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Build a career using maths
This career guide is designed to help University of Portsmouth students and recent graduates explore job options, key employers, and entry routes offered from studying Maths, a degree that is very versatile.
A maths degree is very versatile and, as a result, mathematicians are sought after by a variety of employers. But why is this?
It is because a maths degree is more than just dealing with arithmetic and the properties of numbers. Through the course of their degree, mathematicians can become knowledgeable and skilled with varying applications of mathematics. This can include topics such as: the methods and history of mathematics; the philosophy, science, collection and analysis of data for statistical purposes; operational research and modelling; computational mathematics; financial derivative pricing; quantum mechanics and relativity.
In this guide
Potential Job Roles
Prospects has a useful list of job profiles, each containing relevant information about key responsibilities, skill requirements, starting salaries, entry requirements, career prospects with links to major employers and current graduate vacancies. Some roles include:
Gaining Experience
A maths degree opens up a wide range of career options and opportunities, gaining work experience will depend on the direction you want to choose. You may want to increase your commercial awareness, build experience in analysis and statistics or gain classroom experience if you are considering teaching.
Overall, the key to success when looking to gain experience is to prepare thoroughly, carry out research and to organise your placement, internship or volunteering opportunity in good time.
Types of opportunities
Below are some examples of the different types of opportunities to gain experience while you study.
Placements are a great way to gain substantial experience, help you to build contacts and gain an understanding of an organisation.
On some degrees, work placements are part of the programme, whilst on others you can choose to complete a placement as one of your modules.
To learn more about completing a placement, you can contact the Placements team in Careers and Employability.
Internships are usually for a fixed period and give you more hands-on experience. Many employers will treat interns in the same way as full-time employees, so when future job roles ask for 'at least one year's experience' you can include an internship in this type of experience.
Enhance your prospects with hands-on experience through volunteering. Whether you're uncertain about your career path or aiming for professional success, volunteering offers a chance to explore diverse roles.
You can also get involved in relevant university projects through the different groups and societies via the Student Union. This is a good way of demonstrating your motivation and interest in this area of work.
The Careers & Employability Volunteering Bank provides local opportunities to undertake alongside your studies, listing roles such as:
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STEM Ambassador with STEM Learning
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Code Club Volunteer with Code Club
If you are looking to get into teaching specifically, then the following sites provide more information:
- Gaining school work experience - Prospects webpage that highlights all you need to know about gaining experience in schools
- Get into Teaching provides tailored advice from teaching experts covering everything from arranging school experience to preparing a strong application.
Where to find opportunities
Some key platforms for finding work experience in all sectors include MyCareer, HigherIn, Bright Network and Targetjobs.
You could also think about approaching employers directly to enquire of any suitable work experience opportunities. This is called a speculative approach, and can work well with smaller businesses who might not advertise as many opportunities.
Getting the most out of work experience
Whether you already have a career path in mind or are still exploring your options, our work experience pages guide you to finding opportunities that match your interests and goals. You'll find advice on choosing an industry, broadening your search, and standing out while building valuable skills and experience.
Finding a Graduate Job
Careers and occupations with a maths degree are varied and numerous. Some of the job areas you could get involved in are: statistical work; actuary and risk management; quant (applying mathematical and computing methods of analysis to financial problems); finance, accounting and banking; operational research; computing; teaching; retail merchandising; human resources and administration, so some thought as to which area(s) you are particularly interested in will help you to target your job search.
Employers who recruit in these areas
- Statistical, financial, banking and insurance services
- Aerospace and defence companies
- Education providers
- Telecommuications, computing and engineering companies
- Risk management and actuarial organisations
- Utility, transport and travel companies
- Science and technology laboratories
We recommend starting your search using our online jobs board, MyCareer. You can also find general online job boards and advice through our Graduate Jobs page.
Sector Specific Job Boards
Government and Public Sector
Defence and Security
Specialist Agencies
Recruitment agencies
Recruitment consultants work with individuals to help them find suitable work to match their skills. Agency Central is the UK's leading recruitment agency directory. An advanced search and filter system finds the agencies which match your needs.
Are you looking for a role in Hampshire? Our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy can help!
If you're in the final year of your degree, you can register for support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy. They work with over 3,000 employers in the local area to place our students into fantastic graduate careers.
Speculative applications
Speculative applications involve sending a CV and cover letter to an employer to ask if they have any vacancies, even if the company is not currently advertising for a role. They're a great way to access "hidden jobs" that go unadvertised.
Submitting a speculative application shows your interest in a specific company and your willingness to go above and beyond to develop your skills and understanding of the industry.
Keeping up to date
It's good to keep up-to-date on sector developments and track any vacancies coming up. Below are some great resources to help you research opportunities available. The knowledge gained through your research may help you to target your applications and will help when preparing for interviews.
- The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications - society which aims to support the advancement of mathematical knowledge and its applications
- Maths Careers - A site managed and maintained by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, providing links to companies that recruit qualified and practising mathematicians.
- Machine Intelligence Research Institute - MIRI is an artificial intelligence research centre
- STEM Women - organisation which hosts careers events for women in STEM industries
- The Institute of Risk Management - A leading body for professional risk management.
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