General Information After Graduation: Educational and Professional Opportunities Graduate Study in Mathematics Table of Contents

 

Other Opportunities

Graduate school in statistics, operations research, computer science, and mathematics-related scientific fields. Some information about graduate programs in fields closely related to mathematics is available in 217 Physics. Students are urged, however, to consult with corresponding Duke departments and with prospective graduate programs.

Mathematical Occupations. For an evaluation of professional opportunities in actuarial science, computer science, mathematics, operations research, and statistics, a section titled "Computer, Mathematical, and Operations Research Occupations" from the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the U.S. Department of Labor, is available on the internet, at http://stats.bls.gov/oco/oco10023.htm, or in hardcopy in Room 121 Physics. The complete Occupational Outlook Handbook is available for examination in the Depository of U.S. Documents in Perkins Library.

United States Government. A number of U.S. Government agencies hire graduates with strong preparation in mathematics. Information from a number of these agencies (such as those listed below) is kept on file in 217 Physics.

Financial Services, Industry, Management, etc. There are many occupations that do not use mathematics directly but for which a major in mathematics is excellent preparation. Many employers are looking for individuals who have skills that are indicated by mathematical training: clear, logical thinking; ability to attack a problem and find the best solution; prompt attention to daily work; sureness in handling numerical data; analytical skills. Because many companies provide specific on-the-job training, a broad range of courses may be the best preparation for such occupations.

Some information about opportunities in the finance, industry, and management is on file in 217 Physics.

Career Development Center. The Career Development Center (located in Room 109, Page Building) is an excellent source of information on career opportunities in mathematics. Patricia O'Connor (poconnor@stuaff.duke.edu) is the career specialist in mathematics and related fields; appointments can be made by calling 660-1050.

The Career Debelopment Center administers electronic mailing lists for information about summer jobs, internships, on-campus employment, temporary positions, long-term employment, and on-campus recruiting by various employers. To subscribe to the mailing list for mathematics and related disciplines, send mail to listproc@informer.duke.edu; leave the subject line blank, and on the message line type  subscribe math  followed by your name. The Career Development Center maintains an extensive website at http://cdc.stuaff.duke.edu.

Summary of Information on File. Information on opportunities for mathematics majors and minors after graduation is on file in 217 Physics as follows:

Recent Graduates. About 40% of graduates with majors or minors in mathematics proceed directly to graduate or professional school. Most other graduates are employed in the private or public sectors. The following is a list of typical positions taken by recent Duke alumni with undergraduate degrees in mathematics:

1994

1995

1996

1997