Do People Hire Math Majors?
Mathematics is a field that is often misunderstood by people who do not work in it. Many people assume that a mathematics degree is only useful for those who want to become mathematicians. However, this could not be further from the truth. In fact, mathematics graduates are highly valued by a wide range of employers in various industries.
Employers love hiring math majors because they possess exceptional analytical thinking skills, pay close attention to details, and can problem-solve through rigorous and methodical processes. These skills are highly marketable and can be applied to many different fields, making math graduates highly sought after in today’s job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of jobs can math majors get?
Math majors have the skills necessary to succeed in a variety of fields. Some of the most popular industries for math graduates include finance, data analysis, computer programming, and engineering. However, math majors can also find success in areas such as education, operations research, and cryptography.
According to a study conducted by the Mathematical Association of America, math majors have a wide range of career options available to them. Some of the most common job titles for math majors include:
| Job Title | Median Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Actuary | $108,350 | 18% |
| Mathematician | $105,030 | 26% |
| Operations Research Analyst | $86,200 | 25% |
| Statistician | $93,290 | 35% |
| Financial Analyst | $81,590 | 5% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
What skills do math majors have?
Math majors possess a wide range of skills that are highly valued by employers. Some of the most important skills that math majors have include:
- Analytical thinking: Math majors are trained to think logically and analytically about problems. They can take complex ideas and break them down into smaller, more manageable pieces.
- Problem-solving: Math majors are skilled problem-solvers. They are able to take a problem, analyze it from multiple angles, and find a solution through rigorous and methodical processes.
- Attention to detail: Math majors are trained to pay extreme attention to detail. This skill is essential in fields such as accounting, finance, and data analysis where small mistakes can have big consequences.
- Quantitative skills: Math majors have a strong foundation in mathematical concepts and theories. This knowledge can be applied to many different fields, making math majors highly adaptable and versatile.
- Communication skills: Finally, math majors are often skilled communicators. They are able to explain complex mathematical concepts to people who may not have a strong mathematical background.
Source: University of Utah Department of Mathematics
What are some of the benefits of being a math major?
There are many benefits to being a math major. Some of the most significant benefits include:
- Job prospects: As we’ve mentioned, math majors are highly sought after by employers in many different fields. This makes it easy for math majors to find a job after graduation.
- Salary: Math majors tend to have higher salaries than people in many other fields. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the average starting salary for a math major in 2019 was $68,890.
- Career growth: Many career paths for math majors offer opportunities for career growth and advancement. For example, actuaries can become senior actuaries, and data analysts can become data scientists.
- Intellectual challenge: Many people find math to be intellectually challenging and rewarding. As a math major, you’ll get to work on complex problems and keep your mind sharp.
- Flexibility: Math majors have skills that are highly transferable to many different fields. If you decide that you don’t want to work in a particular industry, you’ll have the skills to switch to another one.
Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers
Conclusion
Math majors have a wide range of job opportunities available to them upon graduating. Employers value their analytical thinking skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities. Math majors also tend to have high salaries and opportunities for career growth and advancement. If you’re considering a career in mathematics, rest assured that you have many different career paths available to you.