When I speak with undergraduate students studying mathematics, a recurring question arises during the Q&A: “How can studying mathematics translate into a tangible career in industry?” It’s a fair question, one I asked myself during my transition from academia to industry. At the time, concepts like polynomials or orthogonal decomposition felt disconnected from the practical needs of businesses. What did those tools have to do with corporate boards, taxes, or profitability?
Through my journey, I’ve come to understand how deep, specific knowledge—especially in mathematics—can offer immense value in the business world. Though I do expect to have to continue learning the complexities and nuances of this. To start, I think it is interesting to highlight ways that mathematical knowledge alone (or almost all alone) is inherent value to industry.
1. Talent as a Competitive Advantage
In periods of economic growth (think 2020–2021), companies often sought to gain an edge simply by hiring smart, technical minds. The goal? Keep those problem-solvers out of competitors’ hands. While this hiring trend has slowed in leaner times, the underlying principle remains: companies value individuals who can solve technical problems and unlock potential.
2. Closing Operational Gaps
Sometimes, businesses face bottlenecks—processes or systems that prevent them from reaching full potential. There’s no off-the-shelf solution, so they turn to technical experts. Mathematically inclined professionals step in to identify inefficiencies, model solutions, and optimize processes, creating smoother operations and, ultimately, greater profitability.
3. Advancing Existing Solutions
Many companies already provide effective solutions to customer problems. However, they know there’s room for innovation—a mathematical approach that could significantly improve their product or even create a competitive moat. For instance, applying optimization algorithms, statistical modeling, or novel theoretical methods can elevate existing products and distinguish them in the market.
Direct Applications of Mathematics
Certain industries directly benefit from advanced mathematical expertise. Here are a couple of examples:
- Industrial Engineering: Optimization and integer programming are critical for logistics, shipping, and manufacturing.
- Cryptography: Both theoretical research into new cryptographic methods and practical implementation of existing systems rely heavily on advanced algebra and abstract mathematics.
If you already understand foundational mathematical theory relevant to a certain domain, you’re well-positioned to quickly learn and contribute to these fields.
The Greatest Asset: Problem-Solving Skills
At its core, mathematics equips you with unparalleled learning tools. The ability to break down complex problems, abstract patterns, and model solutions is invaluable across industries. While not everyone in the business world recognizes this outright, many employers value these skills when effectively translated into their specific needs.
The key is learning to articulate your abilities in a way that resonates with industry expectations. It’s a puzzle—one that’s both challenging and rewarding to solve.
Academia vs. Industry: What’s the Trade-Off?
One question students frequently ask is: “What will I lose if I leave academia?” A worry I had was about autonomy. I believed deeply in academia as a path to living in the “Ivory Tower.” Next time I discuss thoughts on balancing freedom, impact, and the journey from academia to industry.
Ultimately, mathematics is more than a subject—it’s a way of thinking, learning, and solving problems. If you're considering your next steps, your dedication to mathematical study has already prepared you to make a meaningful impact.