finance, will require additional study, but this will be offered during employment to qualify for progression within the role.

What are mathematics graduates doing?

The most popular employment path for mathematics include programmer and software and development professional (11%). Other graduates have explored opportunities as a finance and investment analyst and adviser (9%), secondary education teaching professional (9%), business and related associate professional (7%) and chartered or certified accountant (6%). An impressive 61.9% of mathematics graduates are employed.

Related Courses

Join BSc Mathematics to learn how mathematics underpins and describes the world around us.Build the knowledge and skills required to excel in a multitude of professional sectors, including finance, engineering, programming, teaching, and mathematical research.This degree will provide you with a broad understanding of key areas of mathematics, with options to individualise your degree at every level. Choose to study topics from various options, including statistics, finance, coding and cryptography, numerical analysis, and mathematical biology.

 

This one-year MSc programme will equip graduates with all the skills necessary to enter the ever-changing world of Accounting and Finance. Complex developments in the field require employers to look for graduates who are adaptable and confident in their knowledge, and UWS London strives to prepare their students for this throughout the course. You will not only gain insight and awareness into the contemporary issues facing this industry but also learn how to apply financial and accounting skills in a practical context and how to use established research techniques to create and interpret data. Additionally, this course allows you to understand the theory and practices of accounting and financial management.

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