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Applied Math

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Undergraduate Career Development (UCD)
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Where do people in this field work?

According to the US Department of Labor, "Applied mathematicians use theories and techniques, such as mathematical modeling and computational methods, to formulate and solve practical problems in business, government, engineering, and the physical, life, and social sciences. For example, they may analyze the most efficient way to schedule airline routes between cities, the effects and safety of new drugs, the aerodynamic characteristics of an experimental automobile, or the cost-effectiveness of alternative manufacturing processes. Applied mathematicians working in industrial research and development may develop or enhance mathematical methods when solving a difficult problem. Some mathematicians, called cryptanalysts, analyze and decipher encryption systems—codes—designed to transmit military, political, financial, or law-enforcement-related information."
  • Private Industry: According to the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, new fields emerging for students of applied mathematics include bioinformatics, data mining, neuroscience, materials science, computer animation and digital imaging, and climatology.
  • Education & Academia: Mathematicians are needed in primary and secondary education. A doctorate is generally required to teach in colleges and universities or to conduct research.
  • Federal, State, or Local Government: Many government agencies employ applied mathematicians. For instance, careers involving risk management is a growth area in government and industry. 
  • Research Firms or Laboratories:  Serve as consultants to engineering and development teams, but some also do fundamental research.
  • Applied Mathematics graduates might also find positions in places including: tech start ups and entrepreneurial ventures, aerospace companies, banks, computer firms, economic/social science pollsters, engineering firms, insurance companies, manufacturing firms, market research firms, pharmaceutical companies and research & development firms. Check the APAM web site for additional information and career resources. The Sloan Cornerstone Career Center hosts additional information on the field of Applied Mathematics.

To learn about employers, check out attendees to CCE's career fairs in the employer profile books and use the employer directory tab in LionSHARE to see employers that have posted at Columbia.

What resources can I look into for more information and to gain experience?

COLUMBIA RESOURCES:

Center for Career Education Resources: For a full list of resources and services, visit our home page.

Student Clubs & Professional Associations: Student clubs often have direct links with employers and are excellent ways to learn about careers in the field. Many are even linked to regional or national professional associations that have web resources and host conferences and career fairs.

Research, Other Opportunities, and Resources:

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Internship/Job Posting Websites 

  • SIAM Careers: Whether you are a student considering a career in mathematics, or an established mathematician, you will find the job-search and career information resources in this section invaluable. SIAM also lists fellowships and research opportunities.
  • Math Jobs: A broad listing of jobs in applied mathematics across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
  • Pathways to Science: To find programs such as undergraduate summer research opportunities, graduate fellowships, postdoctoral positions, as well as resources and materials pertaining to recruitment, retention, and mentoring
  • American Academy for Advancement of Science: A resource list of AAAS career development programs
  • National Science Foundation REU Sites: The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation
  • National Council of Teachers in Mathematics Job Board: If you´re looking for a position in mathematics education, NCTM offers a wealth of resources in your search.
  • American Mathematical Society's List of REU Sites  
  • USAJobs.gov: Programs to help students and recent graduates get started in the Federal workforce
  • Dice: Jobs in technology board.
  • Crunch Board: A job-listing board compiled from several technology blogs and their readers that lists exciting opportunities
  • GigaOM Network: A leading provider of publications and events for the technology and entrepreneurial markets worldwide
  • Graduating Engineer and Computer Careers: An original career and information center for young engineering and computer science majors looking to kickstart their careers
  • Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society (ISA): ISA develops industry standards, certifies industry professionals, provides training, publishes technical articles, and hosts conferences/exhibitions for automation professionals
  • ACECNY: A proactive coalition of more than 270 firms representing every discipline of engineering related to the built environment - civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, geotechnical - and affiliated companies. A listing of consulting engineering firms from across New York State. Use membership directory to identify local companies and check their job boards for postings
  • Research Gate: A network dedicated to science and research. Connect, collaborate and discover scientific publications, jobs and conferences
  • Engineering Central: Lists engineering positions and resumes across all engineering disciplines
  • Engineer.net: A broad-scale engineering job-search engine that many companies use to find new talent
  • All Engineering links from CCE