Your degree in mathematics

Careers for maths graduates

Jobs directly related to your course

There are some careers for which a degree in mathematics is specified, for example teaching, statistical work (including actuarial work), some types of research and development, and some areas of computing:

• Actuarial work
• Economic and statistical work
• Scientific research design and development
• Secondary school teacher

Jobs where your degree would be useful

Many types of work use the ability to think logically and quantitatively, or use what employers describe as 'numeracy'. For these areas a mathematics degree may not be a requirement, but mathematics graduates would be strong candidates if they could also demonstrate the other personal qualities required:

• Accountancy (finance)
• Banking
• Insurance
• Information technology
• Management consultancy
• Management services

Employability skills gained from a maths degree

Employers look for particular skills, and many students underestimate the number of skills gained on their course. It is worth thinking hard about all the aspects of your course and coming up with a list of skills you have developed and which you would like to use in your work.

• The study of mathematics will have provided you with specific knowledge that you may wish to build on, eg statistical methods or techniques in applied mathematics.
• All courses, however, involve problem-solving skills. Employers understand that mathematics graduates can handle intellectually difficult problems and that this ability can be transferred to the work environment.
• Other skills include thinking logically and quantitatively, numeracy, analysing information and, more generally, planning your work, time management, meeting deadlines, presenting your work and writing reports.

Useful websites

The European Mathematical Information Service

The Statistical and Social Inquiry Society of Ireland

Central Statistics Office Ireland