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
Curious about where a science degree can take you? Join the Virginia Tech College of Science on Tuesday, February 24 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM for an interactive virtual event featuring our alumni from diverse fields who will share their journeys since graduation. Hear their stories, gain career insights, and then dive into breakout sessions for personalized Q&A and networking. This free event is open to all students who want to hear more about starting a career in the field of science!
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Rebecca Bailey at rbailey22@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
On February 24th, Virginia Tech will hold the very first VIRTUAL - Data Science Connections Career Fair. The fair will be open to any student wishing to pursue a career in the data sciences. Register now and check back often, as employers are still in the process of registering and building appointment slots for their recruiters. Appointment slots can be claimed on a first- come, first-served basis.
Interested in a federal career but unsure where to start? This workshop breaks down the federal hiring process, including how to create a federal resume, navigating USAJobs, and use helpful tools and resources to apply successfully. This workshop will also include information about other federal careers such as the Intelligence Communities and the legislative branch. Also covered, a resource to help find federal internships.
Date: Tuesday, March 3rd
Time: 5:00 - 6:30pm
Location: Virtual, Register on Handshake
- Tuesday, March 17
- 5:30-6:30pm
- 314 Squires Student Center
Not sure where to start with career exploration, or overwhelmed by too many options?
This interactive workshop focuses on self-exploration as a tool for career decision-making without the pressure of “finding your passion" or "dream job" based on your interests.
You’ll identify key interests, skills, values, and constraints—and learn how these factors shape career fit. You’ll leave with a clear snapshot you can use immediately in career research, advising appointments, internships, and job searches.
If you need an accommodation to attend this event, contact Melinda Malloy melindamalloy@vt.edu at least 10 days prior to the event.
- March 24
- 5:30-6:30pm
- 314 Squires Student Center
Interested in exploring your career options, but not sure where to start?
This interactive workshop focuses on the career exploration process from start to finish, beginning with strategies for effective career researching, and including information on “low-commitment" exploration methods like informational interviews and networking and "high-commitment" ones such as job shadowing and study abroad.
By the end, you will have practical strategies and an action plan for the next steps of their career exploration journey. You do not need to have a major or career goal in mind to attend.
If you need an accommodation to attend this event, contact Zoie Hairfield sickeyzl@vt.edu at least 10 days prior to the event.
VT Math Alum Dr. Stephanie Gamble of Savannah River National Lab will be speaking.
- Tuesday, March 24
- 4-6pm
- 455 McBryde Hall
- National laboratories play a critical role in addressing pressing scientific and technological challenges. Careers at the national labs offer a dynamic environment for professionals with expertise in mathematics, providing opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and the ability to make meaningful contributions to society."
- March 25
- 4-6pm
- Owens Ballroom
Join over 20 research groups in Owens Ballroom to learn more about undergraduate research available to you as a College of Science student! The research mixer is a drop in event where you can network with faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students doing research on campus. Other campus partners, like the Office of Undergraduate Research and Career and Professional Development, will be there too.
- Monday, March 30
- 5:30–6:30pm
- Data and Decision Sciences Building, Room 180
- Join the College of Science and Hokie Wellness for a workshop designed to help students navigate financial life after college. This session will cover practical topics such as budgeting, student loans, taxes, and other real-world financial questions to help you start your post-graduation life on strong financial footing. While the workshop is geared toward graduating seniors, all students are welcome.
- [RSVP HERE]
- Tuesday, March 31
- 5-6pm
- Graduate Life Center, Room 40 or Zoom
- Build confidence and practical skills for professional networking at this interactive workshop. Students will learn how to start meaningful conversations, grow their professional network, and open doors across science-related careers. Participants will also have the opportunity to practice their networking skills and elevator pitch.
- [RSVP HERE]
Speaker: Tina Sisson M.S. (VT Math Alum), Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division
Location: McBryde 455
Time: 5-6pm
Abstract: What can you do with a math degree? More than you might think. In this inspiring talk, Tina Sisson shares her career journey from teaching mathematics to using her mathematical skills to support research and development for the U.S. Navy, contributing to both the Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile and Tomahawk Weapon System programs.
Speaker Bio: Tina earned her bachelor's and master's degree at VT and taught as an adjunct mathematics instructor for 13 years. For the past 15 years, she has applied mathematical and analytical skills in support of the U.S. Navy, contributing to both the Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile and Tomahawk Weapon System programs. Through her career journey, Ms. Sisson seeks to inspire students to explore the wide range of opportunities available with a mathematics degree.
Ever wonder why certain songs go viral? Join the Math Career Connections Series on Tuesday, April 7 to learn from Dr. Kobi Abayomi on how to train models to predict people's affinity for music. Turns out, sound is all you need.
When: Tuesday, April 7; 5:30-6:30pm
Where: McBryde 558
Abstract: Generative AI has demonstrated the ability to produce sounds and images. Can algorithms be trained to comprehend affinity for creatives? Part of the answer, at least, is yes. It turns out affinity for music is predictable from its sound. We engage the full Mystery Science Theater 3000: how do we begin teaching models to comprehend and critique full creative works?
- Date: Wednesday, April 8
- Time: 6:00 PM
- Location: McBryde 230 and Zoom
Actuary & VT alumnus, Kyle Freeman, will be joining us in-person! He is our university liaison for the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) and will be discussing the following topics:
- What is the CAS?
- How is the CAS different from the Society of Actuaries (SOA)?
- What is needed to progress through the exams/certifications?
- What are the different career opportunities for CAS actuaries?
- What CAS resources are available to students?
- Hint: scholarships, career opportunities, and more!
This event is your chance to learn about what it takes to become a property & casualty actuary. Knowing what the pathway to success looks like will help you now and in the future. If you want a quick introduction to the differences between the CAS and SOA, click here.
- WHEN: Friday, April 10, 10am-4pm
- WHERE: CEED Student Lounge, Room 3328, 3rd Floor, 220 Gilbert St
- WHO: Open to students of all majors. No prior consulting experience required!
- HOW TO SIGN UP: Complete the registration form
Meet Our Team: Alpine Consulting Partners is a full-service consulting start-up founded by Hokies. We’re a small firm driven to solve complex challenges. We offer the opportunity to grow your career, take ownership of company goals, and focus on your passions alongside talented and motivated teammates.
Join us for a panel discussion to explore careers that protect and sustain our natural resources. Hear from professionals working in local government, state parks, national parks, and nonprofit conservation about their career paths, daily work, and how agencies serve communities and protect public lands. Discover how your interests in the outdoors can translate into meaningful public service work.
Across Agencies & Ecosystems: Outdoor Careers in Public Service
- Date: Tuesday, April 21st
- Time: 2:15 - 3:15pm
- Location: Virtual Event - Register on Handshake
Participating Employers:
- The Town of Blacksburg
- Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
- National Parks/ The Blue Ridge Parkway
- The Nature Conservancy
If you require accommodations, email Grace Wagnon, graceb2@vt.edu.
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
The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NCSW) Dahlgren is looking to fill a summer internship position in the STEM Student Employment Program (SSEP). Candidates must be US citizens.
Consider applying if you meet the following criteria:
- major in math, physics, computer science, engineering, etc.
- freshman or sophomore (ideally), but junior OK. Not a graduating senior.
- at least a 3.0 GPA
- able to obtain and maintain a security clearance
The intention for this internship is to lead into future internships with the company and hopefully an offer of full-time employment. Click here for more information and to apply.
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