AREAS
INDUSTRY
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
STRATEGIES
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 G.P.A. 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
GOVERNMENT
Research
Administration
EMPLOYERS
Federal agencies including Defense, Labor, Justice, Agriculture, Health and
Human Services, Transportation, Commerce, Treasury, NASA, and Library of Congress
State agencies involving research and problem-solving teams
STRATEGIES
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
MARKET RESEARCH
Data Collection
Information Analysis
EMPLOYERS
Market research firms
Consumer goods manufacturing firms
STRATEGIES
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
BANKING
Branch Management
Credit Lending
Operations
Systems
Trusts
EMPLOYERS
Commercial banks
Regional banks
Savings and loan associations
Credit unions
STRATEGIES
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
EDUCATION
EMPLOYERS
Public schools
Private schools
Colleges and universities
STRATEGIES
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
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 competencies in a specific area of interest.
Supplement curriculum with courses in business, economics, computers, or statistics for increased job opportunities.
Maintain a high grade point average. 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.
Develop the ability to work well in teams.
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.
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of
Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA
Employer