Career Advising
What can you do with a math degree?
SIAM’s careers brochure, Careers in the Mathematical Sciences, is a fantastic resource for anyone wondering what they can do with math.
This publication spotlights applied mathematicians working in various facets of the mathematical sciences, with a focus on industrial careers. It contains personal insights and advice as well as career path, salary, and job skill information from 23 people, including freelancers, consultants, and those working in a variety of capacities at industry giants, small start-ups, research labs, and non-profits.
Where can you make an impact? What kinds of problems might you work on? What's out there for someone with your talents, interests, and background? How do you get started?
Career-Related Events & Opportunities
- When: Thursday, August 27, 3:30–5:00pm
- Where: Kelly Hall 310
The event will feature a talk by an NSA researcher, followed by an overview of the NSA Summer Program for Operations Research Technology (SPORT) internship program presented by Beth Goodman (NSA).
Students will have the opportunity to learn about internship and career opportunities within the intelligence community, including the application process and what day-to-day work in the intelligence community looks like. The application for the 2027 NSA summer internship program is currently open August 15–September 5.
Internship opportunities are available to undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics, physics, engineering, and computer science. This event is a great opportunity for students interested in applying to hear directly from NSA representatives, learn more about the program, and ask questions.
- When: August 27th at 5:30 pm
- Where: Virginia Tech Center for the Arts (formerly the Moss Arts Center)
- Join us to learn about research and other experiential learning opportunities in national security offered through the Hume Center, and how you can get involved!
- We will be begin with the general session portion of the event followed by pizza and networking to allow students and faculty to discuss projects in more detail.
- RSVP for the Fall Open House
- When: August 31st from 11 am to 3 pm
- Where: Owens Ballroom
- This is a great opportunity for students to meet with local and on-campus employers about jobs, internships, research, etc. to enhance their career goals. This fair is open to all grade levels and academic majors.
- We recommend checking in no later than 2:30 PM to allow enough time to speak with employers. Please look at the positions available, as well as employer websites, and come prepared to promote yourself (background, classes, relevant experiences) for these jobs, internships, research, etc. opportunities. Bring copies of your resume for each employer and your Hokie Passport for check-in.
- September 15th at 5:30 pm
- Owens Ballroom
- Ready to take your academic experience beyond the classroom? Join us for the Undergraduate Research Workshop to discover how you can get involved in hands-on research on campus. Whether you are looking to find a faculty mentor, join an existing lab, or launch your own independent project, this session will give you the roadmap you need to get started. Come learn practical strategies for reaching out to professors, navigating the interview process, and balancing research with your coursework. All experience levels are welcome!
- If you require any accommodations to participate in this event, please contact Jess at jessh@vt.edu at least 10 days prior to the workshop.
- RSVP on GobblerConnect (must be logged in)
Math Job and Internship Opportunities (including research!)
Interested in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) this summer? Not sure where to start? Here are some databases where you can begin your search. Note that most programs get hundreds of applications, so it is a good idea to submit many applications.
- Cientifico Latino Summer REU Database. Their writing center also has sample summer research statements from undergraduates applying to REUs!
- Google Site Summer Math REU Database
- Pathways to Science Summer REU Database. Be sure to also check out their application tips!
- NSF Summer REU Database
- WHEN: August 27th 3:30 pm to 5 pm
- WHERE: Kelly Hall Room 310
- In this Mathematics & the Intelligence Community event hosted by the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) Southwest Virginia, students will have the opportunity to learn about internship and career opportunities within the intelligence community, including the application process and what day-to-day work in the intelligence community looks like. The 2027 NSA summer internship program application is currently open August 15–September 5.
- Internship opportunities are available to undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics, physics, engineering, and computer science. This event is a great opportunity for students interested in applying to hear directly from NSA representatives, learn more about the program, and ask questions. Light refreshments will be provided.
The Mathematics Department and other offices around campus employ both undergraduate and graduate students in a variety of positions that require a math background.
Though some internships may not be entirely math-related, you may also find an on-campus internship to be a beneficial experience.
Have an interview coming up and need a bit of practice? InterviewStream is an ideal tool to help ensure you're putting your best foot forward!
- It's available 24/7 to all VT students, employees, and alumni.
- It has a "like" and "um" counter.
- You can choose the questions you'll be asked.
- You can save your interview to view later.
- You can send a link to your interview to ask for feedback from others.
Additionally, if you want a real, live person to practice your interview skills with, set up a practice interview appointment with a Career and Professional Services Career Advisor via Handshake!
More Career-Planning Resources
- Career Information from the American Mathematical Society (AMS)
- Career Advice for Students from the Mathematical Association of America (MAA)
- Career Center from the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
- Career Resources from the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM)
Employers of Recent VT Math Majors: Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Amazon, Booz Allen Hamilton, Capital One, Deloitte, GEICO, Google, Hilton, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, MIT Lincoln Lab, NSA, Raytheon
Job Titles of Recent VT Math Majors: Business Technology Analyst, Cognitive Analyst, Cyber Security Engineer, Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Database Manager, Deep Learning R&D, Economic Analyst, High School Math Teacher, Operations Research Analyst, Project Manager, Python Developer, Research Associate, Software Engineer, Spacecraft and Satellite Operations Tech, Technical Consultant, Web Developer
The average starting salary for May 2022 VT Math graduates was $84,600.
30% of May 2022 VT Math graduates pursued graduate degree programs.
Note: All information above is based on information voluntarily reported to the Mathematics Department or the Office of Career and Professional Development by recent VT Math graduates.
VT student post-graduation information from Career and Professional Development.
Math-major post-graduation information from Career and Professional Development.
The top "I wish I had..." responses from 2021 math graduates:
- learned more, or earlier about career options
- started my job search eariler
- asked advisors, staff, and professors for advice earlier or more often
- gotten more experience related to their major or career goals before graduating
The most common first methods of contact that 2021 math graduates had with their employer were:
- worked/volunteered with the employer in the past
- career fair
- went direcly to employer website
- job-seeker website such as Handshake or other
- Career Resources for International Students
- Career Q&A videos
- 15-minute mini appointments available with Career and Professional Development advisors
- Career and Professional Development Liaisons