Mathematics student but don't want to work in finance? What else can you do?
Just when you thought that understanding Godel’s incompleteness theorems were the most difficult questions you could face on your mathematics degree, along came an even more challenging one. What else can you if you don’t want to work in finance?
There is a perception that if you study mathematics you will inevitably work in finance. But what if the financial services industry doesn’t interest you – what are the other realistic options for mathematicians?
The 2024/5 ‘What do graduates do’ survey from Prospects Luminate reported that 41% of mathematics graduates were employed in finance, business and HR related professions 15 months after graduation. A significant number of mathematicians also progress to further study. That still leaves a substantial number who work in a variety of non-finance industries.
A good time to be a mathematician…?
In terms of the variety of exciting roles potentially available, yes! In no particular order, here are 10 job roles to consider where the analytical, problem-solving and logical thinking skill set developed on a maths degree are highly relevant.
Unfortunately, I am one of the 3 out of every 2 people who do not understand fractions so I will leave it to this guide How maths is used in the workplace to illustrate how mathematical techniques and concepts are practically applied in some of these roles and industries.
1. Big data
‘The sexiest job of the 21st century,‘ according to the Harvard Business Review. Alas, it’s not careers guidance but data analytics. How organisations use data analytics to understand their customers behaviour, to inform future business strategy and inform decision making, has become increasingly important.
2. Transport modeller
If you think traffic lights and junctions are just randomly situated on our roads, think again. A transport modeller has painstakingly sifted through data to make predictions about their impact on traffic flows.
3. Cryptographer
What can I say? Well, not a lot actually given the Official Secrets Act. Suffice to say you will be using your analytical skills to solve problems. Try this sample aptitude test to increase your awareness of the skills assessed during the GCHQ recruitment process.
4. Teacher
There is an acute shortage of mathematics subject specialists in secondary education. If you are passionate about inspiring others and want to use your degree in a very rewarding way, why not consider teaching? Bursaries and scholarships of up to £31,000 are available through a variety of training routes
5. Operational Researcher
Operational research evolved during the second world war and the analytical techniques developed were subsequently applied in business and government and have become an academic discipline. If stochastic processes, simulation and heuristics float your mathematical boat, this is a role where those techniques can inform decision-making. A glance at the Operational Research Society's website highlights the opportunities in business and government for operational researchers
6. Sports betting consultant
There is a more reliable method of predicting the winner of the Grand National or the FA Cup than merely having a hunch or following your instinct. In the sports betting industry, modelling techniques are employed to forecast outcomes. If you are interested in the research in football betting, take a look at the preeminent paper in this field, the Dixon-Coles model
7. The games industry
The mathematics used in the development and design of a game (algebra, discrete mathematics, trigonometry, calculus, linear algebra for example) is complex. How a character or an object moves in a game is determined by the application of mathematics and physics. Data analysis is also an emerging trend in the industry (understanding how the user interacts with the game can help a studio develop the game to increase retention) and offers further opportunities for mathematicians. The games industry is competitive, one way to demonstrate your passion and skills and to differentiate yourself is to develop your own game. Unity – free game engine
8. Meteorology
Apparently 70% of the UK population check the weather forecast at least once a day. If you are one of the many people in the UK with a keen interest in the weather and you are also a mathematician, a career in meteorology beckons! What is the Met Office?
9. Civil Servant
Analytical skills, logical thinking and ability to solve problems…attributes developed on a mathematics degree. They will be highly valued in the variety of departments that a career in the Civil Service Fast Stream graduate programme could lead to.
10. Consultant
Can you connect with people? Explain complex ideas and data in an accessible way? Could you answer the ‘how many people travel on the London Eye in one hour’ brainteaser question in an interview? If so, have you considered consultancy? Watch a candidate interview to gain insight into the consulting process Case Study interview
It doesn’t end there!
Remember that the majority of graduate employers hire graduates from any degree discipline. There are so many more options, so start researching and reflecting to see where mathematics can take you.