Careers in MathematicsErica Tyson

University Liaison Officer, IMAerica.tyson@ima.org.uk

Clement W. Jones LectureSlide 1 of 17

What do mathematicians do?www.mathscareers.org.uk

Slide 2 of 17

Slide 3 of 17

What kind of role?What kind of organisation?

Sector, status, size ....Don’t be put off by the job title

Careers Open to All Graduates

Accountancy AdministrationBanking ITDistribution Financial Mang’tInsurance Leisure/tourismJournalism Human ResourcesMarketing RetailPublic relations TransportPurchasing Social WorkSales

Slide 4 of 17

Careers Specific Options with Maths

Further Study, Research, TeachingIT, Operational ResearchGov Statistical, Security ServicesEngineering & Engineering ConsultancyManagement ConsultancyActuarial, Investment, Pensions, Financial

modelling, Product pricing Meteorology Environment PatentsStatistics – Pharma, Health, Data mining, Market Research

Slide 5 of 17

Useful sites

Career profiles/advice: www.MathsCareers.org.ukhttp://www.cse.salford.ac.uk/mathematics/taster-

day.php Academic jobs: www.jobs.ac.ukFind a PhD: www.findaphd.comGraduate positions: www.prospects.ac.ukwww.gradcracker.comPlus Careers Library:

plus.maths.org/interview.html Travels in a Mathematical World podcast:

www.travelsinamathematicalworld.co.uk Slide 6 of 17

• Careers fairs• Presentations• Company web-sites, annual reports (text)• Alumni• People you know• Social media – LinkedIn groups• Careers service – resources for helping

and checking CVs and applications, notices of vacancies and opportunities

Useful sources

Slide 7 of 17

Skills of a Mathematician

• general study skills• independent learning • independent working • pursuing problem

solution to conclusion • time-management and

organisation • adaptability • general IT skills

• transferring knowledge between contexts

• logical and analytical problem solving

• highly developed numeracy

• general communication skills

QAA Benchmark Statement for Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research (MSOR) graduates

Slide 8 of 17

What do employers think?Employability

Transferable skillsBehaviours

Competencies

Slide 9 of 17

Slide 10 of 17

Building Your CV

Strengths InterestsSocieties - Visits, Talks, Events, Committees

Work experience, Volunteering, Education Outreach

Team activities – participating reliably, organising

Creative/Practical/Languages/Programming – keeping up skills, building, developing, adding new ones

• They want to hire you• Talk to them, back up your application• Know about them – web, annual report,

share price/league table position• Use their info, themes – show your

experience/enthusiasm fits• Specific concise examples. What, why,

result, even better if.• Ask questions.

At Interview

Slide 11 of 17

Who are the IMA?Professional Body and

Learned Society for Mathematicians

Slide 12 of 15

IMA MembershipRecognition

Development

Participation

Information

Slide 13 of 15

Benefit of Membership and Participation

Demonstrates you take your career and your

development seriously and supports you in achieving your goals

Slide 14 of 17

Get the best from work experience

• What skills can they give you/ do you plan to acquire ?

• Clear objectives and Reviews– SMART

• Training/Coaching• Work with experts/people who are good at what

they do.• Opportunities to present, write reports/papers• Ask questions, Seek feedback

Prof. Clement W. Jones

CMath FIMA

Slide 17 of 17

Application takes time and effort

Up to date CV - tailor to fitStrengths, Awards, Prizes

Work or voluntary experience

Team activities – sport/societies/social

Creative/Practical/Languages

Programming skills

Follow the instructions, Use the opportunityLong text question – they want answers

Double check for typos/mistakes

Initial Professional Development

The route to CMathCMathTeach or CSci

Developing competenceAchieving

professional standing

slide 18 of 15