MATHEMATICS …

                                        MATHEMATICS
                                 What can I do with this degree?
                   AREAS                            EMPLOYERS                                        STRATEGIES

INDUSTRY                                                                          Note that greatest demand is for applied mathematicians
                                   Industries including:
Research                                                                             with skills in computer science, electronics design
                                       Manufacturing
Development                                                                          and theory, statistics and probability.
                                       Transportation
Design                                                                            Develop computer and research skills. Learn to use
                                       Aerospace
Data Processing                                                                      relevant software packages.
                                       Communications
Testing                                                                           Earn a master's degree in math, business, or related field
                                       Machinery
Operations                                                                           for advanced positions or for consulting jobs.
                                       Electrical equipment
Quality Control                                                                   Maintain excellent G.P.A. for graduate/professional
                                       Pharmaceuticals
Statistical Processing Control                                                       school admission.
                                       Other private industries
Environmental Analysis                                                            Gain relevant experience through internships,
                                   Consulting firms
Consulting                                                                           volunteering, summer, or part-time jobs.
                                                                                  Develop good oral and written communication skills.
                                                                                  Learn to work well in teams.


GOVERNMENT
Research                         Federal agencies including Defense, Labor,       Become familiar with government hiring procedures.
Administration                       Justice, Agriculture, Health and Human       Make contacts through involvement in campus, local, or
                                     Services, Transportation, Commerce,              state politics.
                                     Treasury, NASA, and Library of Congress      Obtain internship with local, state, or federal
                                 State agencies involving research and problem-       government.
                                     solving teams                                Join related professional organizations.
                                                                                  Maintain a high grade point average.



MARKET RESEARCH
Data Collection                  Market research firms                            Develop good oral and written communication skills.
Information Analysis             Consumer goods manufacturing firms               Acquire a business minor.
                                                                                  Volunteer to assist a professor with research.
                                                                                  Become a student member of the American Marketing
                                                                                      Association.
                                                                                  Assist with canvassing/phone interviewing for charities
                                                                                      or political campaigns.
                                                                                  Complete a market research internship.
(Math, Page 2)


                  AREAS                     EMPLOYERS                                 STRATEGIES
COMPUTERS
Programming               Computer hardware and software firms     Develop advanced computer skills.
    Systems               Service companies                        Gain knowledge of computer languages and
    Applications          Manufacturing firms                          programming.
Systems Analysis          Government (federal, state, and local)   Take classes and earn relevant certifications.
Data Processing           Financial institutions                   Gain relevant experience through internships, part-
Information Systems       Wholesale and retail trade firms             time, or summer jobs.
Software Development      Custom software builders                 Learn effective listening and verbal communication skills.
Networking                Service companies                        Stay abreast of the latest developments in computer
Hardware                  Specialized training organizations           technology.
Training                  Educational publishers                   Develop good interpersonal and communication skills.
                          Consulting firms                         Obtain experience with public speaking/teaching and
                                                                       learn to develop curriculums for training positions.
                                                                   Master technical writing skills.
                                                                   Some areas may require a graduate degree.

INSURANCE
Actuarial                 Insurance firms                          Develop strong computer skills.
Underwriting                                                       Acquire a business minor or take supplemental
Claims                                                                 courses in business or statistics.
Risk Management                                                    Become the treasurer of an organization.
Sales                                                              Obtain experience in fundraising drives.
                                                                   Join a related professional association.
                                                                   Gain relevant experience through internships.
                                                                   Become familiar with exams and/or certifications
                                                                       required for actuarial positions.


SECURITIES
Sales                     National and regional brokerage firms    Obtain a business minor or supplement curriculum with
Research                  Discount brokerage houses                    courses in finance and/or economics.
Operations                Commercial banks                         Plan on acquiring an MBA.
                          Financial organizations                  Gain relevant experience through part-time or summer
                                                                       sales positions. Complete an internship with a
                                                                       related organization.
                                                                   Join finance-related student organizations.
                                                                   Be geographically flexible when job searching.
(Math, Page 3)

                   AREAS                                                      EMPLOYERS                                                          STRATEGIES
BANKING
                                                         Commercial banks                                                  Complete an internship in a financial institution.
Branch Management
                                                         Regional banks                                                    Develop good interpersonal skills.
Credit Lending
                                                         Savings and loan associations                                     Obtain a business minor.
Operations
                                                         Credit unions                                                     Develop excellent computer skills.
Systems
                                                                                                                           Demonstrate attention to detail.
Trusts
                                                                                                                           Become the financial officer or treasurer of a campus
                                                                                                                              organization.

EDUCATION
                                                          Public schools                                                    Obtain appropriate state licensure and/or certification
                                                          Private schools                                                       for public school teaching positions.
                                                                                                                            Volunteer to teach, supervise, or tutor with
                                                          Colleges and universities
                                                                                                                                organizations such as Big Brother/Sister, YMCA, or
                                                                                                                                churches.
                                                                                                                            Develop excellent written and oral communication skills.
                                                                                                                            Acquire a master's degree or Ph.D.for teaching positions
                                                                                                                                at the college or university level.




GENERAL INFORMATION
· Math majors develop transferable skills including critical thinking, problem diagnosis and solving, computer skills, and quantitative skills.
· A bachelor's degree is often sufficient for entry-level positions, but an advanced degree may open the door to more upper-level opportunities. Pair a strong
         background in mathematics with another technical discipline such as computer science or engineering.
· Gain experience through volunteering, internships, and part-time or summer jobs.
· Develop competencies in a specific area of interest.
· Supplement curriculum with courses in business, economics, computers, or statistics for increased job opportunities.
· Maintain a high grade point average. Demonstrate attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
· Build relationships with faculty for career information, contacts, and letters of recommendation.
· Join related student professional associations and seek leadership positions.
· Develop the ability to work well in teams.
· Conduct informational interviews with professionals in areas of interest to enhance knowledge and make contacts.
· Stay informed of new developments and current trends in the field.


                             Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.   (1992, Revised 1999, 2005)
                                                           UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA Employer