FROM STUDY TO SKILLS
All academic programs offered at the UM help students develop valuable transferable skills. Mathematics is a field that serves other sciences, but also stands on its own as one of the greatest edifices of human thought. The study of mathematics demands rigorous, analytical reasoning and will develop your ability to solve problems by careful logical analysis and the application of a succession of complex techniques. As a math concentrator, you will develop a broad range of skills to discover the essence of problems, synthesize general theories to address specific problems, and apply theories across a variety of situations.
Related fields include Economics, Statistics, Physics, Computer Science, Informatics, and Engineering.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Problem-Solving Skills
Defining, clarifying, and recognizing problems
Testing hypotheses
Applying a theory to a specific problem
Perceiving patterns and structures
Determining relevant information
Identifying relationships between problems and solutions
Generating solutions
Analytical Skills
Modeling complex systems
Developing theories
Projecting / forecasting/ analyzing results
Assessing risks
Comparing information / data
Evaluating ideas / analytical methods
Reasoning by analogy
Thinking / reasoning abstractly
Communication Skills
Describing processes in non-technical terms
Communicating abstract concepts
Translating between written texts and computations / formulas
Explaining theories / ideas
Summarizing findings
Contributing to teams
Technical / Computational Skills
Computer modeling
Numerical simulation
Analyzing statistics
Program design
Visualizing abstract shapes / patterns
Applying quantitative analysis
Maintaining precision and accuracy
BUILDING YOUR SKILLS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Employers seek out individuals who can demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, teamwork and interpersonal skills, initiative, and a strong work ethic. Student organizations and campus employment offer valuable opportunities to add to the skills you are developing in your classes. Most concentrations sponsor specific student groups like an undergraduate organization or an honor society. Other options include study abroad, off-campus employment or volunteering in the community. Finally, a summer internship may be the best way of all to test out a career field and develop marketable skills.
FROM SKILLS TO CAREER
The skills you will gain as a math concentrator will prepare you to succeed in a number of fields. Math concentrators have gone on to a wide range of career fields, such as law, medicine, politics, business, as well as every aspect of science, computer science, technology, and of course mathematics itself. In addition, math concentrators may choose to continue their education in graduate or professional school.
Problem-Solving Skills
Management consultant
Operation researcher 
Chief information officer
Operations manager
Systems analyst
Budget analyst
Control systems engineer
Financial officer
Military analyst
State budget director
Analytical Skills
Investment banker
Financial officer
Financial planner
Lawyer
Simulation modeler
Stockbroker
Actuarial analyst
Life & PC actuary
Benefits analyst
Social security administrator
Demographer
Economist
Risk Management Analyst 
Communication Skills
K-12 and college teacher
College administrator
Customer support and training supervisor
Financial consultant
Health consultant
Bio-mathematician
Foundation executive
Grant administrator
Natural Science Manager
Technical Skills
Meteorologist
Cryptologist
Atmospheric scientist
Medical researcher
Software engineer
Computer programmer
Community manager
Dentist
Physician
= Green Jobs = Further Study Required
For more career information, see O*Net at http://online.onetcenter.org/
CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS
The technological revolution demands a wide variety of mathematically skilled workers. The department therefore offers sub-concentrations ranging from pure and honors mathematics, through applied mathematics (incl. actuarial science), to the teaching certificate. Students have substantial choice among the specialized and cognate courses, allowing you to focus on specific interests.
Consult our website (see below) for complete information on course offerings and program requirements.
Department of Mathematics
Undergraduate Office
2084 East Hall
734-763-4233
www.math.lsa.umich.edu/undergrad
www.math.lsa.umich.edu/career
Newnan Advising Center
1255 Angell Hall
734-764-0332
www.lsa.umich.edu/advising
NEXT STEPS / RESOURCES
To begin connecting to professionals in fields that interest you, create your own LinkedIn account:
www.careercenter.umich.edu/article/getting-started-linkedin
To identify internships or job opportunities, visit Handshake: https://careercenter.umich.edu/article/handshake
Maize Pages list hundreds of organizations for students to get involved in: http://studentorgs.umich.edu/maize
On-campus jobs (work-study and non work-study jobs) are listed at:
https://studentemployment.umich.edu/JobX_Home.aspx
The Career Center
3200 Student Activities Building
734-764-7460
www.careercenter.umich.edu
www.facebook.com/careercenter.umich
http://twitter.com/careercenter
The Career Guide series was developed by the University of Michigan Career Center, Division of Student Affairs, in cooperation with the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. ©2011 Regents of the University of Michigan