What Jobs Can You Do With a Maths Degree?

A maths degree is a powerful asset, opening doors to a diverse range of professional landscapes. From pure mathematics to dynamic tech-driven roles, the analytical and problem-solving skills honed through such a degree are in high demand.

Ready to explore what's in store with a maths degree? Before we dive deep, here's a quick heads-up. We're about to journey through some exciting roles, from actuaries crunching numbers to financial analysts predicting market trends. Think of this as your sneak peek into the world of maths professions. Let's get started!

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As the global economy becomes increasingly complex, professionals who can interpret, analyse, and provide insights into financial data are indispensable.

Actuary:

• Salary: £30,000 - £100,000+

• Role: Analysing financial risks using mathematics, statistics, and financial theory.

• Work Environment: Predominantly corporate settings within insurance companies or financial consultancy firms.

• Soft Skills Required: Effective communication, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.

• Global Perspective: Especially sought-after in regions with developed insurance markets like North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.

A Typical Day Might Look Like: You start by analysing new client data, and by mid-morning, you're in a meeting with the insurance product team to discuss potential policy adjustments. After lunch, you dive into long-term risk assessment projects and wind up your day drafting reports for stakeholders.

Financial Analyst:

• Salary: £30,000 - £80,000

• Role: Assessing the performance of investments and providing financial forecasts.

• Work Environment: Financial institutions, stock exchanges, and corporate finance departments.

• Soft Skills Required: Data interpretation, keen attention to detail, and strategic thinking.

• Global Perspective: Opportunities abound in global financial hubs like New York, London, and Hong Kong.

A Typical Day Might Look Like: Your day begins with checking overnight stock market performances. Mid-morning, you're in meetings discussing portfolio adjustments. Post-lunch, you work on financial models for upcoming projects, and by evening, you're drafting reports for senior management.

Quantitative Risk Analyst:

• Salary: £40,000 - £95,000

• Role: Employing statistical and mathematical models to identify and analyse areas of potential risk that may affect the financial standing of businesses in sectors like banking, investment, and insurance.

• Work Environment: Financial institutions, investment banks, hedge funds, and risk management consultancies.

• Soft Skills Required: Analytical mindset, keen attention to detail, effective communication, and ability to think critically under pressure.

• Global Perspective: With the increasing complexity of financial markets, the role is vital worldwide, especially in financial hubs such as London, New York, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

A Typical Day Might Look Like: Your day starts with a review of global financial news and its potential impact on your firm's investments. By mid-morning, you're deep into analysing the risk associated with a new portfolio proposed by the trading team. After lunch, you collaborate with other analysts to discuss risk mitigation strategies for an upcoming project. Your day concludes with a presentation to senior management on your findings and recommendations.

Step into the digital revolution! Here, data isn't just data—it's pure gold. As we journey into this section, you'll uncover roles that are not only shaping but revolutionising the tech and data world.

Data Scientist:

• Salary: £40,000 - £90,000

• Role: Utilising algorithms to analyse and interpret vast data sets.

• Work Environment: Tech firms, startups, or specialised data teams across various industries.

• Soft Skills Required: Effective communication, innate curiosity, and teamwork.

• Global Perspective: High demand in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, Bangalore, and Berlin.

A Typical Day Might Look Like: You start by fine-tuning data pipelines and soon you're in a brainstorming session with the marketing team to understand their data needs. After grabbing lunch with a colleague, you code new data visualisation tools. By evening, you're immersed in predictive modelling for an upcoming product campaign.

Machine Learning Engineer:

• Salary: £45,000 - £100,000

• Role: Designing and implementing machine learning applications.

• Work Environment: Fast-paced tech companies or startups.

• Soft Skills Required: Adaptability, continuous learning, and analytical thinking.

• Global Perspective: Opportunities in tech-forward companies worldwide, especially in AI-focused firms.

A Typical Day Might Look Like: Your morning begins with reviewing the latest ML models. By midday, you're collaborating with the data team to integrate new data sources. Post-lunch, you experiment with new algorithms, and by evening, you're in a team meeting discussing the week's progress.

Cryptographer:

• Salary: £40,000 - £100,000+

• Role: Designing algorithms and security protocols to protect information. Cryptographers ensure data remains confidential, unaltered, and only accessible to those with the right decryption keys.

• Work Environment: Cybersecurity firms, financial institutions, government agencies, and tech companies focusing on secure communications.

• Soft Skills Required: Analytical mindset, attention to detail, collaboration, and continuous learning to keep up with the evolving cyber landscape.

• Global Perspective: With the rise of cyber threats and the increasing value of data, cryptography is a critical field globally. Regions with a high concentration of tech firms and financial institutions, such as Silicon Valley, New York, and London, have a particularly high demand.

A Typical Day Might Look Like: You begin your day by analysing recent cyber threats and assessing the robustness of your algorithms against them. Mid-morning, you collaborate with a team to develop a new encryption protocol. After a lunch break, you're engrossed in testing the strength of a newly proposed security system. As the day winds down, you attend a meeting to discuss the integration of your encryption protocols with a new software product.

Embark on an exhilarating quest! Dive deep into the mysteries of our universe, the marvels of our bodies, and the phenomena around us. This isn't just about numbers; it's about understanding the very fabric of our existence.

Astrophysicist:

• Salary: £35,000 - £85,000

• Role: Researching cosmic phenomena and celestial bodies.

• Work Environment: University labs, space observatories, or specialised research facilities.

• Soft Skills Required: Patience, meticulousness, and effective communication.

• Global Perspective: Potential collaborations with international space agencies and renowned observatories.

A Typical Day Might Look Like: You begin by analysing data from the previous night's telescope session. Lunchtime might find you in a seminar about black holes. The afternoon is spent collaborating with your team on a research paper, and as dusk settles, you prepare for another night of celestial observation.

Biomedical Mathematician:

• Salary: £35,000 - £85,000

• Role: Applying mathematical models and techniques to solve complex biological and medical problems. This includes modelling the spread of diseases, understanding genetic variations, and predicting patient responses to treatments.

• Work Environment: Research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, or academic settings.

• Soft Skills Required: Analytical thinking, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and effective communication.

• Global Perspective: With the increasing importance of personalised medicine and genetic research, this role is in demand globally, especially in biotech hubs like Boston, San Francisco, and Cambridge.

A Typical Day Might Look Like: You start with analysing genetic data from a recent study. By mid-morning, you're collaborating with biologists to understand the implications of your findings. After lunch, you're building a mathematical model to predict the spread of a new virus. Your day concludes with a team meeting discussing the potential real-world applications of your research.

Quantum Mathematician:

• Salary: £40,000 - £90,000

• Role: Engaging in research that applies mathematical principles to understand quantum mechanics' intricacies, often to aid in the development of quantum computing and encryption techniques.

• Work Environment: High-tech labs, universities, or research facilities. Leading tech companies investing in quantum computing also hire professionals in this role.

• Soft Skills Required: Detail-oriented analysis, teamwork, and the ability to communicate complex concepts simply.

• Global Perspective: With the rise of quantum computing and its potential to revolutionise technology, this role is in demand in tech hubs worldwide, including Silicon Valley, Beijing, and Zurich.

A Typical Day Might Look Like: Your day starts with a review of recent experiments conducted using quantum computers. Mid-morning, you're deep into equations, trying to resolve a discrepancy between theory and observed results. Post-lunch, you collaborate with physicists and engineers to design a new algorithm. The day concludes with a presentation where you share your latest findings with the team.

​​Ever thought of the classroom as more than just four walls? Dive in to discover how a mathematical background can be more than just formulas, but a catalyst for educational innovation and transformation.

Private Maths Tutor:

• Salary: Typically £20 - £50 per hour, but can vary based on experience and location.

• Role: Providing one-on-one instruction to students in mathematics, tailored to their individual needs.

• Work Environment: Flexible; tutors can work from home, the student's residence, or even online.

• Soft Skills Required: Patience, effective communication, adaptability to different learning styles, and a passion for teaching.

• Global Perspective: With the rise of online tutoring platforms, there's potential to teach students from all over the world.

A Typical Day Might Look Like: You begin by reviewing your lessons for the day, ensuring you have all necessary materials. Your morning might be filled with online sessions for international students. Post-lunch, you travel to a local student's home for a tutoring session. Evening might find you on a tutoring platform, assisting students with their homework queries.

Tutoring is one of many careers within education for people with a passion for teaching. We have an article full of alternative careers for people with an education background who don’t necessarily want to be in the classroom.

Insight: Many individuals delve into private maths tutoring during their postgraduate studies as a means to both refine their skills and earn extra income. It serves as a perfect blend of academic reinforcement and financial gain. If you're considering entering into the world of private tutoring, platforms like Tutorful provide an excellent starting point, allowing you to establish yourself as a maths tutor and connect with students in need.

Take the next step in your mathematical journey. Connect with a top maths tutor on Tutorful today!

Curriculum Developer:

• Salary: £35,000 - £70,000

• Role: Designing, developing, and updating educational materials and curricula. For someone with a maths background, this could involve creating comprehensive mathematics programs for schools, colleges, or online platforms, ensuring they are engaging, relevant, and effectively address learning objectives.

• Work Environment: Educational institutions, e-learning companies, educational consultancies, and government bodies overseeing education.

• Soft Skills Required: Creativity, strong communication, collaboration, understanding of pedagogical methods, and a passion for education.

• Global Perspective: The demand for innovative and effective educational materials is universal, with opportunities in both developed and emerging education systems.

A Typical Day Might Look Like: Your day starts with a review of feedback received on a recently launched algebra module. Mid-morning, you collaborate with educators to understand the challenges faced in teaching calculus to high school students. After lunch, you're engrossed in mapping out a new curriculum structure for trigonometry. As the day winds down, you meet with illustrators and e-learning developers to discuss the integration of interactive elements into the curriculum.

Mathematics Education Researcher:

• Salary: £30,000 - £75,000+

• Role: Investigating and analysing teaching methods, curriculum standards, and student performance in mathematics. These researchers aim to understand how students learn maths and how teaching methods can be improved to enhance understanding and proficiency.

• Work Environment: Universities, research institutions, educational think tanks, and government bodies involved in shaping educational policy.

• Soft Skills Required: Analytical thinking, collaboration with educators and policymakers, effective communication, and a deep passion for both mathematics and education.

• Global Perspective: The quest for improving mathematics education is global. With international assessments like PISA comparing student performance across countries, there's a continuous drive to refine and innovate teaching methodologies.

A Typical Day Might Look Like: Your day starts with analysing data from a recent study comparing different instructional strategies in geometry. By mid-morning, you're drafting a proposal for a new study aiming to understand the challenges faced by students in statistical reasoning. Post-lunch, you collaborate with a team to design a survey for mathematics teachers about their experiences with technology integration in the classroom. Your day concludes with a webinar where you share your recent findings with educators and policymakers.

But it's not just about the degree. To truly shine in the myriad of roles a maths degree offers, there's a blend of skills – both hard and soft – that can set you apart. Let's delve into those vital ingredients that can make your career journey not just successful but truly exceptional.

Hard Skills:

• Advanced Mathematical Techniques: It's beneficial to keep updating your knowledge.

• Programming: Familiarity with Python, R, or Java can be essential.

• Statistical Analysis Tools: Tools like SPSS, SAS, or MATLAB can give you an edge.

Soft Skills:

• Communication: The ability to break down complex ideas into understandable terms is invaluable.

• Problem Solving: Approach challenges methodically.

• Teamwork: Working in collaborative environments will be a regular feature.

Remember, if none of these careers take your fancy, you can always become an astronaut!

Graduate programmes are a fantastic way to transition from academic life to a professional setting. These programmes often provide training, mentorship, and a taste of different roles within an organisation. For maths graduates, this is an invaluable opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Here's how you can find and secure a spot in these programmes:

Research Top Firms: Seek leading companies in your field. Many, especially in finance and tech, have graduate schemes for new grads.

Utilise University Services: Universities often guide students to graduate programmes and host recruitment fairs.

Network: Join field-related seminars and workshops to connect with industry insiders.

Browse Online Portals: Sites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn list graduate schemes. Set keyword alerts for timely updates.

Scan Industry Publications: Look for ads or articles about new graduate schemes in niche publications.

Tailor Applications: Customise your CV and cover letter for each role, emphasising relevant projects or coursework.

Assessment Prep: Ready yourself for potential tests, whether they're coding tasks or statistical analyses.

Ace the Interview: Research potential employers and be prepared to discuss your maths prowess.

Explore Startups: Smaller firms can offer intimate, diverse experiences.

Stay Determined: Facing rejection? Take feedback, refine, and reapply.

Remember, graduate programmes are just one avenue. Internships, part-time roles, or even postgraduate studies can also enhance your skills and make you more marketable in your desired field.

While a bachelor’s in maths is a formidable tool, sometimes the landscape demands a bit more. Whether it's diving deeper into a specialisation or adding another feather to your cap, let's explore if (and when) you might need to go beyond the undergraduate realm.

This is a particularly good idea if throughout your degree you have decided exactly which area of maths you wish to focus on. Different universities have different entry requirements, but with a maths degree you could potentially secure a place on an MSc in Engineering Mathematics course or an MSc in Mathematics and Foundations of Computer Science, such as the one Oxford offers.

Employers don’t always put their whole focus on degrees though, so you may need to undertake some extra study alongside your bachelor’s if you want to be in with a chance of securing your dream position.

For example, if you want to become a cryptographer in the Ministry of Defence, it would be wise to be proficient in another language, or if you want to become a software engineer, you should look at undertaking coding courses.

Navigating the vast world of mathematical careers can be daunting, but the journey becomes easier with the right resources at your disposal. Here are some recommended readings and platforms to guide your path:

Books:

• "The Math Book" by Clifford A. Pickover: A journey through the wonders of mathematics.

• "How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking" by Jordan Ellenberg: An exploration of the real-world application of mathematical logic.

Online Courses:

• Coursera & Udemy: Offer numerous courses on advanced mathematics, statistical tools, and software relevant for many of the professions mentioned.

• Khan Academy: Excellent for brushing up on foundational concepts.

Websites & Blogs:

• MathWorld: Comprehensive mathematics resource.

• AMS Blogs: Blogs from the American Mathematical Society covering various aspects of maths careers and research.

Forums & Communities:

• Stack Exchange Mathematics: A platform to ask questions and engage with a community of mathematicians.

• MathForums: A community discussing everything from academic challenges to career advice.

Private Tutoring Platforms:

• Become a tutor with Tutorful: A great platform if you're considering tutoring as a career.

Professional Associations:

• Joining organisations like the London Mathematical Society or the American Mathematical Society can provide networking opportunities, access to seminars, and industry news.

Conclusion:

Armed with a maths degree, a world of opportunities awaits — from the traditional realms of finance and academia to the ever-evolving tech sector. As technology reshapes the professional landscape, a maths degree remains a solid foundation, ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.