Mathematics is unique in the way it combines abstract thought with practical applications. A degree in mathematics does not train you just for a specific job or career. It gives you a range of skills which enable you to enter any of a wide range of careers. And of course mathematics is an exciting career in itself!
First, here are some surveys carried out by associations of mathematicians describing career options for mathematicians:
- The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM):
- The American Mathematical Society:
| Systems Biology | Data Mining |
Mapping the human genome was made possible by new mathematical tools. Newer and better mathematical tools make research quicker and cheaper, resulting in the creation of new career opportunities in technology, medicine, and drug development and design. | Data mining is the search for patterns and information in huge data sets. Career opportunities can be found in applications to security, forensics, e-commerce, bioinformatics and genomics, astrophysics, medicine, and chemical and electrical engineering. |
| Digital Imaging | Finance & Economics |
Computer animation & digital imaging use scientific computation, statistics, signal processing, linear algebra, control theory, and computational geometry. The applications are in areas like medical diagnostics, entertainment (film, television, and video games), and fine arts (sculpture, painting). Pixar in a Box: the math behind the movies | Financial mathematics is the development of quantitative techniques and computational models used in the financial industry. Banks, insurance companies, investment and securities firms, energy companies and utilities, multinational corporations, government regulatory institutions, and other industries rely on applied mathematics and computational science. |