Mathematics What Next?
Mathematics at UCC
Mathematics is rooted in the systematic
development of methods to solve
practical problems involving strict
logical deduction with conclusions
that follow with certainty and
confidence from clear starting
points.
What can Mathematics Graduates offer employers?
Generalisation and abstraction are
A graduate of mathematics should have developed the ability to:
important features of this science
· Demonstrate knowledge of key mathematical concepts and topics.
whose methods have a wide
range of application. Mathematics
· Abstract the essentials of problems and formulate them mathematically, and in symbolic form, so as to facilitate their analysis and solution.
is fundamental to almost all
· Present mathematical arguments and conclusions from them with accuracy and clarity.
situations requiring an analytical,
model-building approach, such as
· Formulate complex problems of optimisation and interpret the solutions in original contexts of the problems.
those encountered as surveying,
· Work with patience and persistence, pursuing problem solutions to their conclusion.
mechanical construction,
engineering, commerce
or finance.
· Transfer knowledge to assess novel problems logically and approach them analytically.
· Apply concepts and principles in loosely-defined contexts, showing effective judgement in selecting and applying appropriate tools and techniques.
· Display adaptability through a readiness to address new problems from new areas.
· Demonstrate highly developed numeracy and IT skills.
Mathematics What Next?
First destinations of Mathematics Graduates
Each year, UCC Career Services produce a First Destination Report (FDR) based on an annual survey of graduates six
months after graduation.
The following information presents the five year trend for graduates of Mathematics within the BSc Mathematical Sciences
(Single Honours), and the three year trend for graduates of the BA Mathematics (Major). Course 2009 2010 2011
BSc Mathmatical
Sciences, Single Hons
In Employment 12.5% 60% 33%
In Further Study or Training 75% 40% 33%
BA Mathmatics
(Major)
In Employment 24% 11% 33%
In Further Study or Training 69% 79% 57%
Other respondents were either seeking employment or unavailable for work or study.
Who Employs Mathematics Graduates?
Graduates who progressed directly to employment have taken up a wide variety of roles. The following table provides a
sample of roles listed on FDR reports by graduates of Mathematics.
Role
Employer
BSc Mathematics
Financial Software Censor
Fund Accountant
Computer Game Programmer
Software Engineer
Customer Service Agent
Murat Advanced Technology Dublin
Bank of New York Mellon
Stainless Games
Digisoft
Abtran
BA Mathematics
Trainee Accountant
Administrator
Teacher
Adviser Money Advice Substitute Teacher
De Loughrey and O’Gorman
TSB Broker Services
Basildon
Budgeting Service (MABS) - Money Advice
Dept. of Education
What Postgraduate Courses do Mathematics Graduates Choose?
Of those who progressed directly to postgraduate study, some chose courses that relate directly to the study of
mathematics. Others chose courses that ‘convert’ their degree to a new area that will make good use of their existing
knowledge and skills. The following list provides a sample of the postgraduate courses that are listed by mathematics
graduates on FDRs returned to the UCC Career Services. BA graduates of mathematics have pursued:
BSc graduates of mathematics have pursued:
PGDip Maths Teaching
PGDip Education
HDip Statistics
MSc Financial Economics
MBS Management and Marketing
MBS E-Business
MSc Finance
MA Journalism
HDip Accounting and Corporate Finance
MSc Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing
PGDip Applied Mathematics, Abroad
MSc Cognitive Science, UCD
MEng (Civil), UCC
PhD Bioinformatics, UCD
PhD Modelling Biological Complexity, Abroad
MSc Race Car Aerodynamics, Abroad
BSc Mathematical Sciences
Single Honours
MSc Mathematical Modelling
and Scientific Computing
Zurich,
IT Consultant
BA (Joint Honours)
Mathematics
Economics
MSc Financial
Economics
KBC Bank,
Portfolio Analyst
Mathematics What Next?
Graduate career paths 3-5 years after graduation
Long term prospects for Mathematics Graduates
Graduates of mathematics fare well in the graduate job market. They tend to have a wide range of career options as they
can access roles requiring a high level of numeracy, which are not accessible to all graduates. Many maths graduates are
not aware of the various employment opportunities available to them.
Computing is one area that many mathematics graduates may choose to enter due to the suitability of their degree, the
growth of the ICT sector in Ireland and the proliferation of EU-funded postgraduate conversion courses such as the MSc
Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing in UCC.
Finance:
Employers in areas such as banking and insurance are attracted to maths graduates because of their numeracy.
Teacher Training:
There is a shortage of qualified maths teachers in Ireland and considerable financial incentives in existence to encourage
graduates of mathematics to train as teachers in the UK.
The following sectors employ graduates with mathematical skills:
Accountancy
Aerospace & Defence
Automotive
Business support services
Chemical
Construction
Consultancies
Engineering
Environment
Financial Services
Food & Drink
Government
Healthcare
Insurance
IT & Computing
Manufacturing
Metals & Minerals
Pharmaceuticals
Science
Telecoms
Transport/Travel
Utilities
Teaching
Statistics
Did you know?
There are also “quant” roles in the finance industry typically reserved for graduates of a PhD in mathematics, physics or computing.
These involve the application of mathematical and computing methods of analysis to financial problems. “Quants” develop
algorithms to predict what the financial markets will do but also work in statistical arbitrage, and electronic market making.
They work for hedge funds and banks, and work as hedge fund managers, derivatives traders and risk managers.
Where can I find out more?
Irish Mathematical Society
www.maths.tcd.ie/pub/ims/index.php
Chartered Accountants Ireland
www.charteredaccountants.ie/
Chartered Institute of Management Accountancy (CIMA), Ireland www.cimaglobal.com/Our-locations/Ireland/
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Ireland
http://ireland.accaglobal.com/
Irish Taxation Institute
http://www.taxireland.ie
Insurance Institute of Ireland
http://www.iii.ie/
Association of Compliance Officers, Ireland http://www.acoi.ie/
Maths Careers
www.mathscareers.org.uk/
European Mathematical Society (Jobs)
www.euro-math-soc.eu/jobs.html
American Mathematical Society – Careers Information
www.ams.org/careers/
MathJobs.com - Worldwide List www.math-jobs.com/
Finance Jobs, Ireland
www.financejobs.ie/
Accountancy Jobs, Ireland www.accountantjobs.ie/
eFinancial Careers UK (Student Centres)
http://news.efinancialcareers.com/uk-en/students/
Enterprise Ireland – Jobs in Indigenous IT
http://bestconnected.enterprise-ireland.com/itshappeninghere/
Silicon Republic (IT career news and jobs)
www.siliconrepublic.com/jobs/
8 ways to put your degree to work
Employers want graduates with a healthy balance between study, work and extracurricular interests. A three-dimensional CV is evidence of maturity, life skills and active
citizenship, indicating that you will be a sociable, committed and reliable colleague.
You can boost your job prospects greatly by taking the following steps throughout your
degree years:
· · · · · Get involved in the Students’ Union or a club/society that interests you.
Gain relevant paid/voluntary work experience during holidays.
Sign up for training courses that will strengthen your skillset, e.g. languages, ECDL.
Set up a LinkedIn profile and start building your network.
Go to UCC Career Services for careers advice and assistance with regard to CVs and interview preparation, job search strategies, and postgraduate options.
· Attend careers events organised on campus and advertised on www.ucc.ie/careers
· Use careers events to initiate relationships with potential employers.
· Check job vacancies regularly on www.ucc.ie/careers and www.gradireland.com Did you know?
You can study mathematics in UCC
as an Arts subject as part of the
BA; or as a Science subject through
the BSc in Mathematical Science
(Single/Joint Honours).
While this resource provides you with an overview of the career options available with your degree, each person carves
their own career path based on their personal values and interests. Your college years are an ideal time to explore career
options while gaining new experience and learning new skills. Why not speak to a careers adviser to help you get
started?
As a student of UCC, you are entitled to book a free personal consultation with a careers adviser at UCC Career
Services. You can return as many times as needed because we understand that it makes sense to begin planning your
career from first year onwards – don’t wait until final year! We look forward to meeting you, no matter what your
year of study. For your convenience, we now have a web-based booking system. Book your appointment online via
our website – www.ucc.ie/careers - in the Meet an Advisor section.