Tell me about it
Mathematicians carry out calculations in a wide range of areas such as engineering, electronics, finance, medicine, meteorology and science. These calculations are used to explain, analyse and solve problems.

Mathematicians discuss requirements and problems with their colleagues or clients and present findings in a range of formats such as graphs, diagrams, spreadsheets or written reports. They need to use computers to help solve problems, and to display and present information. New ideas and methods are enabling mathematicians to tackle and solve problems that would have been thought impossible only a few years ago.

Entry level
You would normally need at least a good class of honours degree in maths to become a mathematician. Some jobs would also require a postgraduate qualification, such as MSc or even a doctorate.
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The minimum qualifications for entry to a degree course are usually two A levels/three H grades, including maths, with English at GCSE/S grade, or equivalent qualifications.

Experience in computing is an advantage and sometimes a requirement.

Making the grade
Employers usually offer on-the-job training, and some may help with paying the fees for further study.

With several years' experience and ability you should be able to move on to senior and management positions. Postgraduate study may be helpful or required for career progression.

Personal qualities
As a mathematician, you would need a very high level of numeracy skills, including the ability to work to a high level of accuracy and to work logically.

You must be able to present complex information in an understandable manner, as there would be times when you would have to explain your calculations to people lacking your mathematical expertise.

Looking ahead
Being good at maths does not mean simply that you have to become a mathematician. If you find that your interests and goals are leading you away from a maths-based career, you will almost certainly find that a maths degree is highly regarded by most employers, and will certainly have taught you to think rationally and process information clearly and accurately, skills which are useful in any career.

There is a range of employment opportunities across the UK for mathematicians in business and industry, science, engineering, computing and finance. Some mathematicians work in research institutions, universities and the Civil Service, and there are also job opportunities in teaching. The second thing to consider is that there may well be a host of possible careers for maths graduates that you are not familiar with or that you thought were not suited to you. The financial sector, the actuarial profession, IT and computing, teaching and academia are some of the most popular choices, but there are a whole host of other possibilities that you may or may not have considered.

Alternative suggestions
Other possibilities might include accountant, actuary, architect, banking executive, electrical/electronics engineer, financial adviser, marketing executive, operational researcher, software engineer or webmaster.

Take-home pay
Starting salaries would vary depending on the employer, but you should start on around £18,000 to £23,000 a year as a new graduate. With several years' experience, and more responsibility, your salary should rise to £30,000 to £45,000.

Effects
You would normally expect to work conventional hours, Monday to Friday, although you might occasionally need to be flexible to complete a work project in a short period of time. However, you would not routinely work shifts or weekends.

Sources of information
Maths Careers: www.mathscareers.org.uk
Institute of Mathematics and its Applications: www.ima.org.uk
London Mathematical Society: www.lms.ac.uk
Mathematical Association: www.m-a.org.uk

CRCI: TC