OVERVIEW
Careers in mathematics can be both lucrative and rewarding for people who have a knack for numbers. Careers in mathematics are not limited to teaching in schools or colleges anymore. People with a career in mathematics conduct research, or use Mathematical modelling and frameworks to solve business problems or help an individual make critical investment decisions which can be useful throughout one’s life.investments in life insurance or pension schemes.
WHAT DOES A PERSON DO WITH A MATHEMATICS DEGREE?
|
OCCUPATION |
JOB DESCRIPTION |
| College Professor | What new courses should college students study? What would be the best way to test how much the students have learnt in a course? College professors create a curriculum, as well as assignments and tests, to educate students and challenge the students to get the most out of the course. They also conduct research in their field and publish the findings in industry journals. |
| Statistician | Which record did Sachin break by scoring a century in Sharjah? Which graph or chart best captures the economic growth of our country since independence? Statistician develops and applies most effective methods for collecting, tabulating and interpreting data. They also develop the most efficient and effective techniques to collect and interpret data from different sources.Statisticians are generally involved in careers ranging from biostats, financial statistics or industrial stats. E.g., biostatistics, financial statistics or industrial statistics. |
| Financial Analyst | How much money should the government spend in eradicating polio? What percentage of loan interest can be waived off from farmers if it rains very little? When companies and individuals need to make investment decisions, they take help of financial analysts. These professionals know trends in the markets to predict how different kinds of investments may perform. Their work includes making recommendations about financial portfolios, studying financial statements, and writing reports for clients about the status of their accounts. |
COMPANIES WHICH HIRE MATHS GRADS/POSTGRADS
In addition to these, many Mathematics graduates pursue research in government bodies like ISRO, DRDO, CSIR etc. after the completion of their post grad. Also, many go on to pursue a doctoral degree (PhD) from both Indian as well as renowned foreign universities and take teaching or research roles in universities.
KEY QUALITIES REQUIRED
- Decision-making skills: Since other team members rely on your ability to understand complex information, you must have strong decision-making skills which will allow you to be trustworthy.
- Systems analysis skills: Understand how the fast-changing worlds of science, technology, and finance can influence the work you’re doing and the organizations or individuals you’re trying to help.
- Analytical Ability: Ability to visualize and simplify complex Mathematical models.
FAMOUS MATHEMATICIANS
HOW TO PURSUE A CAREER IN MATHEMATICS
Step 1: Choose Science with Mathematics after 10th (PCM) and prepare for Competitive Entrance Exams
Many Universities like Delhi University, Jadavpur University etc admit students on the basis of marks in Class 12th. Hence, securing more than 80% marks in 12th board is absolutely essential to secure a seat in a reputed university.
| Institute | Course Offered | Entrance Exam |
| Indian Statistical Institutes (7 in total) | B.Math
B.Statistics |
ISI Entrance Test, INMO |
| Chennai Mathematical Institute, Chennai | B.Sc Mathematics & Computer Science B.Sc in Mathematics & Physics B.Sc in Mathematics |
CMI Entrance Test |
| Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore | B.Sc Mathematics (Research) | JEE Advanced, JEE Mains KVPY |
| Indian Institutes of Science & Education Research (7 in total) | B.Sc & M.Sc dual degree in Mathematics | JEE Mains, KVPY, 12th board |
| National Institute of Science & Education Research | Integrated M.Sc in Mathematics | NEST |
A few Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) also offer degrees in Mathematics or Mathematics and Computing. Admission to these programs is also through JEE Advanced.
For more details about Examination Pattern, Eligibility, Cutoffs and Number of seats for these Entrance Exams, refer to the article on Entrance Exams in Appendix.
Step 2 : Complete an undergraduate degree in Mathematics
Courses in an undergraduate degree in Mathematics include algebra, calculus, probability theory, statistics and analysis. Many colleges also include courses in programming and humanities. In their first year, students sometimes also do common courses with other undergraduate students of Physics and Chemistry. In their final year, students do elective courses. An undergraduate degree in Mathematics prepare students to pursue an advanced degree (M.Sc, PhD) or take an entry level job in data analysis. Students can also pursue B.Ed after under graduation to be eligible for applying as secondary school teachers.
Step 3: Complete an advanced degree in Mathematics
Most careers in Mathematics require at least a Masters in Mathematics. Certain careers like University Professor, Economist, Computer and Information Research Scientist requires a doctoral degree (PhD). If you are sure that you want to eventually go for a career in Mathematics, pursuing an Integrated programs saves your time and effort in preparing and applying separately for Masters degree. However, if you’ve completed B.Sc in Mathematics, you can take JAM (Joint Admission Test for MSc.) for admission to Masters programs at IITs. Indian Statistical Institutes, Chennai Mathematical Institute also have their separate entrance exams for admission in M.Sc and PhD programs. Top global universities for pursuing higher studies in Mathematics are:
EXPLORE THE FIELD
RELATED CAREERS
|
OCCUPATION |
JOB DESCRIPTION |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | Who invented ways for us to share images from one phone to another over Bluetooth or Wifi? Computer and Information Scientists. These scientists conduct research on complicated issues like the above and use their expertise to find or create solutions that are used in business, healthcare, and scientific settings. They might be developing a new programming language or helping other software engineers. |
| Economist | Do you know that Mukesh Ambani loses thousands of crores every time government reduces the price of petrol? Who does Ambani go to for taking advice on minimizing his losses in such a case? An economist. Economists decide which things are going to become costlier or cheaper after Finance Minister announces the budget. Economists predict how fast our country will grow in next 1 year. |
| Operations Research Analyst | Imagine you have to decide the schedule for this year’s IPL. 8 teams will be playing 60 matches. And, you have to factor in travel also as a team can’t move from one city to another in one day. Seems complicated? Operation research analysts find and solve such problems. They use math and computers to create simulations that show how a solution will look in practice. |
USEFUL LINKS
| Learn how Mathematics forms a core part of Computer Science | List of top global universities to study Mathematics | Salaries of different Careers in Mathematics | Watch “Life in a day of a Mathematician” |
| http://csfieldguide.org.nz/ | https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/university-subject-rankings/2016/mathematics | http://www.kellyservices.co.in/uploadedFiles/India_-_Kelly_Services/New_Smart_Content/Business_Resource_Center/Workforce_Trends/IN-salary-guide-2015.pdf | https://www.careeronestop.org/videos/careeronestop-videos.aspx?videocode=15202100 |