<p>I'm Considering a B.Sc. in Mathematics and a Minor in Finance because I am interested in becoming an Actuary. I just wanted to get some opinion on this and also ask what other careers would be open to me with this education if the Actuary thing were to not pan out for me.
Things I had in mind were Financial Analyst, Risk Management might be an option with this major and minor?
Anyone that knows of any others or has links to good descriptions of these careers would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Thank You</p>
<p>Honestly, you are in for a great bunch of career choices. The "things you had in mind" are options for sure. I think if you're aiming like this from the get go, you won't be disappointed, if you can handle the math work. </p>
<p>I am a dedicated pure math major, and you know...I am headed for either academia or a career not of my choice! If you're already open to the finance minor, you'll do great. Very practical combination.</p>
<p>Honestly, google anything on the lines of careers in mathematics, and you'll get a huge list of careers which would be a good fit for someone with a math major + finance minor. Try to take some good probability and statistics courses of course, not just pure math classes.</p>
<p>Thanks for your knowledgeable post.
Browsing job postings and internship postings I see Financial Analyst, other jobs in finance, careers in insurance, banking, etc. and even jobs in computer science (I've heard that math is applicable in the cs field) but the eligibility requirements don't specify positions are open to someone with a math degree. I'm just wondering, would it be right to pursue some of these positions anyway? How significant is your degree program in your career path/job search?</p>
<p>Also, and this is more general and would apply to anyone, any field, career, etc. but does the school you go to limit you in what jobs you will be considered for? Do big companies and corporations mainly go for grads from big brand name schools?</p>
<p>Thanks again.</p>
<p>"I'm just wondering, would it be right to pursue some of these positions anyway? How significant is your degree program in your career path/job search?"</p>
<p>Sure, honestly the point is to be capable at things other than just pure mathematics if you want to aim for other positions out there. For instance, my dad does software type stuff, and there are certainly math majors in his company. The bottom line with industry jobs is that only to an extent is your degree program hugely important. Of course, if someone's coming from a CS background from Berkeley or MIT, it's kind of understood that they've survived the curriculum, and employers will like that. But from someone who got CS related jobs after majoring in math, I know that once you're into the interview room, it's all kind of up to you. </p>
<p>Remember though - you can always take classes in subjects other than your major out of interest. If you like financial stuff or if you like CS, explore those fields! Someone who wants to do pure math would instead take MORE pure math courses. If you train yourself reasonably in whatever applied field, think about it - what you do in industry isn't the same thing as what you learn in school; mainly, you should be in a position to adapt, and be smart (or better yet, convince employers you are).</p>
<p>Also, as for school brand - I'm pretty sure people from a variety of schools get jobs in th same places. Having a big name like MIT under your belt is nice, but not necessary.</p>
<p>Thanks for your input.
Bump for anyone else who may have something to add.</p>