Mathematics | Career Centre

Have you always had a knack for calculations or simply enjoy crunching numbers? Perhaps a future in mathematics is your calling and majoring in Mathematics at York University will help you take the first crucial step in developing the skills and knowledge necessary to follow this path. Study of Mathematics will prepare you for a career centered in the mathematical and technological world where research, development and consulting are but a few of the possibilities at your disposal following graduation.

Career Options in Mathematics

This list is not exhaustive but provides an idea of the options graduates have and what they have gone on to do. Some options are more directly associated with Mathematics studies than others.

Aerospace Engineer
Actuary
Air Traffic Controller
Airplane Pilot
Architect
Artificial Intelligence Designer
Auditor
Automotive Designer
Biostatistician
Business Systems Analyst
Chief Information Officer
Claims Adjuster
Code Designer
Computational Physicist
Computer Engineer
Computer Network Specialist
Computer Programmer
Construction Consultant
Economist
Entrepreneur
Financial Analyst
Flight Engineer
Hardware Designer
Industrial Designer

Industrial Mathematician
Information Technologist
Investment Banker
Logistics Specialist
Materials Researcher
Mathematician
Meteorological Technician
Network Administrator
Professor
Quality Controller
Researcher
Risk Management Analyst
Robotics Engineer
Safety Engineer
Satellite Technician
Security Systems Programmer
Statistical Programmer
Statistician
Tax Investigator
Teacher
Technical Sales Representative
Telecommunication Specialist
Video Game Developer
Web Page Designer

Some of these career choices may require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education or professional formative courses and exams. For a more in-depth description of some of the careers mentioned above visit Career Cruising (login information can be found on the home page of the Career Centre's online system) or the National Occupational Classification website.

Skills Developed through a Mathematics Degree

Studies in Mathematics can develop many different professional abilities and can introduce you to a vast body of mathematical, technical and theoretical knowledge.

Core Mathematics Skills

An understanding of mathematical computations and theory
The ability to apply mathematical models to interpret and predict real-world phenomena
The skills to gather data and to formulate and test mathematical hypotheses
The ability to carry out complex mathematical operations and comprehend complex technical material and its implications on everyday life and technology

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

An ability to organize, understand and analyze new sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound and well-reasoned decisions while considering different sides of an argument
The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas

Management and Teamwork

The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project's intended and successful end result
Logical thinking skills and the ability to interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field.