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
Cybersecurity and the Intelligence Community: Dive In!
September 29, 2025 | 310 Kelly Hall
- 10:30-11:15am: Introduction to Algebraic Attacks: How to Use Algebra to Break Codes
- Speaker: Maxime Bros, National Institute for Standards and Technologies (NIST)
- 2-3:30pm: Jobs and Internship Opportunities Panel
- Join the discussion on job opportunties and internships at the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), and the Virginia Tech National Security Institute (Hume Center). Learn how to make your application stand out!
If accommodations are needed, please contact Stephanie Hedrick at ssteph2@vt.edu during regular business hours at least five business days before the event.
- Wednesday, October 1, 5:30-6:15pm, Smith Career Center
- Thursday, October 16, 5:30-6:15pm, Smith Career Center
Did you know that in just 7 seconds, you can make a lasting first impression? How will YOU make them count?
Register on Handshake for Internship Hot Takes
Graduate and Professional School Fair (GPSF):
Join us for the Annual Graduate and Professional School Fair at Virginia Tech, bringing together our students and recruiters from many different schools (and graduate programs at VT as well!) Explore options, connect with recruiters, and gain insights into your next steps. Find the program that is right for you.
- October 6th, 2025, 11am-3pm
- Squires Commonwealth Ballroom
- FREE and open to everyone!
- Social sciences, STEM, business, arts, humanities, medicine, health professions, law, engineering, public policy; External programs include: Johns Hopkins, Cornell, MIT, NYU, Carnegie Mellon, Vanderbilt, Duke, UVA, and more!
Monday, October 6 | 5:30-6:30pm | Virtual
Hear from an employer on how creative thinking and strong problem-solving skills play a key role in the workplace.
Register on Handshake for the Skillshop Series
- Tuesday, October 7, 5:30-6:15pm, Smith Career Center
- Wednesday, October 22, 5:30-6:15pm, Smith Career Center
Did you know that quality is more important than quantity when it comes to applying for internships?
How can YOU target internships that are right for you?
Register on Handshake for Internship Hot Takes
Monday, November 10 | 5:30-6:30pm | Virtual
Build on your thinking and learn how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can boost your creativity and help you tackle problems from new angles.
Register on Handshake for the Skillshop Series
Wednesday, November 12 | 5:30-6:30pm | Smith Career Center
Work with a team to tackle a creative and unexpected challenge and strengthen your problem-solving approach.
Register on Handshake for the Skillshop Series
Math Job and Internship Opportunities (including research!)
The Mathematics and Statistics Departments of North Carolina State University invite qualified applicants for a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program that pairs mathematics and statistics students for interdisciplinary summer research projects. Proposed projects span applications in disease modeling, deep learning, image segmentation, cell structure modeling, and clinical trials; using tools from linear algebra, partial differential equations, probability, sensitivity analysis, parameter inference, optimization, and machine learning. In addition to the technical aspects of the program, students also learn auxiliary skills including mathematical programming, technical writing, applying for graduate school, and preparing scientific presentations.
For the DRUMS program, the students will work at NCSU for 10 weeks during the 2025 summer and the fall semester. Formal summer activities will be from May 27th – July 30th. The work during the fall semester will be conducted online. The time commitment for this part of the program will be approximately 5 hours per week including a 1h weekly remote meeting.
We encourage students of all backgrounds to apply. This includes students who might have nontraditional mathematical and/or statistical training, or who are just beginning their mathematical studies.
Students will need to submit a curriculum vitae/resume, a transcript (unofficial is fine), and two reference letters. In addition, students should submit a one-page personal statement. One letter should be from a local faculty member. The personal statement should include the reason(s) why you wish to participate in the DRUMS REU at NCSU.
Due to restrictions from NSF and NSA, our program is restricted to US citizens and permanent residents, and participants must be undergraduate students at the time of participation.
Students will receive a stipend in the amount of $7,000 for the 10 weeks, housing, and travel support up to $600 per student to cover transport to and from NCSU.
Application Deadline: The review of applications begins February 15 and will continue until all slots are filled. Please apply at mathprograms (https://www.mathprograms.org).
James Madison University's Department of Mathematics & Statistics is hosting an NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Summer 2025: https://www.jmu.edu/mathstat/reu/index.shtml.
Stipend: $7,000
Program Dates: May 21 - July 30, 2025
Application: Please apply here using math programs.org. Application deadline is February 24, 2025.
The School of Mathematical and Data Sciences at West Virginia University (WVU) is hosting a summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program in Applied Analysis. Applications submitted by March 1, 2025, will be fully reviewed, and participation invitations will be sent shortly thereafter. The application will remain open until all 10 open slots are filled.
The program runs for eight weeks on the WVU campus. Participants will receive a $5,600 stipend, on-campus housing, an additional meal stipend, and partial travel support to and from Morgantown, WV.
For more details and a link to the application form, please see the REU webpage: https://mathanddata.wvu.edu/applied-analysis-reu.
Stipend: $5,600 stipend, on-campus housing, an additional meal stipend, and partial travel support to and from Morgantown, WV
Program Dates: June 1 - July 26, 2025
Application: https://mathanddata.wvu.edu/applied-analysis-reu
The Department of Mathematics and Physics at Marshall University is hosting a summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program in both mathematics and physics during Summer 2025. Topic areas of the REU this year include algebraic graph theory, modeling disease outbreaks, numerical semigroup rings, computational astrophysics, and experimental physics. The program will fully review all applications received by 1 March 2025 and begin inviting participants soon afterwards. The application will remain open until all 10 open slots are filled.
The program runs for 8 weeks on the campus of Marshall University in Huntington, WV from 2 June 2025 to 25 July 2025. Participants will receive a $5,600 stipend, fully paid housing, and a campus meal plan while participating in the REU.
Please contact Dr. Tom Cuchta (cuchta@marshall.edu) with any questions and see the REU webpage for more details and a link to the application form here: http://amps.marshall.edu
Stipend: $5,600 stipend, fully paid housing, and a campus meal plan
Program Dates: June 2 - July 25, 2025
Application: http://amps.marshall.edu
Encuentra la descripción en español aquí.
This REU will be held at the University of Puerto Rico in Ponce and virtually from June 16, 2025 to August 15, 2025.
We will work with 12 students on research projects in coding theory, combinatorics, graph theory, parking functions, locally recoverable codes, and codes from finite geometries.
We seek applicants from varied backgrounds (both academic and personal) to build a diverse research community.
Students from underrepresented groups and women are strongly encouraged to apply. Financial support is limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
For more information contact the PI, Fernando Piñero González at fernando.pinero1@upr.edu
More details and application here.
Stipend: $5,400 + lodging and travel.
Program Dates: June 16, 2025 - August 15, 2025
Deadline: March 12th, 2025
The REU site in Magnetics at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) consisting of 12 faculty members from VCU, VUU, and VSU will host 10 REU students in their labs. State-of-the-art micro and nanofabrication, bulk materials processing, and magnetic characterization facilities at Virginia Microelectronics Center (VMC), Material and Manufacturing Research Center (MMRC) and Nano Characterization Center (NCC) will be used in training the REU students.
Students will also spend one week at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Gaithersburg, Harvard University, Boston, and at Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM), Petersburg, VA, conducting various experiments ranging from neutron diffraction to brain stimulation. Additionally, REU students will visit Micron Technologies Inc. in Virginia to gain insight into nanofabrication facilities that are currently used in the computer industry.
The deadline to apply is April 30, 2025. Selected students will receive on-campus housing at VCU, a $7000 stipend, and travel funds. For more information, including how to apply, visit the REU Site in Magnetics webpage.
- Virginia Tech is looking for students to do both computational and experimental research to advance Fundamental Molten Salt Modeling using Ultrafast Spectroscopy specifically focusing on density measurements and molten salt purification!
- Applications due April 30
- Are you thinking about summer research experiences? So much is out there that having a starting list can be helpful. Cientifico Latino has a database of REUs (research experiences for undergraduates) which you can use to start your search.
- On their writing center, they also have sample summer research statements from undergraduates applying to REUs!
Interested in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) this summer? Click here for a list of Summer 2025 Math REU programs. Note that most programs get hundreds of applications, so it is a good idea to submit many applications.
Pathways to Science also has a database of over 700 research experiences for undergraduates (REUs). You can find the database and application tips & tricks on the Pathways to Science website.
The Center for Cryptographic Research of the USF is organizing an REU Site program on Cryptography and Coding Theory in Summer 2025 (05/26 to 08/01). This program is organized in collaboration between the departments of mathematics, computer science, and electrical engineering. Basic information about the program, as well as the application link are available on the following webpage: https://www.usf-crypto.org/reu-program/. Applications are now open, and will close on 01/19/2025.
- We provide on-campus housing free of charge.
- Participants receive a $700/week stipend
- Research projects concern cryptography, coding theory, and quantum computing.
- We seek mathematics or computer science majors (or relevant fields). Linear algebra is a plus.
- Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or permanent resident (Green Card).
- Applicants must not graduate before the Fall 2025 semester.
There are also graduate fellowship opportunities available in the areas of cryptography, coding theory and quantum computing for students planning to apply for graduate school for next year.
The Biomedical Data Science in Context program at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, is an interdisciplinary experience designed for students who want to explore how data science can be applied to biological research. Participants will work with real biomedical datasets, gain hands-on experience in computational analysis, and engage in discussions around the ethical implications of data science.
This two-week residential program is well-suited for students who are curious about integrating computational tools into their research or considering careers in biomedical research, genomics, or bioinformatics. All admitted students will receive full scholarships to cover student travel, as well as housing and meals during the program. The program will run from January 3-17.
Applications are due October 15. For more information, including how to apply, visit the Biomedical Data Science in Context Program webpage.
Many organizations advertise math-related internships on their websites. Some examples are below:
- Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) Internships Webpage
- Federal Opportunities for Undergraduate Students
- Department of Defense STEM Opportunities
Other places you might search "math summer internship" are Glassdoor, SimplyHired, Careercast, LinkedIn, and Indeed. For example, here is the result of a "math summer intern" search on Indeed.com.
Southern Teachers: Free Service to Help Find Teaching Jobs
Southern Teachers has 750 member schools that list math teaching jobs with us each year.
We provide individualized service to each candidate, helping them find jobs that suit their interests, talents, and geographic preferences. Each candidate has a dedicated placement counselor to help them with their search.
This is a free service for candidates! Our member schools value Southern Teachers' recruitment assistance and pay all the costs for our service.
Now is the time to apply! If you are graduating in May, it's not too early to start your job search. If you are graduating this December, we may have mid-year jobs for you.
Questions? Schedule a time to chat with us.
On-Campus Intership Though Campus InternEXP
Are you looking for a paid internship? Do you crave the opportunity for career-related experience on campus? Do you want to develop professional skills? If so, you need Campus internEXP (on-campus intern experience)! Campus internEXP offers undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in paid on-campus internships with a variety of departments and units across campus.
VT Division of Finance Internship and Fellowship Program
Both programs provide participants a cross-departmental, hands-on learning and development experience that is tailored to each individual’s interests.
Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (IC CAE) Scholars Program
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence developed the Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (IC CAE) program at select universities to help meet the IC's critical need for diverse personnel who possess the technological, analytic and critical language capabilities needed for the 21st Century world.
Virginia Tech is helping develop the pipeline of qualified candidates through a targeted development of pre-collegiate outreach, national security symposiums, basic research in IC-relevant topics, curriculum development, student funding to study abroad, and internship/co-op facilitation with IC agencies, national labs, and related industries.
Benefits of being involved include:
- Scholarship opportunities for research, language immersion programs, travel abroad programs, and more
- Opportunity to visit IC agency headquarters such as the CIA, NSA, NGA, and others
- Having access to our campus visitors from national agencies, labs and private companies involved in National Security work, National Security symposium speakers, and research sessions
- One-on-one face time with representatives of the IC to gain a better understanding of the reality of work within the IC
- Gaining exposure to the work of National Security and understanding the structure and function of the 17 Intelligence Community Agencies
- Improving critical thinking skills, communication capabilities and other core skills desired by the IC and by any employer
- Improving the understanding of global affairs and obtaining better awareness of different cultures and societies
- Assistance in resume development for pursuing Intelligence Agency co-ops, internships and full-time employment
- Assistance in finding and obtaining co-op/internship positions and full-time employment through the program's direct connections to the IC and related companies
APPLY HERE. THE IC CAE PROGRAM ACCEPTS APPLICANTS ON A ROLLING BASIS.
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!
Graduate School Opportunities
The Michigan Program in Survey and Data Science (MPSDS) a graduate program within the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research will host an information session about the program on October 10, 2024 and October, 29, 2024. I am reaching out to ask for you to share this information with anyone you think would benefit from attending this session.
Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 11:00 AM -12:00 PM (EDT) REGISTER HERE
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (EDT) REGISTER HERE
The Master of Actuarial and Quantitative Risk Management (MAQRM) program at The Ohio State University invites you to learn more about the program and career paths at our online Zoom information session on Wednesday, November 20th from 2:00-3:00PM EST. We would greatly appreciate if you could share this information with your colleagues and students.
In this online information session, you will learn about:
- The MAQRM program's curriculum and course structure.
- Learn how our program can prepare you for a career as an actuary, in addition to other roles in finance and data science.
- Hear from esteemed faculty leaders in the field of actuarial science who bring their industry experience and academic knowledge to guide students throughout the program.
- Learn about our program's partnership with Nationwide.
- Engage in an interactive online session where you can ask questions and receive guidance from program representatives.
You will hear from:
- John Holmes, Director of Actuarial Science MAQRM
- Alex Hookway, Sr AVP Nationwide
- Martin Molloy, Professional Actuary in Residence
- Kenneth Ng, Assistant Professor
- Linfeng Zhang, Assistant Professor
The Graduate Group in Demography at the University of Pennsylvania is now accepting applications for its Ph.D. program in Demography. We look forward to recruiting a strong and diverse cohort for Fall 2025! Applications are due on December 15, 2024.
Penn Demography continues its longstanding tradition of excellence with award-winning, distinguished faculty recognized for their scholarly achievements and leadership in the field. With support from both the university and the NIH, Penn Demography trains independent researchers who are prepared to play leading roles in social demography and population studies in leading universities and a variety of other organizations. Graduates have a firm grasp of both the substance and methods of study in formal and social demography and population sciences (mortality, fertility, migration, family, population aging, and demographic-economic interrelations) from both a domestic and international perspective. Students engage with NIH-funded faculty projects at the Population Studies Center and across the university and also have an opportunity to obtain a joint degree in demography and sociology.
More information about Penn Demography is available in the attached flyer or at http://demog.pop.upenn.edu.
Information about our application can be found at https://demog.pop.upenn.edu/prospective-students.
Please contact Dawn Ryan with any questions at ryandawn@pop.upenn.edu.
The Mathematics Department at Brown University balances a lively interest in students and teaching with a distinguished research reputation.
The program is designed to prepare especially able students for a career in mathematical research and college teaching. No GRE scores are required. We encourage applications from women and underrepresented minorities.
Admission includes 5 years of support, including a fellowship in the first year. To assist in out mission to recruit students from underrepresented groups, additional Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) fellowships are available for eligible students.
Visit Our Website: https://www.brown.edu/academics/math/graduate
For application information, please visit: https://graduateschool.brown.edu/apply-fma-or-doctoral-study-brown
APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 1, 2025
Click here for a flyer about Brown University's Graduate Program in Mathematics.
Below are flyers advertising our PhD, MM, MS, and our new MS Concentration in Industrial Math. The University of Tennessee offers Master and PhD programs in both pure and applied mathematics, including a PhD concentration in Mathematical Biology. The priority deadline to apply for admission and an assistantship is December 15th with a standard deadline of January 15th for the fall 2025 entering class.
Graduate Studies in Pure and Applied Mathematics
Department of Mathematics MS in Industrial Mathematics
Our department offers teaching assistantships that include a competitive stipend, tuition waiver, health insurance, and a waiver for standard semesterly fees. Research assistantships are offered by faculty members in a variety of research areas. Please review the information on our website at math.utk.edu, and learn more about our faculty research. Additional helpful links are listed below.
Admission & Assistantship Application
Admission/Assistantship Checklist
Admission Guide for International Students
If you have questions about our program, please contact us at mathgradprogram@utk.edu.
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