Math careers in unlikely places

You’ve heard it again and again… “What are you going to do with a Math degree, teach?”. When we keep getting this question, it can make us wonder if that is the only option, or if that’s the best option. Granted, there are many Math majors who go on to rewarding careers teaching Mathematics but the majority of Math majors do not actually go on to teach.

So what to people do with a degree in Mathematics? First we should break down what you could major in here at UConn… there’s Applied Mathematical Sciences, Mathematics, Mathematics/Statistics, Mathematics/Actuarial Science, Mathematics-Actuarial-Finance and Mathematics Education. For those majoring in Mathematics Education, for the most part those find themselves working in that area. For the graduates who are on the Actuarial side of things, the majority (but not all) end up as Actuaries.

Based on graduate survey information, recent UConn Math graduates are working in the broad areas of consulting, data & analytics, engineering, product and project management and sales. Many go on to pursue a graduate degree. But you didn’t come here for broad information, so here are a few sample job titles from UConn graduates that graduated with one of the above disciplines:

  • Catastrophe Risk Consultant
  • Pharma Finance Controlling Manager
  • Performance Analytics Consultant
  • Data Management Analyst
  • Dimensional Inspector
  • Data Scientist
  • Medical Underwriter
  • Systems Administrator
  • Social Media Manager
  • Associate Compliance Analyst

You may find yourself surprised at your career path 10 years down the road. Oftentimes, career success and happiness has as much to do with keeping an open mind, the desire to learn and take on new challenges, and becoming aware of possibilities. A Career Consultant can help you explore opportunities that might surprise and inspire you.

By Eran Peterson
Eran Peterson Associate Director, Student Engagement