Looking for careers with Maths degrees? The good news is that students who are searching for jobs to do with Maths will have no shortage of opportunities available to them.

A Mathematics degree will equip you with skills that will benefit you throughout your career; you’ll become (if you aren’t already) a far more logical thinker, who takes a methodical approach to problem-solving and complex decision-making. These, of course, are skills which are highly valued by employers across a whole range of job sectors.

What jobs can you do with a maths degree?

Maths graduates are highly sought after for their ability to grasp complex data and handle mathematical models.

Despite the preconception that a Maths degree will lead you to a career in finance, accountancy, or teaching, there are actually so many careers available for those with a Maths degree. Some you may not have even realised are within your reach! 

Below, we’ve selected our top pick of 5 amazing jobs you can do with a Maths degree. Take a look and be inspired.

1. Investment analyst

Critical researchers within the financial sector, to help traders, fund managers and stock brokers make decisions about investments.

Many students who study Mathematics at university tend to move into jobs within the finance sector. One of the more interesting careers with a Maths degree is the role of an investment analyst, who spends a lot of time researching this exciting and fast-paced industry. 

The primary role of a finance analyst is to conduct research of the financial market, and be able to communicate this information to others within the sector who make decisions about investments. The information that a finance analyst provides will be critical in ensuring that investment portfolios are managed correctly and any opportunities for potential growth are highlighted.

You could find yourself working for investment management companies, providing insider knowledge to in-house fund managers. Or, you could work for individual stock brokers or investment banks, where your research will be used by individual clients or portfolio managers to make investment decisions. 

What qualifications do you need to become an investment analyst?

Fortunately, becoming an investment analyst doesn’t require lots of costly further study or training. Although a Masters degree can be beneficial, most employers will seek a 2:1 or first-class degree in Mathematics or a related subject, including:

• Accounting

• Economics

• Statistics

It’s also likely that employers will ask to see your A-Level qualifications, and expect to see strong grades. Some will often state that a grade A or B in A-Level Mathematics is required for candidates to be considered for a position.

2. Astronomer

Conduct and interpret research to explain fundamental processes and behaviour of the universe. 

A fascinating career that you may not have assumed is a direct follow-on from studying for a Maths degree is the role of an Astronomer.

Astronomy is a branch of science which deals with the study of the universe, its objects, and behaviours. As an astronomer, you’ll aim to push the boundaries of human understanding about how the universe works by observing and modelling concepts based on scientific theory and modelling. 

Typically, astronomers choose to work in either one of two positions:

1. Observational astronomers - who use telescopes to examine our galaxies and interpret their behaviours

2. Theoretical astronomers - who use maths, theory, and computer modelling to make predictions and explain new observations

What qualifications do you need to become an astronomer?

After completing your Maths degree, it’s likely that you will need to pursue further studies if you have ambitions of becoming an astronomer. Almost all jobs in astronomy require a PhD, which you can generally study if you achieve a minimum of a 2:1 or higher in your degree subject.

Those with a passion for astronomy often come from a range of technical academic backgrounds, usually having studied subjects including: 

• Astrophysics

• Computer Science

• Engineering

• Earth Sciences

• Physics

So, during your years as a research student, be prepared to meet and study alongside a group of interesting and academically-curious students.

Students who wish to pursue a PhD in astronomy can often secure guidance and funding from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), but your university will be able to give you more information about this. Just remember to apply early for your PhD programme, so that your university has enough time to help you secure funding on your behalf. 

Once you have a PhD, you’ll then need to go about searching for suitable postdoctoral roles to help put your academic abilities into practice. Generally speaking, you’ll require between 5 and 10 years of research experience before you can secure a full time position as an astronomer - although, this does include the years spent studying for your PhD. 

3. Software Engineer

Apply knowledge of mathematical and scientific theory to create computer software that resolve problems and improve human abilities.

Do you find yourself thriving in fast-paced, evolving environments? If so, then the role of a software engineer may be perfect for you. 

The digital world is moving quickly, and it’s down to software engineers to map out the technological advances of the future. It’s an exciting time to launch your career in this field - with new and smarter technologies hitting our computers, smartphones and operating systems on the daily. Could you be the next iOS developer?

The main responsibilities of a software engineer are to create, maintain, and review software systems that meet and can improve systems. Often, these come from auditing current software on the market, and using a growth mindset to seek potential opportunities to improve them for the future.

Depending on the type of organisation you work in, affects the types of work your role may cover. Some software engineers focus solely on development and future growth, while some work amongst a wider IT team, and design and write code to overcome diagnostic problems, ensuring operating systems are efficient and reliable. 

Nevertheless, software engineers are critical to the success of organisations and the technologies of the future. The role requires a lot of creativity, determination and precision to detail, as well as a passion for making improvements for the betterment of society.

What qualifications do you need to become a software engineer?

Becoming a software engineer will require a lot of technical ability, which a degree in Maths can set you up well for. Some other commonly studied subjects for those working in this field include:

• Computer Science

• Electrical engineering

• Information Technology (IT)

• Physics

Often, recruiters will ask that you have at least a 2:1 degree, as well as demonstrated experience with proven technical skills. Whilst at university, look for opportunities to grow your programming or computer skills, such as joining a Computer Science-related society, or pursuing any related course modules.

If your Maths degree hasn’t given you much opportunity to launch into the world of Computing, you may want to consider taking a postgraduate course in IT conversion or another related field. This will set you up with the necessary programming experience needed as part of your application process. 

4. Meteorologist

Make predictions about the weather and climate by carrying out scientific analysis of data to make predictions. 

Interested in predictive modelling and forecasting? Then you could find yourself being well-suited to a career as a meteorologist. 

Contrary to popular preconceptions, meteorology isn’t all about becoming a TV weather forecaster (although you can take your career in that direction if it interests you). Instead, it’s likely you’ll be collecting weather data, analysing satellite imagery, and applying various mathematical models to predict upcoming weather patterns for short and long-range forecasts.

You may not have ever thought much about it, but the weather and our climates have a significant impact on many different industries across the world. As such, Meteorology is used by a lot of organisations, including:

• Aviation industry

• Farmers

• Government services (i.e. for policy changes)

• Health services

• Insurance companies

• Shipping and fishing industries

What qualifications do you need to become a meteorologist?

To become a meteorologist, you’ll need an undergraduate degree, most typically in Mathematics, or one of the following subjects:

• Computer Science

• Environmental Sciences

• Geography

• Natural Sciences

• Physics

Some degree courses have also been accredited by the Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS), which can be viewed over on their website. These courses meet the requirements of the Society’s Chartered Meteorologist Accreditation Scheme, should you wish to gain accreditation in the future for further study or research posts.

In the UK, many graduates go on to participate in graduate schemes with the Met Office, who offer work experience and summer placements for university students - giving you the opportunity to develop your skills and get a taste of what your day-to-day tasks may involve. 

However, if you are looking to work elsewhere, you could find yourself working in industries such as oil and gas, or even for an insurance company to help make predictions for severe weather storms or even natural disasters. 

You could also go on to apply for research posts and spend your time working to increase our understanding of the changing climate, though these generally do require a postgraduate degree or an RMetS accredited degree.

5. Sound Engineer

Combine technical knowledge and your flair for creativity to produce skilled, high quality live or recorded sound.

Have a flair for music? Or love to create your own songs? Pursue a career as a sound engineer and you’ll be responsible for manipulating acoustics and sound software to achieve a desired result. 

Interestingly, sound engineers can work in a variety of contexts, including live music, sporting, or theatre events, or creating pre-recorded work in studios for commercial music, film TV, radio, gaming, or advertising purposes. 

In live venues, your role may include setting up and testing sound equipment, running sound checks, and controlling instrument and performance equipment during live shows. It could even include adding sound effects, ensuring audiences enjoy the best audio experience possible. 

As a studio sound engineer, you could be responsible for planning recording sessions with world-famous musicians and artists, including setting up the required equipment, recording instruments and vocals, and then enhancing the sound to achieve quality recordings. You may also be in charge of editing and mastering the sound, which involves listening to the various recordings and mixing them to achieve the perfect audio. 

What qualifications do you need to become a sound engineer?

Typically, most students who start out in the sound engineering industry have a degree in a relevant music technology subject, such as sound recording or audio engineering. But many students with Mathematics or other technical subjects can easily transfer to the subject with a postgraduate qualification. 

If you have the opportunity to, it’s also worth trying to get involved in as many side projects in the field as possible at school or university. You can try participating with live performance societies and dabbling with any sound engineering software they may use; or even just assisting with making sure microphones are working effectively for performances. 

If you have the software at home or school, you could even try mixing your own music or sound creations and build you a portfolio of skills. Anything you can do to demonstrate your talents and flair for creativity will help you in the future.

Summary

Mathematics graduates are highly sought after, thanks to their understanding of how to handle data and models, and use logical thinking to overcome problems. The fundamental skills you can gain offer plenty of exciting career opportunities, which can be transferred to almost any industry. 

So, if you have a flair for logic, technical fundamentals, or handling complex data, then you’ll find plenty of jobs to do with Maths. Study hard, research your prospects, and you’ll be sure to enjoy a fun-filled career in the future working in a field that sparks your interests. 

Study Mathematics online with Melio

Want to pursue a career with a Maths degree in the future? Or study for a postgraduate Maths course? Lay the groundwork for all further study and job prospects with online classes in Mathematics. 

With Melio, you have the opportunity to study one-on-one with an expert tutor, with bespoke Mathematics Tutorials, designed to challenge your thinking and shape your understanding of the subject. Or, study in a small online class environment with a 2-week Mathematics Online Course and gain access to in-depth online resources.

Find out more about our online courses in Mathematics by getting in contact with our admissions team. They’ll be happy to help and answer any queries you may have.