Math

Mathematicians use data and mathematical techniques to help solve real world problems. It is also a career path that continues to grow with competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement. That being said, securing a job in the mathematics field with little to no experience can be challenging, but not impossible!

To break into a skilled industry, you have to start somewhere. But how do you prove yourself when you haven’t yet earned experience on paper? Here are some ways you can find an entry-level mathematics-related role:

Start with Internships, Volunteer Experiences, or Early Career Development Programs

• In your math internships you’ll gain skills in writing, teamwork, organization, accountability, and problem-solving among many others.
• Internship opportunities for math students can foster great exploration of the field, since there are so many paths in math to consider and understand!
• Many tech companies offer early career development programs specifically designed for students and recent graduates. These opportunities provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and the chance to work on real-world projects.
  • Ex. Early career development programs at NSA
• Check out the “Gain Experiences” section on this page to browse real-world volunteer projects with real organizations!

Research & Explore Entry-Level Jobs

• If you hope to gain work in this field, learning how to find entry-level jobs could help you start your career!
• You can start by researching the most popular entry-level jobs and see which align closest with your unique career goals and skills:
  • Statistician
  • Actuary
  • Budget Analyst
  • Accountant
  • Insurance Underwriter
  • Financial Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Math Teacher

Utilize Your Network

• Networking is another powerful tool for landing your first mathematics job. Reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances who work in your field of interest.
• Also don’t overlook making a simple LinkedIn post stating that you’re open to work and asking for help from your connections.
• Lastly, attend job fairs and other events related to your industry. These events are a great opportunity to meet people who can provide valuable insights and help you connect with potential employers!

Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter for Each Application

• Take the time to tailor your resume and cover letter to the job or internship you are applying for. Highlight your relevant skills and experience, even if it’s not directly related to the job.
• Consider using a functional resume format that focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your work experience.
• In addition, remember to always use keywords mentioned in the job description on your resume because many companies use AI software to match your resume with keywords found in job descriptions.

Build A Strong Online Presence

• Establishing a professional online presence can help employers discover you.
• Maintain and update your LinkedIn profile, and participate in relevant online communities, and showcase your projects or contributions on platforms like GitHub.
• This visibility can increase your chances of being noticed by potential employers and industry professionals.

If you’re a mathematics student or graduate, chances are good you’ll want to know some of the best mid-level mathematics-related jobs out there and where to start looking. With a math degree, you can combine your problem-solving and analytical skills with your knowledge of math and statistics to find a job that fits you well! Some experienced professionals find they are looking to make a new career move. Knowing how switching to a math-related career can be beneficial can help you plan the next part of your professional life!

Switching Careers – Advice for Career Professionals

• As a career switcher, you have a distinct advantage over graduates and early-career job seekers: Your career to date. Through your career you’ll have accumulated lots of skills and knowledge which may be transferred into a new career and are sought-after by employers!
• Transitioning to a new career field should build on existing professional experience. In many cases, making a successful switch is a matter of refining specific skills, and highlighting transferable skills from your past experience.
• Spend time researching the technical and soft skills your ideal job requires, and spend time updating your resume and applications to be sure you have noted all your current/newly acquired skills, relevant certifications, and transferable skills from your past experience.

Popular Math Jobs to Explore

• Mathematical careers in business, industry, and government continue to evolve and diversify.
• As you begin considering career options, you might want to spend some time researching the various math-related career paths out there and which aligns closest with your passions and skillsets:
  • Actuary
  • Analyst (Data, Business, Financial, Information, Budget)
  • Programmer
  • Statistician
  • Engineer
  • Research Scientist
• While researching specific roles, you will want to consider researching some of the top companies looking to hire math majors!

Popular Technology Job Boards to Explore

• You are probably asking, where can you find jobs with great tech companies? Well, job boards are one place you can start!
• We put together this list of the best tech job boards so you can quickly and easily find jobs to apply to!

As a seasoned professional in the technology field, employers may be expecting that you have not only the experience in the field, but the technical knowledge and certifications to prove your expertise! Career paths for senior-level mathematics professionals are diverse and wide ranging. With experience and proven success, senior mathematics professionals can progress to more senior roles or even executive-level positions.

Skills & Technical Knowledge for Math Majors

• When creating a resume for a math-related career, it’s important to highlight the relevant skills that demonstrate your expertise and qualifications in the field.
• Here are some key technical & soft skills:
  • Mathematical Reasoning– The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
  • Number Facility– The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  • Deductive Reasoning– The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Inductive Reasoning– The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Information Ordering– The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  • Complex Problem Solving– Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Critical Thinking– Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Reading Comprehension– Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Active Learning– Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Certifications To Explore

• Many math professions do not require licensure or certification. However, math professionals can pursue specialized credentials to demonstrate their expertise and qualify for advanced roles in the field.
• Its important you take the time to first explore certification types and find options to find the best fit for your unique career goals!
• The following list outlines several common credentials for math professionals:
  • Biostatistics Certificate
  • Open Certified Data Scientist
  • Certified Enterprise Risk Analyst