CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR MATHEMATICS MAJORS

Transcription

1 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR MATHEMATICS MAJORS If there is one question that career counselors and faculty advisors are asked more often than all others by students seeking assistance with career planning, it is this: What can I do with this major? An undergraduate student in the liberal arts and sciences is actually developing a broad array of skills that might be applied to any number of careers, rather than developing an in-depth expertise in just one area. Therefore, a better question to pose might be: What skills am I developing in my major, and how might I explore careers that would require these skills? Study in the field of mathematics offers an education that emphasizes problem analysis, precision, and mathematical skills that compliment many fields. Mathematics plays a major role in astronomy, chemistry, physics, computer science, economics, engineering, statistics, biology, geophysics, oceanography, meteorology, linguistics, cryptology, seismology, and ecology. SKILLS/ABILITIES Organizing research Thinking critically Gathering information Adapting ideas Analyzing complex ideas Seeing connections between ideas Defining issues Weighing values Comparing and summarizing Questioning conventions Problem-solving Arguing logically Designing/directing projects Generating new ideas Working in groups & individually Identifying the mathematical essence of a real problem Mathematical modeling and simulation Organization and interpretation of data Programming and computing Reliable Well disciplined Ability to initiate projects Excellent listening skills Possess analytical skills Good verbal and written skills Self-confidence Ability to relate to many different types of people Flexible Highly motivated Detail oriented

2 OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES This is list is only a sampling of job opportunities for Math Majors. Accountant Contract Administrator Information Scientist Research Analyst Actuary Cost Estimator/Analyst Inventory Control Specialist Risk and Insurance Specialist Aerospace Engineer Cryptographer/Cryptologist Investment Banker Risk Analyst Air Traffic Controller Data Control Administrator ISO 2000 Specialist Robotics Programmer Applications Programmer Data Processing Manager Market Research Analyst Satellite Communications Specialist Applied Science Technologist Database Manager Mathematician Software Development Specialist Artificial Intelligence Programmer Demographer Media Buyer Software Engineer Astronomer Econometrician Meteorologist Software Support Specialist Banking/Credit/Investment Manager Economist Mortgage Researcher Statistician Biometrician/Biostatistician EDP Auditor Network Programmer Systems Analyst Commodity Manager Employee Relations Specialist Numerical Analyst Systems Engineer Compensation/Benefits Administrator Engineer Operations Research Analyst Systems Programmer Computer Consultant Engineering Lab Technician Physicist Teacher: Science/Math/Computers Computer Engineer Environmental Technologist Pollution Meteorologist Technical Support Representative Computer Facilities Manager Estate Planner Production Manager Technical Writer Computer Installation and Test Specialist External Auditor Production Support Specialist Transportation Planner Computer Marketing/Sales Representative Financial Auditor Psychometrician Treasury Management Specialist Computer Programmer Financial Consultant Public Health Statistician Underwriter Computer Scientist Financial Manager Purchasing/Contract Agent Urban Planner Computer Aided Design Technician Hydro Geologist Quality Assurance Analyst Value Engineer Consumer Loan/Credit Officer Hydrologist Rate Analyst Weight Analyst

3 RESEARCHING YOUR CAREER IDEAS How do you find out what s out there? Researching careers is a time-consuming, but necessary process. Waiting until graduation to start thinking about your career plans is as absurd as studying after you ve taken your final exams. 1. Written and On-line Resources: Visit Career & Counseling Services Career Resource Center (located on the Ground Floor of East Hathorn Hall) Visit the Chalmer Davee Library Browse the Internet, such as Career & Counseling Services Web Page ( 2. People Resources: Talk with Faculty and Alumni Join Professional Organizations Conduct Occupational Interviews Use Career & Counseling Services Career Information Network Consult Employer Directories and the Yellow Pages 3. Obtain Direct Experience: Job Shadowing Volunteer or part-time work Internships are essential! Talk with your departmental faculty coordinator for internship information.

4 SUGGESTIONS TO ENHANCE YOUR SKILLS Develop computer and research skills Gain knowledge of computer languages Learn good communication skills Obtain teaching certifications Get strong internship experience Take business classes Get experience working in a team setting Get clerical experience Become involved with campus activities; acquire a leadership position Work in the Math Center Contact the Academic Success Center to become a math tutor Take actuary exams Work at Information Technology Services Work at the Cashiers Office Work at the Financial Assistance Office Join the Math Club

5 CAREER RESOURCES FOR MATHEMATICS MAJORS Career & Counseling Services Career Resource Center (Ground Floor, East Hathorn Hall) Career & Counseling Services Career Resource Center is open every day from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM; we are also open until 7:00 PM Thursday evenings. The following books in our Resource Center may be of particular interest to students majoring in Math: Great Jobs for Math Majors Career Choices for the 90's for Students of Computer Science Opportunities in Information Systems in Science Careers Hi Tech Jobs for Lo Tech People 100 Jobs in Technology Careers in Computers Careers for Cyber-Surfers and Other Online Types Job Opportunities for Engineering and Computer Science Majors Career choices for the 90's for Students of Mathematics Careers for Number Crunchers and Other Quantitative Types Careers for Computer Buffs and Other Technological Types Job Opportunities for Engineering and Computer Science Majors The Computer Major s Guide to the Real World Actuary Information Pamphlets Business and Finance Career Directory Opportunities in the Field of Accounting Robert Half s Success Guide for Accountants Careers in Insurance How to Get Ahead in Accounting, Finance, and Banking Opportunities in Financial Careers Opportunities in Banking Careers Opportunities in Accounting Careers New Emerging Careers