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Mathematics

  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Majors
  4. Mathematics
  5. Careers

Related Skills

  • Logical Thinker
  • Strong numerical computational ability
  • Ability to analyze, interpret data
  • Problem solver
  • Critical thinker
  • Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
  • Works well in teams
  • Meet Our Faculty
  • Careers
  • University Catalog
  • Plans of Study

Contact

Career Advising

Maureen Roach
(309) 438-5823
110 Student Services Building

Internship Coordinator

Sunil Chebolu
(309) 438-3893
Stevenson 303B

Being Successful in the Field

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Build relationships with faculty for career information, contacts, and letters of recommendation.
  • Join related student professional associations and seek leadership positions.

Related Fields

  • Research
  • Development
  • Design
  • Data Processing
  • Testing
  • Operations
  • Quality Control
  • Statistical Processing Control
  • Environmental Analysis
  • Consulting

Employers

  • Industries including: Manufacturing, Transportation, Aerospace, Communications, Machinery, Electrical equipment, Pharmaceuticals, and Other private industries
  • Consulting firms

Strategies

  • Note that greatest demand is for applied mathematicians with skills in computer science, electronics design and theory, statistics and probability.
  • Develop computer and research skills.
  • Learn to use relevant software packages.
  • Earn a master's degree in math, business, or related field for advanced positions or for consulting jobs.
  • Maintain excellent G.P.A. for graduate/professional school admission.
  • Gain relevant experience through internships, volunteering, summer, or part-time jobs.
  • Develop good oral and written communication skills. Learn to work well in teams.

Government

  • Research
  • Administration

Employers

Federal agencies including Defense, Labor, Justice, Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Transportation, Commerce, Treasury, NASA, and Library of Congress State agencies involving research and problem-solving teams

Strategies

  • Become familiar with government hiring procedures.
  • Make contacts through involvement in campus, local, or state politics.
  • Obtain internship with local, state, or federal government.
  • Join related professional organizations.
  • Maintain a high grade point average.

Market Research

  • Data Collection
  • Information Analysis

Employers

  • Market research firms
  • Consumer goods manufacturing firms

Strategies

  • Develop good oral and written communication skills.
  • 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.

Banking

  • Branch Management
  • Credit Lending
  • Operations
  • Systems
  • Trusts

Employers

  • Commercial banks
  • Regional banks
  • Savings and loan associations
  • Credit unions

Strategies

  • Complete an internship in a financial institution.
  • Develop good interpersonal skills.
  • Obtain a business minor.
  • Develop excellent computer skills.
  • Demonstrate attention to detail.
  • Become the financial officer or treasurer of a campus organization.

Employers

  • Public schools
  • Private schools
  • Colleges and universities

Strategies

  • Obtain appropriate state licensure and/or certification for public school teaching positions.
  • Volunteer to teach, supervise, or tutor with 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.

Other Professions

  • Actuary
  • Actuary Administrator
  • Aerodynamics Specialist
  • Claims Adjustor
  • Consumer Credit/Loan Officer
  • Contract Administrator
  • Cryptographer
  • Database Administrator
  • Educational Mathematics Specialist
  • External Auditor
  • Financial Investment Analyst
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Investment Banking Analyst
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Math Teacher
  • Mathematician
  • Mathematics Editor
  • Operations Research Analyst
  • Production Manager
  • Professor
  • Research Analyst
  • Statistician
  • Systems Analyst
  • Technical Writer
  • Trade Associate
  • Treasury Management Specialist
  • Underwriter
  • Weapons Consultant
  • Weapons Engineer
  • Weight Analyst

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