Why Choose Mathematics and What Can You Get Out of It?
When people proclaim that they want to do mathematics at University, many people think of huge equations and people sitting round just thinking and talking about mathematics. While this may be true to some extent, mathematics also has a certain prowess for those who have completed a mathematics degree and they are seen to be some of the most intelligent graduates around.
Nearly all mathematics degrees are BSc due to their obvious scientific content; however there are a limited number of BA degrees that allow you to study a foreign language or do something that is not related to maths for a period of time.
Where can Mathematics take you?
Besides teaching, mathematics is a very sought after degree by employers due to the academic rigor required to complete the course. Moreover, if you have strong personal and social skills you are almost the perfect candidate for nearly any job as the skill that most maths graduates lack is the ability to communicate well with others.
The most popular career paths followed by these graduates include becoming Analysts for a variety of companies, Statisticians or Engineers. All of these jobs require a high level of academic ability and hence maths graduates are the perfect candidates. Other jobs less associated with maths degrees include accountancy, investment banking, or computer programming.
Investment Analyst
An investment analyst will research and produce reports on the feasibility of a certain fund or stock to make money, they will then report to a fund manager who will decide how much of their assets from pension funds or private investment etc. they want to invest in your suggestion. Investment Analysts develop strong knowledge of how financial accounts work and what a strong company looks like.
Salaries range from £28000-£40000 in the first few years in London, with the possibility of a 10-100% bonus. At senior level, salaries are greater than £100000 and bonuses can exceed 200% of salary.
Chartered Accountants
Chartered Accountants provide information about accounts, whether that is private or personal. Their aim is to maximise the profit of their clients by analysing their current income and expenditure and then advise them on where they can improve or make savings.They spend plenty of time liaising with clients so social skills are a must have.
Salaries start at £25000 and can rise to over £85000 after 10 years.
Be sure to look at the type of degree you will be getting and the content of the degree, to see if you will enjoy yourself. You should also consider if you are likely to achieve the entry requirements to get a place in the University you are applying for.