A degree in Mathematics requires skills such as problem solving, data analysis and logical thinking, these skills are highly desired across a wide range of different careers. We have outlined some of these careers below and what you can expect from them, as a mathematics graduate.
Statistician
The role of a statistician directly relates to the skills and knowledge gained from a mathematics degree. Statisticians collect and analyse data before presenting this to colleagues and spotting trends to be able to plan/model strategies and help to make decisions.
Statisticians are found in many different industries, including:
- Government
- Finance
- Health research
- Environment
- Education
Within these different industries statisticians likely work in large teams with people from various roles in the company, it is therefore important to have good communication skills to be able to present your ideas and to explain how you got there. Statisticians work with clients to assess what data needs to be collected and how this will be collected. Once the data is collected, a statistician will then interpret this and advise the client in decision making following this.
Data Scientist
A data scientist turns raw collected data into meaningful information that can be used for planning and modelling future business ideas. Data scientists take large amounts of data and use methods such as statistical tests, programming, and machine learning to analyse and interpret this data before presenting it.
Data scientists can be found in industries such as:
- Scientific research
- Ecommerce
- Research
- Finance
- Government
Within a data scientist role, you would be working within a business to identify any problems or any goals and using large amounts of available data to understand these problems and be able to make suitable decisions. Statistical methods and models would regularly be used to produce different ideas and solutions, using different data mining models to test which is most effective in terms of the results you need to obtain.
Actuarial Analyst
As an actuarial analyst, you would be using different statistical tests to assess financial risks within a business, this can be in a variety of areas such as:
- Insurance
- Banks
- Software Development
- Healthcare
- Investment firms
Within these areas, an actuarial analysist helps businesses make important decisions and create solutions for financial issues. An actuarial analysist will also work on reducing risk exposure within the business using statistical modelling methods to create projections. An actuarial analyst may also work within an insurance industry, in this case calculating the likelihood and the costs of product failure, accidents, injuries etc.
Accountancy
A degree in Mathematics can lead you to a career in accountancy, within these roles you would be providing advice for, and auditing accounts and financial records. You would be involved in taxation, auditing, recovery, and insolvency.
You may work in organisations such as:
- Commerce
- Public Sector
- Private Clients
- Banks
- Government
An accountancy role includes duties such as tax advice, financial reports and invoicing. You may also work within an accountancy firm, where you may use all of this information to help inform on important business and financial decisions.
Research Scientist
A mathematics research scientist is involved in developing mathematical models to provide insight into real-life events/phenomena and identifying patterns within large sets of data.
Research Scientists may work within:
- Commercial organisations
- Academia/Research
Within commercial organisations a research scientist will collect information surrounding performance and product development within businesses. Working in areas such as banks, insurance companies and product developers to predict trends and plan future developments. A research scientist carrying out academic research will work to develop mathematical models and ideas in particular areas of maths. A career in academia and research would require writing and publishing reports for use by the academic community.
