We are a reader-supported education publication. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission to help us keep providing content.
Now is an ideal time to consider pursuing math degree jobs. Your skills are in hot demand, and the job market is wide open for you. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting a 29% increase in math career employment from 2021 to 2031, which is better than the average.
That growth prediction also only applies to careers directly related to a mathematics degree. However, the skills you gain as an undergraduate open your options within other fields as well. Depending on your coursework, internships and experience, you may be able to secure entry-level jobs in different areas like science, medicine and programming.
To start your planning process, look over these math degree jobs to see if one feels like the right fit.
1. Actuary
Finding work as an actuary is a common career move for many undergraduates seeking math degree jobs. You’ll need to leverage your math and analytical skills. Likely, you’ll be working for an insurance company. However, other businesses are beginning to realize the value of bringing on actuarial assistance.
Your job would be to analyze the costs and risks of certain scenarios to save the business money and provide good service and products to clients.
2. Software Engineer
If you love learning about and working with computer code, then you’d love a career as a software engineer. You’d spend your days reviewing code for bugs and sometimes writing new programs to add value for your employer. They may need a new or updated website or app. You could also create tools to help them solve pain points and boost company efficiency.
A bachelor’s degree in mathematics is a good start for these jobs, but you may need other experience to land the position. Most companies will be looking for engineers who are proficient with particular computer languages and have experience with programming. Adding a few courses in these subjects would drastically improve your chances in this field.
3. Analyst
An analyst’s job is to study often enormous amounts of data and make sense of them, drawing conclusions others might miss. You need to be able to use algorithms, equations and sometimes computer code to extrapolate results.
As an analyst, you’d have plenty of options for work, depending on where your interests lie. Financial analysts use their skills to help companies save money and invest appropriately. Operations research analysts focus on improving efficiency for their employers. Risk analysts perform similarly to an actuary, helping their company decide if they should provide services to particular clients.
4. Accountant or Financial Planner
Many assume accounting and financial planning are synonymous, but they’re two unique branches of math degree jobs. Accountants work for individuals or businesses to create budgets, perform audits and fill out financial paperwork.
On the other hand, financial planners are more forward-focused. They help individuals and businesses invest, grow their wealth and prepare for retirement.
You can begin work in either of these professions by applying for jobs or starting your own business. However, you’ll want to pursue further licensure and certification to reach the top of your career.
5. Cryptographer
If you love computer science as much as mathematics, you should research a career in cryptography. These professionals work to make and break codes to protect their company’s and clients’ assets and deal with hackers.
Most of these positions are available at the entry level, requiring only a bachelor’s degree in a related field, like math. You should also have some coursework or experience in computer science and be familiar with the most common computer languages.
6. Underwriter
Underwriters are a staple position for insurance companies and financial institutions. Before proceeding with a loan or insurance policy, your employer will ask you to review the documents and assess the risk of providing your service to the client in question. After analyzing all the data, you’ll make a decision and determine how much to loan them or charge them for insurance.
You can begin either of these positions with only an undergraduate degree in mathematics. The employer typically provides any further certification or coursework after hiring.
Your Skills Will Open Doors
The skills and experience you gain as an undergraduate in mathematics will prepare you for a successful career if you know how to leverage your talents. Most graduates assume they’re pigeonholed into math degree jobs directly related to their education.
However, your unique talents and skills are highly transferable to other fields. Use your knowledge to find the most exciting and fulfilling career for you.
Written By
Ginger Abbot is the writer, founder and Editor-in-Chief behind Classrooms. Through her work, she hopes to inspire students, grads, and educators on their own journey through learning. Find her professional portfolio here: https://classrooms.com/professional-portfolio-of-ginger-abbot/
