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Career Opportunities

Most people who study mathematics initially have very little idea of the sort of career they wish to pursue. The best advice is:

Unless and until you are very sure, keep your career options open.

Careers chosen by mathematicians fall into three categories.

Those directly related to mathematics. These include all forms of teaching and academic work, and a variety of positions in industry or the Civil Service which involve using the mathematical, statistical, and computing knowledge they have acquired. Increasingly this includes positions in data science,

It is widely accepted that for such careers the path should be mathematics in depth first and then finance, information technology, or other applications.

Those that involve thinking logically and quantitatively. Typically these include actuarial, accountancy, banking, etc.

Careers that are open to graduates of many areas.

What gives mathematics graduates a head start in competition for posts in categories two and three is that employers are aware that regardless of the particular courses that have been taken, all such graduates have highly developed problem-solving skills. It is recognised that success in maths requires the ability to master complex and difficult problems; a characteristic that gives mathematicians an edge in acquiring other skills quickly and efficiently.

Here are some quotes from a U.S. survey of mathematics graduates about their degrees and their career choices.

``I think the keys to success in any mathematics job are a love for problem solving, an inquisitive mind and willingness to learn new skills.'' A mathematician with the National Science Agency.

``Experience in mathematics allows for a way of thinking in a structured format. Corporations realise that many types of problems can be solved using the analytical thought processes that mathematics requires. A degree in mathematics provides the analytical skills and methods of decision making that are necessary in the working place today.'' Financial Analyst.

``I could have pursued the same career with a degree in Computer Science. Since Computer Science is constantly and rapidly changing, you always need to learn new things. These you can learn on the job. Studying mathematics gives you the tools to analyse problems and think logically, which helps in whatever profession you choose. People have great respect for a degree in mathematics.'' Self employed Computer Marketing Consultant.

``The real astonishment about my career is how deeply the study of mathematics has informed its every turn. Studying poetry or philosophy I find myself thinking in a mathematical way, not arithmetical, but full of love of analogy, mapping, abstraction and clarity.'' Cultural Critic, New York Times.

``I majored in mathematics because I liked the subject but I have used my training in more ways than I ever imagined possible.'' Marketing Manager, I.B.M.

``In the end you must do what really turns you on and not necessarily what is the most lucrative.'' Applied Mathematician, Rockwell Science Center.

Many referred to their mathematics degree as a gateway or jumping off point to a wide variety of careers. Disciplined study leading to unlimited opportunities is what a mathematics degree at Trinity College is all about. We encourage students to diversify their course choices. Opening doors in your mind will enable you to open many other doors in your life.

Many modern careers involve further study beyond a Bachelor's degree, sometimes done while in employment, but frequently involving further study at a university or research institute. Academic employment in any form of third level college, almost always requires a Ph.D. By checking the above data you will notice that the proportion at study is very high, but far more interesting are the areas of study and universities chosen.

Graduates with any of the three mathematics degrees who show promise for teaching are usually welcomed into the H.Dip courses, and with a genuine shortage of well qualified mathematics teachers, they are far more fortunate than graduates of other subjects in landing permanent jobs.

Trinity College has a Careers Advisory Service which students are encouraged to contact in their final years.