What Can I Do With a Major In Mathematics?

• Mathematics Department
• Math Club
• Data Dawgs
• MATHCOUNTS Outreach at UGA
• Mathematics Education Student Association
• Find additional clubs and organizations at the Center for Student Organizations
• Connect with your Career Consultant - click here to learn more about scheduling an appointment and drop-in hours

• Finding Research:

  • On-Campus: use the UGA Career Guide for templates and guidance on reaching out to faculty to gain research experience, the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO) at UGA can also support you in finding research opportunities. 
  • Off-Campus: Research Experiences for Undergraduates offered through the National Science Foundation and ORISE Fellowships offered through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education are great options. The Career Center can help you prepare your materials for research fellowship applications. You can also search for research internships and full and part-time positions in Handshake.

Potential Career Paths in Mathematics

When considering your career options within the field of mathematics, it might help to narrow down your interest by industry.  The following industries seek individuals with a background in mathematics.

• Academia and Teaching
  Teaching others the fundamentals and theories of mathematics is a career option. Becoming a professor on the university level would require additional education in the form of a PhD.  Those interested in teaching at the secondary education level need to go through a certification program in order to teach at public schools in the state they reside in.
• Actuarial Science 
  Professionals in the actuary field calculate the financial impact of risk and uncertainty.  They evaluate the probability of events and quantify the contingent outcome in order to minimize the impacts of financial losses associated with uncertain undesirable events. Accountants focus on measuring and documenting financial information that helps others make decisions about allocating resources.
• Computing/Information Technology
  Professionals in this field specialize in a formal approach to computer programming.  Information technology is focused on using computers to store and manipulate data, often in the context of a business or other enterprise.
• Cryptography
  A cryptographer develops algorithms, ciphers, and security systems to encrypt sensitive information. 
• Economics
  Professionals in this field are focused on the analysis of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.  Economists work in many fields including academia, government, and in the private sector.
• Credit Analysis
  A credit analyst analyzes credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. 
• Financial Analysis
  A financial analyst conducts quantitative analyses of information affecting investment programs of public or private institutions. 
• Logistics Analysis
  A logistics analyst analyzes product delivery or supply chain processes to identify or recommend changes. May manage route activity including invoicing, electronic bills, and shipment tracing. 
• Market Research Analysis
  Market research analysts study market conditions in local, regional, or national areas to examine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price.
• Mathematician
  A mathematician conducts research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. They solve problems in various field using mathematical methods. 
• Military and Public Service
  A mathematics background is highly sought after in many areas of the military.
• Modeling
• Operations Research
  Operations research analysts use advanced methods of mathematical analysis to help organizations solve problems and make better fiscal decisions. Most operations research analysts in the federal government work for the Department of Defense, which also employs a large number of analysts through private consulting firms.
• Sales and Marketing
  Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents connect buyers and sellers in financial markets. They sell securities to individuals, advise companies in search of investors, and conduct trades.
• Statistician
  A statistician develops or applies mathematical or statistical theories and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as bio-statistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. 
• Systems Analysis
  Computer systems analysts study an organization's current computer systems and procedures and make recommendations to management to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They bring business and information technology (IT) together by understanding the needs and limitations of both.

*This is not an exhaustive list of industries that hire mathematics majors.

• O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.  
• My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.  
• Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.  
• Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.  
• Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.  
• UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.  
• Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance. 
• Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.  
• Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you.

GENERAL:

• Handshake (scroll down to the bottom of the page; login with your UGA MyID and password)  
• LinkedIn (this popular networking site also has a job board!) 
• Idealist (non-profit jobs) 
• USAJobs (federal jobs) 

MAJOR/CAREER SPECIFIC:

• American Mathematical Society Employment
• D.W. Simpson & Company
• Society for Industrial & Applied Math Jobs
• American Statistical Society Jobs
• The Mathematical Association of America Job Board
• INFORMS Career Center (Operations Research & Analytics Jobs)

• American Mathematical Society
• The Mathematical Association of America
• Society for Industrial & Applied Math
• SIAM-AMS Non-Academic Careers in Math Info
• We Use Math-Information on Careers in Math
• Be An Actuary - Information on Careers in Actuarial Science

Tip: Join LinkedIn groups that are related to your career interest. Need help finding groups? Check out the Groups You May Like link under the Interests/Groups tab. Review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined and consider joining them as well.