What career should I pursue if I like math?
If you’re a natural problem solver who loves numbers, math may be the perfect career field for you. There are plenty of different paths you can take with a degree in math, whether you want to work in the private sector or pursue an academic career. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common career paths for math majors and discuss what you can expect from each one.
FAQ
What jobs can you get with a math degree?
There are a lot of different types of jobs you can get with a math degree. Some popular options include:
- Actuary
- Mathematician
- Statistician
- Research Analyst
- Math Teacher
- Data Analyst
- Operations Research Analyst
What skills do you need for a math degree/career?
If you’re considering a math degree or career, here are some key skills that may be helpful:
- Analytical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Ability to think abstractly
- Communication skills
- Computer programming
What does an actuary do?
Actuaries are professionals who use math and statistical methods to analyze and estimate risks. They work in fields such as insurance, finance, and healthcare to help businesses and organizations make smart financial decisions. Some common tasks that actuaries may perform include:
- Gather and analyze data to estimate the likelihood of events (such as natural disasters) happening in the future
- Design insurance policies and calculate premiums
- Create financial models to help predict future profits and losses
- Communicate complex data and analysis to colleagues and clients
To become an actuary, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in math or a related field, as well as professional certification through an organization such as the Society of Actuaries or the Casualty Actuarial Society.
What does a mathematician do?
Mathematicians are researchers who study math and use it to solve real-world problems. They may work in academia, government, or the private sector to develop new mathematical theories, models, and methods. Some common tasks that mathematicians may perform include:
- Developing new mathematical theories and models
- Conducting research to solve mathematical problems
- Creating algorithms and computer programs to solve mathematical equations
- Teaching courses to students at the university level
To become a mathematician, you typically need a doctoral degree in math or a related field, although some entry-level positions may be available for those with a master’s degree. Mathematicians may work in a variety of industries, including engineering, finance, and software development.
What does a statistician do?
Statisticians are professionals who use statistical methods to collect, analyze, and interpret data. They may work in fields such as healthcare, government, or finance to help organizations make data-driven decisions. Some common tasks that statisticians may perform include:
- Designing studies and experiments to collect data
- Creating statistical models to analyze data
- Interpreting and communicating data analysis to colleagues and clients
- Hiring and managing data collection teams
To become a statistician, you typically need a master’s degree in statistics, although some entry-level positions may be available for those with a bachelor’s degree. Statisticians may work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, marketing, and government.
Other Math Careers
In addition to the careers mentioned above, there are plenty of other math-related jobs you may want to consider. Here are a few examples:
Research Analyst
Research analysts use math skills to gather and analyze data for a wide range of organizations, from market research firms to government agencies. They may use statistical software to create reports and presentations on their findings, and may be responsible for communicating these findings to colleagues or clients.
Math Teacher
If you’re passionate about helping others learn math, a career as a math teacher may be right for you. Math teachers work in primary and secondary schools, as well as universities, and are responsible for designing and delivering lesson plans to students. They may also develop tests and assignments to assess student understanding, and may work with students one-on-one to provide additional support.
Data Analyst
Data analysts use math and statistical methods to analyze large datasets and extract insights for their organizations. They may work in fields such as marketing, finance, or healthcare, and may use software tools such as SQL and Python to perform their analyses.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations research analysts use math and statistical methods to optimize decision-making in a wide range of industries. They may work in fields such as logistics, supply chain management, or transportation, and may use modeling software to simulate different scenarios and help organizations make data-driven decisions.
Conclusion
If you love math and enjoy solving complex problems, pursuing a career in math may be the right choice for you. With a degree in math, you’ll have a number of different career paths to choose from, whether you’re interested in becoming an actuary, mathematician, or statistician. In this article, we’ve explored some of the most common careers for math majors and discussed what you can expect from each one.