A master's degree? Perhaps a Ph.D.? It might happen. Sooner or later, someone will ask you if you have plans for an advanced degree. Even if you've selected mathematics education as your major in anticipation of teaching in the public schools, you'll find going on for an advanced degree is common there, as well.
As you already are well aware, mathematics is a huge body of knowledge with discoveries still being made. Since there will always be more to learn, you may feel you need to add to your math study after obtaining your bachelor's degree. Many undergraduates who are contemplating teaching positions in higher education will often, if they can afford it, continue straight on through graduate school. Others, especially those interested in using their math in business or government, aren't as sure about an advanced degree and would rather get a job and make that graduate school decision later.
What we advise here is to think a bit strategically about the kinds of jobs you might take upon graduation that will do the best for you in terms of any future education. For example, the jobs we suggest as researcher financial analysts (when you read this chapter, you'll discover the analyst jobs go by many different titles), will utilize your math skills to a high degree and allow you impressive professional development. These jobs bring the opportunity to work with colleagues of a high level of managerial skill and educational background. Most importantly, you have the opportunity tousle your undergraduate degree in math, earn an excellent income, while at the same time positioning yourself for a possible return to graduate school.
"Stopping out" like this before graduate school allows you to take breather, use your degree, meet people in the field, and reassess what you want in the long run. At the same time, choosing a first job as a research or financial analyst keeps your skills fresh, your income high, and also provides you with employee benefits for graduate education should you choose to return to school part time. This path makes a lot of sense if you are hesitant about graduate school because it gives you the most options.
Using Your Math Buying And Selling In The Workplace; Math As An Important Job Skill
The summary of this article for math majors is an attempt to recognize that some math majors chose their degree concentration because they were good at it and wanted a major that would allow them to succeed. Math may be something you do well-even very well, but it may not be all you want to do. Or, you may really enjoy mathematics and be very happy you majored in it, but perhaps your grades don't reflect that enthusiasm. Whatever your motivation, this article contains a number of job options for the mathematically talented.
A word of caution is in order, however. Math is important in the jobs and career paths we discuss in this final part, but it is not a primary or even the essential skill. It is not necessarily more important than the ability to make decision, to solve problems, to manage your time, or to communicate well. The jobs in this path are done best by those who are comfortable with quantitative thinking and problem solving, but they may also be done by people whose strongest skills are not in math.
Sales representative, retail buyer and purchasing agent are sophisticated jobs, responsible for decisions involving large sums of money. Interviewers and employers will be interested in your math skills, but more concerned about your ability to think on your feet and to be decisive and creative absolving problems. The jobs in this path can take you into any number of employment situations, including major department stores, federal government procurement offices, to any major industry or service organization from the airlines to financial institutions. The possibilities are endless,
If you are at all interested in broadening your horizons with your math degree and looking at a variety of fields that offer not only an opportunity to capitalize on your degree, but enormous flexibility and potential for movement as you advance in your career, please give this final chapter a read. We guarantee you'll be surprised at what these careers have to offer.
