16 tips for math majors who are mapping their careers

Career mapping is the process of strategically planning your professional journey by identifying potential career paths, the skills you’ll need, and the steps to reach your long-term goals. For math majors, career mapping is especially important because mathematics is a highly versatile degree that opens doors to fields like finance, technology, education, data science, and engineering. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to overlook specialized roles that align with your strengths and interests.

With a mathematics degree, you might start in roles like data analyst, actuarial assistant, financial analyst, or statistical researcher. If you’re interested in applied mathematics, you could work in fields like cryptography, machine learning, or operations research. For those drawn to finance, becoming an actuary, investment analyst, or risk manager could be a strong fit, often requiring certifications like the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or actuarial exams. Math majors with a passion for teaching can pursue careers as educators or curriculum developers, while those interested in technology can move into software development, artificial intelligence, or cybersecurity. Career mapping helps you identify which industries align with your skills, what additional technical knowledge—such as programming languages like Python, R, or SQL—you’ll need, and how to gain experience through internships and research opportunities. It’s not just about solving equations—it’s about using mathematical thinking to drive innovation and problem-solving in the real world.

We reached out to 16 career experts to ask them for their tips for math majors who are mapping their careers:

• Cryptographic Analyst in Cybersecurity
• Data Science Intern in EdTech
• Become a Quantitative Developer
• Intern as a Data Analyst
• Pursue a Data Scientist Career
• Work as a Mathematical Research Assistant
• Programming Jobs Suit Math Majors
• Consider a Financial Analyst Role
• Risk Quantification Intern for AI Bias
• Software Engineering Benefits from Math Skills
• Algorithmic Music Composer Assistant
• Explore a Career in Machine Learning
• Digital Analytics Roles for Math Students
• Private Tutoring for Math Students
• Election Data Integrity Researcher
• Data Analyst: Digital Detective

Cryptographic Analyst in Cybersecurity

A Mathematics major opens doors to some non-obvious yet well-paying and interesting career paths beyond the usual teaching or actuarial roles. A cryptographic analyst job in cybersecurity might be the perfect fit for students with a passion for numbers and strong problem-solving skills. In the given role, you design and analyze encryption algorithms, safeguarding information from hackers and ensuring digital privacy. The role is intellectually stimulating, well-compensated (salaries often start at $80K+), and in high demand as cyber threats continue to rise.

The good news is that you don’t need a PhD to break into the field. Strong math skills and an understanding of coding theory, prime number factorization, and modular arithmetic can set you apart. Learning languages like Python, C++, or Java and diving into cryptographic libraries (OpenSSL, PyCryptodome) will also likely help build your technical foundation. Additionally, internships with cybersecurity firms, financial institutions, or government agencies will give you a competitive edge.

At its core, cryptography is digital codebreaking—protecting the world’s most valuable information while constantly staying one step ahead of cybercriminals. For a math major who thrives on logic, problem-solving, and real-world impact, it’s an exciting and future-proof career.

Agata Szczepanek, Career Expert & Community Manager, Zety

Data Science Intern in EdTech

A mathematics student working as a data science intern in education technology would get hands-on experience with real-world applications of statistics. At Compass Education, schools use software to track student attendance, grades, and behavioral trends. A student in this role could develop models predicting academic performance based on past test scores and classroom participation. If a school sees that students who miss three or more homework assignments have a 60% chance of failing an exam, early intervention strategies could be put in place. Understanding data trends helps teachers and administrators improve student outcomes while personalizing learning experiences.

Beyond academics, analyzing school-wide operational data offers insights into efficiency. If a school has 1,200 students and processes 5,000 lunch transactions weekly, optimizing line management based on peak times would reduce wait times.

Andreea Tucan, Marketing Lead – UK & IE, Compass Education

Become a Quantitative Developer

One job that fits a math major’s skill set is a quantitative developer. In this role, you get to combine your love for numbers with computer programming to solve real-world problems, especially in finance and tech. You’ll turn complex mathematical theories into algorithms that help predict market trends and make smart trading decisions. 

What’s great is that math majors already have a strong foundation in calculus, probability, and statistics. These areas of study are essential when you’re building and refining models for quantitative analysis. Essentially, all the rigorous math you’ve learned in college comes into play as you work on practical problems. 

Another remarkable aspect is the problem-solving mindset you develop as a math student, which is what you need when designing and troubleshooting algorithms. It’s like having a toolbox of strategies that you can apply directly to challenges in the financial or tech world. Many math students will pick up coding skills along the way, whether it’s in Python, C++, or another language. You get to see your academic work come to life as you write code that powers real applications and systems. 

Overall, quantitative development is a fantastic option for math majors looking for a career. It allows you to use your classroom knowledge in a dynamic and rewarding environment and offers plenty of opportunities for growth and learning along the way.

Peter Bryla, Senior Community Manager, Resume-Now

Intern as a Data Analyst

A great option is a data analyst intern, especially if you enjoy turning numbers into insights. You can apply your math skills to real-world scenarios, like identifying trends and patterns, while gaining hands-on experience in analytics tools. It’s a fantastic way to build your technical resume, learn the ins and outs of data interpretation, and figure out if the analytics path is something you want to pursue after graduation.

Gary Edwards, Owner, Voceer

Pursue a Data Scientist Career

A Data Scientist is an excellent career path for a mathematics major, especially as AI-driven industries continue to grow. With strong analytical and problem-solving skills, math students are well-equipped to work with machine learning models, statistical analysis, and big data. Many companies, from tech startups to financial institutions, seek data scientists to interpret complex datasets and drive decision-making. By gaining experience in programming (Python, R) and AI tools, math majors can position themselves for high-demand roles in AI research, fintech, and beyond.

Scott Clyburn, Founder and Director, North Avenue Education

Work as a Mathematical Research Assistant

A well-suited job for a college or university student majoring in Mathematics is working as a Mathematical Research Assistant. This role provides an excellent opportunity for students to dive deeper into complex mathematical concepts, theories, and applications while gaining valuable hands-on experience in academic or applied research. It allows students to bridge the gap between their coursework and real-world problem-solving, sharpening their analytical and critical thinking skills.

As a mathematical research assistant, students typically collaborate with professors, researchers, or even private organizations on projects that require advanced quantitative analysis. This work can involve anything from pure mathematics, such as number theory, algebra, or topology, to applied mathematics fields like cryptography, mathematical modeling, or computational analysis. Students might assist in developing mathematical proofs, creating simulations, analyzing large datasets, or even writing algorithms to solve complex problems.

This role enhances a student’s problem-solving abilities and encourages deeper logical thinking. It also provides exposure to advanced mathematical software like MATLAB, Mathematica, or Python for mathematical computing, which are widely used in both academia and industry. Learning to code and perform simulations gives students a competitive edge, especially in fields like data science, engineering, or finance.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this job is the opportunity to contribute to real research, sometimes even leading to co-authorship on academic papers or presentations at conferences. Such achievements significantly strengthen a student’s resume, especially if they plan to pursue graduate studies or careers in research-intensive fields.

This role fosters mentorship opportunities, as students work closely with experienced researchers who can guide their academic and professional growth. It also helps develop soft skills like time management, attention to detail, and collaborative problem-solving, which are essential in any career.

Working as a mathematical research assistant allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to meaningful projects, preparing them for future roles in academia, engineering, finance, or any career path that values analytical rigor and quantitative expertise.

Joel Butterly, CEO, Ingeniusprep

Programming Jobs Suit Math Majors

Programming really suits math majors. For example, our tutoring software relies on algorithms, making this an ideal job for a math student with an interest in programming. 

Scheduling is one example. If a company manages 1,000 tutoring sessions weekly, an optimized algorithm ensures tutors are assigned based on availability, subject expertise, and past session ratings. Efficient matching improves student learning outcomes while reducing scheduling conflicts.

Tom Hamilton Stubber, Managing Director, TutorCruncher

Consider a Financial Analyst Role

I believe that one job that is well-suited for a college or university student majoring in Mathematics is a financial analyst. This role requires strong mathematical and analytical skills, making it a perfect fit for someone with a background in Mathematics.

Financial analysts are responsible for evaluating financial data and providing insights and recommendations to businesses or individuals on how to make better financial decisions. They use various mathematical models and statistical techniques to analyze data, identify patterns, and create projections.

Moreover, the demand for financial analysts continues to rise as the finance industry becomes increasingly complex and data-driven. This makes it an excellent career choice for students majoring in Mathematics who want to apply their skills in a practical and high-demand field.

In addition to strong mathematical skills, a financial analyst also needs to have good communication abilities and business acumen. They often work closely with clients or colleagues from different departments, so being able to effectively communicate complex data and findings is crucial.

Patrick McDermott, Executive Vice President, Max Cash

Risk Quantification Intern for AI Bias

With AI models increasingly scrutinized for bias, companies need math-savvy interns to assess algorithmic fairness.

A Risk Quantification Intern for AI Bias Audits applies probability, linear algebra, and statistical tests to detect patterns that may lead to unfair outcomes in lending, hiring, and credit scoring models. This role blends data science and ethics, requiring strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Interns work closely with engineering and compliance teams to ensure AI-driven decisions are more transparent and equitable. The experience builds a strong foundation in risk management, machine learning, and regulatory compliance.

For mathematics students looking to make an impact, this position offers both technical challenges and meaningful work.

Gary Hemming, Owner & Finance Director, ABC Finance

Software Engineering Benefits from Math Skills

The importance of mathematics in software engineering is often overlooked. We’ve witnessed firsthand how mathematical expertise aids engineers in streamlining algorithms and enhancing system performance. We improved our data recovery program by using probability models and matrix operations to more precisely recreate deleted files thanks to a math-savvy student intern. Recovery success rates increased by more than 20% as a result of their efforts. The most important lesson? Programming and mathematics work hand in hand, and a math major can put their skills to good use in a software development position.

Alan Chen, President & CEO, DataNumen, Inc.

Algorithmic Music Composer Assistant

Mathematics plays a key role in music theory and digital sound processing, making it essential for algorithmic composition. 

I believe that an Algorithmic Music Composer Assistant could help develop AI-driven compositions using fractals, Markov chains, and Fourier transforms to generate structured yet innovative musical pieces. This role allows mathematics students to fine-tune algorithms that create harmonies, rhythms, and melodies with both precision and creativity. 

Combining statistical modeling with artistic intuition, it offers hands-on experience in both music technology and computational creativity. It’s a unique opportunity to apply mathematical expertise in an artistic field while shaping the future of AI-generated music.

Adrian Iorga, Founder & President, Stairhopper Movers

Explore a Career in Machine Learning

If you’re a math major, consider a career in machine learning. It’s a way to apply what you’ve learned to real problems. It’s hands-on, cutting-edge, and a chance to explore how math shapes technology. You’ll work on predictive models, tune algorithms, and maybe even help train the next AI everyone is talking about. You can develop your coding skills, dive into big data,a and make models smarter with each iteration.

Ryan Walker, CEO, Beyond Academy

Digital Analytics Roles for Math Students

Digital analytics roles provide perfect entry points for mathematics students to apply statistical skills in real-world business contexts. Google Analytics expertise opens doors to practical data analysis. Managing analytics teams revealed how math majors excel at interpreting website performance data and spotting meaningful patterns. Part-time roles analyzing traffic trends, conversion funnels, and user behavior let students apply statistical concepts while maintaining flexible schedules for coursework. 

Recent projects highlight the natural fit. When a math student intern developed custom Google Analytics segments to track micro-conversions, they applied regression analysis skills to predict future user behavior while learning practical business applications. Analytics positions bridge academic theory with business impact. Students gain marketable technical skills, understand how data drives decisions, and build the foundation for careers in data science or marketing analytics—all while leveraging their mathematical expertise.

Aaron Whittaker, VP of Demand Generation & Marketing, Thrive Digital Marketing Agency

Private Tutoring for Math Students

A great job for a university student majoring in Mathematics is private tutoring. It provides the opportunity to apply mathematical concepts in real-world situations while sharpening problem-solving, communication, and teaching skills—essential qualities for careers in fields like data science, finance, and education. For example, one math tutor helped a high school student struggling with algebra. The tutor used relatable examples, like budgeting and sports statistics, to simplify abstract concepts. This approach not only improved the student’s understanding but also strengthened the tutor’s own grasp of the material, which boosted their confidence when tackling more advanced topics in their coursework. 

Tutoring offers flexibility and hands-on experience, allowing math students to refine their skills while balancing coursework. By teaching others, students also gain valuable communication and leadership experience—skills that will serve them well in their future careers. Advice for math majors: Look for tutoring opportunities early in your academic journey. It’s a win-win—you help others succeed while sharpening your own skills. The flexibility of tutoring can also make it easier to manage your studies while gaining practical experience that will set you up for success in your career.

Beau V., Marketing Manager, BijlesHuis

Election Data Integrity Researcher

From my perspective, Election Data Integrity Researcher is an important role for mathematics students who want to apply their skills to real-world challenges. Governments and watchdog organizations depend on data analysts to spot anomalies in election data, helping to ensure fair and transparent voting processes.

Mathematics students can use Benford’s Law, probability distributions, and statistical sampling to analyze trends, detect irregularities, and flag potential concerns. This role combines analytical problem-solving with meaningful social impact, making it a great opportunity for students interested in both math and public policy.

Gaining useful skills in statistical modeling and forensic analysis is another benefit of working with big datasets. This position offers a special and fulfilling approach to participation for people who are enthusiastic about democracy and numbers.

Shawn Plummer, CEO, The Annuity Expert

Data Analyst: Digital Detective

The world hums with numbers; for a mathematics major, that hum is a symphony of opportunity. While many envision chalk-dusted professors or reclusive theoreticians, the reality is far more diverse and incredible. One particularly compelling path, often overlooked, is the role of a data analyst. Think of it less as crunching numbers in a sterile environment and more as a digital detective, unearthing hidden stories within vast information landscapes.

The beauty of applied mathematics lies in its universality. Businesses, nonprofits, and governments are all awash in data—website clicks, sales figures, donor demographics, survey responses, sensor readings, social media trends—the list is endless. But raw data is like an unmined gem. It holds immense potential value but requires skill and insight to extract it. That’s where the mathematically minded analyst comes in. Armed with statistical modeling techniques, a keen eye for patterns, and a deep understanding of probability, they transform chaos into clarity. They might identify a previously unseen correlation between marketing spend and customer acquisition, predict future inventory needs based on past demand, or even help a nonprofit optimize its outreach strategy by pinpointing the most receptive audiences.

Unlike some more theoretical pursuits, data analysis offers immediate and tangible results. You’re not just solving abstract problems but directly impacting an organization’s trajectory. You might be helping a company fine-tune its pricing strategy, assisting a hospital in improving patient care or enabling a political campaign to connect with voters more effectively. 

The work is dynamic and intellectually stimulating, demanding a blend of technical prowess and creative problem-solving. You must be comfortable with software like Python, SQL, and Excel but equally adept at communicating your findings to a non-technical audience. Ultimately, the goal isn’t just to find the answers but also to tell a compelling story that drives action. It’s a field where logic meets narrative, and a deep understanding of mathematics translates into real-world influence. The undergraduate student can start discovering aspects of the role by completing data cleaning roles, practicing with data software, and taking on small-scale internships.

Steve Fleurant, CEO, Clair Services