If you love numbers, chances are, studying Maths at university has crossed your mind. But ever wondered what you can do with a Maths degree beyond teaching? While teaching is a great option, it’s not the only way to go after graduating. A degree in Maths covers so many skills that graduates can seek jobs in tech, finance, data analysis, accounting, and many other fields.
In this article, we’ll cover how Maths degree skills translate to jobs, and give examples of what you can do after graduating.
Skills you gain from a Maths degree
Maths degrees involve working with complex concepts, which help improve your logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. These are useful in many work atmospheres, including corporate, startup, and consulting.
In other words, the skills Maths degrees offer go beyond mathematical knowledge. Here are some examples:
Skill | What it helps with | Example in a work context |
Logical thinking and reasoning | Communicating complex ideas | Explaining solutions to clients or colleagues |
Problem-solving | Understanding and solving complex problems | Working on problems where the solution isn’t immediately obvious |
Numeracy skills | Handling large sets of numbers accurately | Making calculations or working with numerical data for a company’s report |
Data analysis | Making sense of information and predicting outcomes | Looking at data or trends to identify patterns for a business solution |
IT skills, software, and tool knowledge | Working with structured data | Using software for daily tasks, such as analysing information, working with Excel files, or testing scenarios |
What can you do with a Maths degree: 7 great jobs
Beyond teaching, here are 7 jobs where a Maths degree is useful.
1. Data scientist
Data scientists help companies turn data into actionable insights. They gather data, run it through software to spot trends, and create dashboards and reports to visualise them. Data science is an in-demand field with high pay: according to the US Bureau of Statistics, it’s one of the fastest-growing career paths between 2024 and 2034.
Many data science jobs require Bachelor’s degrees in related fields. Maths is one of those fields. Skills like pattern recognition, problem-solving, and critical thinking translate directly into data scientist tasks.
Tips for Maths students considering careers as data scientists
If you want to become a data scientist, learn tools like Excel, SQL, Python, or R. Many data scientists use these tools daily, so a relevant Maths degree plus software knowledge will improve your position in the job market.
2. Accountant
Accountants prepare, review, and interpret financial records. It requires strong attention to detail, logical thinking, and analytical skills. Maths degrees cover all these skills.
Tips for Maths students considering careers as accountants
In accounting, professional qualifications (such as ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or equivalent, depending on the country) are necessary. During your degree, consider choosing modules in finance or business if your university offers them, and look for internships in accounting firms or finance departments. This way, you’ll have a better idea if you want to follow the professional qualifications route to become an accountant.
3. Software developer
Software developers design and build apps, websites, games, and other programmes. The job tasks involve writing code, solving technical problems, and designing efficient solutions. Maths graduates often do well as software developers because programming relies on logic and strong problem-solving skills.
Tips for Maths students considering careers as software developers
A Maths degree is a great starting point to become a software developer. To improve your prospects, consider familiarising yourself with the technical aspect of software development as well. Start learning a programming language (Python, Java, or C++) and look into building a portfolio.
4. Financial adviser
Financial advisers help individuals or businesses manage their money, including investments, savings, retirement, and risk management. Skills you’ll gain with a Maths degree are core to many aspects of dealing with finance, such as assessing risk, explaining complex concepts clearly, and analysing potential scenarios.
Tips for Maths students considering careers as financial advisers
If you’re looking into a career as a financial adviser or elsewhere in the Finance field, consider a joint honours degree to combine Maths with Finance or Economics. If that’s not possible, see if you can take electives in finance, statistics, or economics.
Internships in banks, wealth management firms, or financial consultancies would also help. Depending on where you’re based, you may also need a certification to show you’re qualified to give financial advice.
5. Actuary
Actuaries analyse risk and cost using mathematics, statistics, and probability. They often work with companies and governments to help them plan for the future. Some common industries are insurance, consultancy, banking, and corporate services. A strong background in Maths is necessary for actuaries, making Maths one of the best degrees for this career path.
Tips for Maths students considering careers as actuaries
Choose probability and statistics modules during your Maths degree, as these are also essential. Apply early for actuarial internships or graduate schemes.
6. Banker
Bankers help manage money, loans, investments, and financial products. Since there are lots of numbers involved, the numeracy and analytical skills of a Maths degree help a lot.
Tips for Maths students considering careers as bankers
Take finance-related courses and learn financial modeling in Excel. If you’re considering investment banking in particular, statistics knowledge is also a plus. Major banking and financial services firms such as EY and HSBC often offer summer internship programmes. To find them in your area, check banks’ careers or internship pages.
7. Cryptographer
A key role in data protection and cybersecurity, cryptographers develop encryption systems and security protocols. They use lots of complex mathematical concepts, including number theory, algebra, and algorithms. Students who enjoy abstract maths and proofs and have an interest in technology would enjoy this career path.
Tips for Maths students considering careers as cryptographers
If possible, choose modules covering number theory and abstract algebra. You may also want to learn programming through university classes or short programming courses.
Depending on the role and country, you may need a Master’s degree in Cryptography, Cybersecurity, or Applied Mathematics. If this is your case, browse Master’s degrees in advance to stay ahead of application deadlines.
Should you do a Master’s in Maths?
A Master’s in Mathematics would be useful if you’re aiming for:
- Research or teaching roles in academia covering advanced maths
- High-level roles in specialised industries such as AI, cryptography, or cybersecurity.
- Advanced positions in finance or data science with a high focus on maths
For many careers in tech, finance, and consulting, a Bachelor’s degree in Maths often provides the necessary foundation. Instead of a Master’s in Maths, you may want to consider these options:
- Internships, graduate programmes, or work placements
- Short courses covering targeted technical skills such as Python, SQL, Excel, or Power BI
- Professional certifications
- Master’s degrees directly in the industry you’d like to work in, such as Master’s in Data Science, Master of Business Administration (MBA), or Master’s in Cyber Security
Next steps
Teaching isn’t the only career path for Maths graduates. Bachelor’s degrees in Maths equip you with logical reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, which are valued across tech, finance, consulting, research, and business roles. Once you have a better idea of what you want to do, here are the next steps:
- Choose electives that match your target field
- Check if you need to take extra courses to develop technical skills
- Decide if you need a Master’s degree
- Plan internships around your target career so you get more work experience
