Skills you’ll develop
By studying Mathematics, you’ll learn how to take a complex problem and frame it in a logical way. You’ll develop habits of rigorous, logical thinking and formal proof, as well as a toolkit of technical and computational skills. A degree in Mathematics helps you describe and model all kinds of phenomena, from financial to physical, from biological to computational.
These skills may include:
- Data analysis and technical writing
- Organizational interpretation
- Deductive reasoning
- Logical, systematic thought processes
- Computer literacy
- Advanced quantitative skills
- Numerical computation
- Technical skills in mathematical concepts, logic, and specialized software
Explore career possibilities
Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including financial services, insurance, hardware and software design, health and pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, research, consulting, and education.
Most importantly, a solid grounding in mathematics is evidence to employers that you can think rigorously, numerately, and creatively.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas.
Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.
- Actuary
- Algorithm designer
- Appraiser
- Bioinformatics scientist
- Claims adjuster
- Computer programmer
- Cost analyst
- Cryptanalyst
- Data scientist
- Database administrator
- Demographer
- Economist
- Environmental epidemiologist
- External auditor
- Financial planner
- Insurance salesperson
- Inventory control specialist
- Investment banker
- Mathematical statistician
- Mathematician
- Mortgage researcher
- Quantitative analyst
- Software engineer
- Statistical consultant
- Systems analyst
- Tax investigator
- Teacher or Professor
- Technical analyst
Make the most of your program
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities, develop your skillset, and help you clarify your values and interests.
A slate of research, employment and outreach opportunities is outlined on the Math Department webpage.
- UBC Undergraduate Math Society
Meet other Mathematics students through events and programs. - UBC Undergraduate Math Colloquium
Attend talks about research in mathematics. - Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions. - UBC Mathematics outreach initiatives
Interact with elementary and high school students through workshops and sessions. - Putnam math competition
Test your mathematical understanding in the prestigious undergraduate math exam. - Mitacs funding
Apply for up to $15,000 to fund a four-month internship in your specific area of study. - Math job board
Check out employment opportunities related to mathematics.
Build your network
Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.
The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.
- Association for Women in Mathematics
- American Statistical Association
- Canadian Applied and Industrial Mathematics Society (CAIMS)
- Canadian Institute of Actuaries
- Canadian Mathematical Society
- Canadian Operations Research Society
- Computing Research Association
- Fields Institute of Research in Mathematical Sciences
- Mathematical Association of America
- Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences
- Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
- Society of Actuaries
- Statistical Society of Canada
Connect with alumni
Learn from those who came before you by exploring the profiles of UBC Mathematics graduates on LinkedIn.
As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.
More information
Throughout your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.
Math is also a UBC Science specialization. Check out what you can do with a Science degree or learn about other Science specializations.