Career Compass: Mathematical Sciences and Statistics

As a mathematical sciences student at the University of Manitoba, you will learn the language, reasoning and analytic tools that many other disciplines use to investigate their areas. The Faculty of Science has many opportunities for you to explore, with two main areas of study in mathematical sciences:

1. Mathematics: studies the language, reasoning, and analytic tools that many other disciplines use to investigate their areas. These include all the physical sciences, computer and engineering sciences, social sciences and the life sciences. The department offers joint programs with physics, computer science, economics and statistics.
2. Statistics: studies the principles and methods for collecting, organizing and analyzing data. Statistics is an analytical discipline that helps other disciplines carry out research projects and studies that involve measurement, comparison, and interpretation. Statistics is a useful ancillary subject to other sciences, the social sciences, and many of the professional programs. The department offers joint programs with mathematics, economics and actuarial mathematics.
3. Data Science: is an emerging field of study that combines computer science, mathematics, and statistics to collect, analyze, visualize and interpret data. A good area of study if you are interested in learning how to explore data, analyze data, and draw out meaningful and insightful findings from data. **Data Science is a new program beginning in Fall 2021.

Skills you will gain by studying MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

• The ability to recognize mathematical patterns and formulate new conjectures
• The ability to collect, analyze and interpret data using statistical analysis, and make reasoned judgments on the basis of the available data
• The ability to think critically and utilize complex formulae to solve quantitative problems with accuracy and proficiency
• The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:

For Mathematics: MATH 1220, MATH 1230, MATH 1232 and MATH 1240, COMP 1010

For Statistics: MATH 1220, MATH 1230, MATH 1232 and MATH 1240, STAT 1150 and COMP 1010

To do this year:

1. Mathematics or Statistics—what’s right for you? An academic advisor in the Faculty of Science can help you decide.
2. Use UM Achieve by running "what-ifs" to explore different program options & corresponding requirements.
3. If you need academic support, visit the Math or Statistics Help Centre or log on to UM Learn to access the LevelUp Program.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Set up your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including Math Club, Actuarial Club and Science Students’ Association.
2. Join the University of Manitoba Volunteer Program to volunteer for Science, Engineering & Technology Day.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as the Mathletics.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Attend World Opportunities Week for information about opportunities around the world.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences (PIMS), the Math Reading Room or learn about local agencies via Manitoba 211.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your honours or major program

To do this year:

1. Meet with a department and science advisor to declare your honours or B.Sc. major program (recommended).
2. Use UM Achieve to prepare a plan for registration.
3. Consider taking a minor and choose courses that will open opportunities.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Become a student affiliate with the Canadian Mathematical Society (CMS) or the Statistical Society of Canada (SSC).
4. Attend the Mathematics or Statistics Seminar Series.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for a research assistant position, Undergraduate Research Award or NSERC grant.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out Let's Talk Science, West End Library Learning Program and Winnipeg School Division.

Earn while you learn: Consider applying to the Science Co-operative Education program once you have completed 60 credit hours in statistics or the joint mathematics-statistics program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider the Math in Moscow Program, PIMS Scientific Summer School, an international internship or service-learning program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a “working holiday.”

Staying local? Check out the one of the local service-learning programs. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Volunteer Language Exchange Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your honours or major program

To do this year:

1. Meet with your department advisor and science advisor to discuss course selection options.
2. Use UM Achieve to prepare a plan for registration.
3. Meet with your co-op advisor (if applicable).
4. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning such as the World Trade Centre Winnipeg and Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship.
4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other professional programs.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Check out student job opportunities with: City of Winnipeg, Elections Manitoba, Statistics Canada and WISE Kid-Netic Energy.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Math-Jobs.com, Science.ca, LinkedIn, Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Attend International Week, participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program or take part in the Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: Please refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your honours or major program

To do this year:

1. Meet with your department advisor and science advisor, if needed, for honours or major program approval.
2. Use UM Achieve to check eligibility to graduate.
3. Meet with your co-op advisor (if applicable).
4. Confirm eligibility to graduate with a science advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to a professional program or graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Present your research at the Canadian Undergraduate Mathematics Conference or SSC Student Conference.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Science and Technology Internship Program or Statistics Canada Recruitment Development Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus or register for a Workplace Cultural Competence Workshop through Extended Education.

SAMPLE JOBS WITH AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE AND RELATED EXPERIENCE

• Actuarial Assistant
• Algorithmic Trade Developer
• Business Intelligence Manager
• Consultant Statistician
• Criminal Intelligence Analyst
• Cryptanalyst
• Cyber Security Risk Analyst
• Data Manager
• Demographer
• Emergency Preparedness Analyst
• Information Specialist
• Pay and Benefits Specialist
• Program Evaluation Officer
• Programmer Analyst
• Research Assistant
• Underwriter

OPTIONS REQUIRING OTHER EDUCATION

• Accountant
• Actuary
• Climate Specialist
• Engineer 
• Epidemiologist
• Informatician/Bioinformatician
• Mathematician
• Math Teacher
• Methodologist
• Physicist*
• Research Scientist
• Science Computing Specialist
• Statistician/Biostatistician
• Sports Statistics Analyst
• University Professor

Industries such as aerospace, business, government, financial services, medicine and robotics would value a mathematical sciences degree in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Numeracy and data use
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Oral and written communication
• Digital technology
• Industry specific knowledge
• Continuous learning

Attain skills through your classroom education by taking advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.