Mathematics internships for master’s degree students are volunteer opportunities and valuable experiences that help graduates find employment.
Internships listed on a resume demonstrate interest and also drive to possible future employers. They also help individuals make valuable contacts in their chosen fields. Applicants may apply to the programs through host websites or specific job boards.
Employers consider qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally protected class.
5 Great Internships in Mathematics
Here are five internships for individuals earning a Master’s in Mathematics.
- National Security Agency
- IBM
- Careers DC
- Williams Sonoma, Inc.
1. National Security Agency
This government agency offers numerous internships. The exciting aspect of this job is that participants are not “junior G-Men,” but valuable players in researching national security problems and developing solutions. The Cyber Summer Program includes many opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students in various disciplines.
In this graduate Mathematics program, individuals work with agency mathematicians to solve challenges critical to NSA missions using math, cryptology, statistics, and other skills. Interns will complete technical papers that document their research experiences. The agency publishes these papers internally. In addition to having a great placement, they work with state-of-the-art technology unavailable through many other opportunities. Application deadlines vary by the program!
More: NSA internships
2. IBM
Another internship that gives mathematics students access to great technology is a job at IBM. The business and technology giant has opportunities for students in many disciplines. Math students collaborate with scientists on patents, prototypes, and also technological advancements. Some interns have produced academic publications.
The IBM Accelerate early career readiness summer program is eight weeks. It offers a live, virtual learning experience to participants from the US. As a result, high-potential undergrad students build skills, grow their network, and inspire confidence in their abilities as they prepare for internships and full-time employment. In addition, the program helps boost employability by identifying and equipping them with the skills and readiness they need to make an impact on day one in their future jobs.
Students must commit to three hours each week with two required evening sessions. Additionally, they learn foundational skills and a variety of industry topics. Participants can also choose one of six track-based learning paths that dig deeper into the skills and learnings needed to succeed in these fields.
- Consulting
- Designer
- Hardware Development
- Marketing & Communications
- Software Development
- Client Engineering & Technical Sales
More: IBM internships
3. Careers DC
Careers DC connects with Australian industries to provide international internships. These are practical work placements doing meaningful jobs that will benefit the students in future employment. The mathematics internship gives the intern experience solving math-based problems in several businesses, government, and industry environments.
Skills utilized and strengthened include calculus, linear programming, mathematical logic, environmental math, and also financial mathematics. In addition to building their self-confidence, the program helps students build resumes.
More: Careers DC internships
4. Google
Google is another impossibly cool assignment. The company offers many mathematics projects, so applicants can easily find a job that suits and engages them. They list their internships on job sites like Indeed.com. A current offering is for a research intern.
The applicant must be a current student and not a recent graduate. They work with Google’s software engineers to “discover, invent and build at the largest scale.” They create prototypes and experiments in AI, data mining, and more. These internships are available at different Google locations.
More: Google internships
5. Williams Sonoma, Inc.
This huge corporation sells home furnishings and has a significant e-commerce component. They host internships in many disciplines in the mathematical sciences. One current listing is for a Technology Graduate Student intern in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Interns attend critical business and technology meetings, gain experience working with teams, lead projects and attend professional training. Most students work full time jobs. The opportunity lasts nine weeks. Applicants apply directly to Williams Sonoma.
More: Williams Sonoma internships
What is a Math Intern?
An internship is a learning experience that allows students to gain professional experience and build connections before graduation. Math interns work in a professional learning experience. In a work-like environment, interns build skills and knowledge for their resumes. They also have opportunities to network with other students and mentors in the field. Paid internships are common for both undergrad and graduate college students.
What is the Difference Between a Paid Internship and a Job?
Typically, the time commitment of an internship is only a few months. Some are longer and can last a year. But, a job is a long-term commitment individual works for many years. Both offer professional experience, but internships are only for a limited time. Also, it is not uncommon for corporations to offer interns permanent jobs after their completion of the internship.
How Much Does a Math Intern Make?
The average annual pay for a full-time job in math is higher than for an internship. However, according to Indeed, the average hourly rate for an intern in the US is around $15.86 per hour.
Depending on the employment sector and geographic location, the pay range is from $11.21 to $22.42. For example, intern salaries in New York are higher than in Montana. But, many companies understand the value of training a future employee and pay interns a competitive wage.
Should You Intern During Grad School?
Can you intern as a master’s degree graduate student? Yes, and it’s an excellent way to expand your skill set to prepare for employment. Not only will you gain experience in your field, but internships are a perfect way to develop soft skills.
Do math majors need an internship? Requirements vary from program to program. However, many educators and employers recommend internships. They offer real-world opportunities to build skills and are some of the most valuable educational experiences.
What are the Types of Internships?
Traditional internships are in-person experiences in which individuals work in a setting to prepare for a career. However, recently Remote Internships, also called Virtual Internships, have emerged. Individuals participate in these opportunities online.
A remote internship may not be ideal for a nurse or social worker. However, a Data Science intern may be able to complete their entire Internship remotely with no problems.
Other ways internships vary are in length and commitment. There are part time internships and full time opportunities. Individuals can also choose a summer internship or complete one over a college semester. Fellowships are similar to internships and offer a salary and networking opportunities with colleagues.
Which Internship is Best for Maths Students?
Below are some areas of the most common internships for students who major in math.
- Data Science
- Risk Modeling / Insurance
- Quantitative Research Analyst
- Research and Statistics
- Financial Analyst
- Accounting
- Investment Banking
- Business Intelligence
How Long Does a Math Internship Last?
Most internships for college students last 3 to 4 months and math interns usually work between 20 and 35 hours a week. This time coincides with a specific college summer period.
- quarterly internship – lasts a full quarter or about three months
- semester internship – lasts an entire college semester or about four months
- summer internships – are full-time during the summer break
How Do You Apply for an Internship?
If you want to spare yourself some stress, start early. For a summer position, applicants should begin to search for potential employers in the fall. Prepare a well-edited résumé. When you put together your resume, ensure all your skills, courses, and accomplishments are out for employers to view. Some excellent skills to list on a resume are specific technical skills, time management, the ability to follow through, and collaboration in a team setting.
What Type of Internship Should You Find?
First, you should look for internship opportunities in your desired field or subfield. So, if you study mathematical sciences, you should look for math internships. And if you can find one in a specific area like data science or computer science, that’s even better!
What Jobs Can You Get with a Math Degree?
There are numerous opportunities for graduates of a mathematics degree program. Additionally, candidates who complete an internship program have more opportunities. USAJOBS is a government website with job information for students and recent graduates. The site also has other career information for various career paths and is an excellent search tool. Below are some other jobs for individuals with a master’s degree in mathematics.
- Cryptographer
- Statistical Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Operations Research Analyst
- Math Teacher
- Math Tutor
- Accountant
- GIS Analyst
What are the Benefits of a Mathematics Internship?
According to Forbes, interns learn valuable career resources in internships. The temporary jobs add to their resumes and help them contact possible future employers. Interns experience the work environment and the industry. So they know if a job is a good fit before they commit to a permanent role. These internships for Master’s in Mathematics students should be a good starting place for that discovery.
How Do You Find the Best Internships?
Many local, state, national, and international internships exist. Below are some of the best places to guide you in the right direction and help you find a program for your needs.
Internet Search
Many recent graduates find internships and full time jobs by simply searching online. Or they look at the websites of companies and government agencies where they have thought about working. So, you can do a broad search or a targeted one. Either way, the internet is one of your best tools!
Job Boards and Internship Databases
Another strategy is to look at employment sites and social media platforms. For example, sites like SimplyHired or Indeed have many job board postings to explore for internships. In addition, individuals can register to receive the latest job alert. A job alert is emailed when new opportunities post.
School Career Center
Most colleges and universities have an internship coordinator to help you quickly find a summer internship. They also offer career information and can help you find a faculty mentor. Some even offer a mock interview to help seniors practice. So, check to see if your school has this resource.
Professional Organizations
Many professional organizations also have student resources. Their websites contain career insights, professional development, and even scholarships. For example, the American Mathematical Society is a nonprofit institution for math professionals. You can find student research projects and internships on the American Mathematical Society website.
Other Resources for Internship Opportunities
Below are other companies and government agencies where you can research internships for mathematics.
Federal Math Research and Internship Programs
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (internships)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA (internships)
- NASA Nebraska Space Grant (here)
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) (internships)
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
- US Department of Energy (DoE) (Internships)
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) (program)
- Department of Defense (DoD) (internships)
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (programs)
- Los Alamos National Laboratory (Student Programs)
- Sandia National Lab (internships)
- United States Census Bureau (programs)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (internships)
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) (programs)
- USAJOBS (link)
Academic Programs
- Johns Hopkins University
- Cornell University
- BIG Math Network [BIG=Business, Industry, and Government] (program}
- Summer Undergraduate Applied Mathematics Institute (program)
- The Mathematical and Theoretical Biology Institute (MTBI) (summer program)
- Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics at UCLA (program)
- Budapest Semesters in Hungry (program)
- Mathematics Advanced Study Semesters (MASS) at Penn State (program)
- The Peace Corps (programs)
- Arizona State University Arizona Space Grant
- The University of Texas at Dallas School of Natural Sciences
- Beyond Academia (programs)
Nationwide Research and Internships Opportunities
- American Mathematical Society (AMS) Internships
- Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) Internships
- Mathematical Association of America (MAA) research opportunities programs
Company Internships in Mathematical Sciences
- Goldman Sachs in NY, NJ, PA Internships
- Texas Instruments in Dallas and Austin, TX Internships
- Lucent Technologies Internships
- Boeing Internships
- SAS Internships
More Internships in Math for Graduate Students
Applying for an internship role increases an individual’s chances of finding a job quickly after graduation. In addition, this simple step may activate career resources in areas that are easy to share.
Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) Schools Program
The MSP assists middle and senior high school students so they excel in math and science and become competitively eligible for academically rigorous colleges and universities. The MSP partners with teachers, administrators, district officials, schools, and industry representatives to provide quality academic enrichment. Student selection and services are implemented through collaboration with teachers at participating schools and personnel from local MESA centers.
Academic Level: High School Students
Participating Schools: University of California System (Lead) at Chico State, East Bay, Fresno, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Sacramento, San Diego State University, San Francisco State University, and Sonoma State University
Learn More: (MESA) Schools Program
Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
The AF Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program is a summer internship for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students pursuing STEM degrees. Participants gain real-world experience, contribute to the operation of an AFRL site, research experience, and support the advancement of DoD missions. Internship opportunities in math and other STEM areas. Selected individuals receive a competitive stipend at the beginning of the internship.
Academic Level: high school, undergraduate and graduate students
Participating Schools: AF Research Laboratory (Lead), Universities Space Research Association (USRA) Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Eglin AFB in Valparaiso, Florida; and the Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing Site (AMOS) in Maui, Hawaii.
Learn More: Program
SUNY- Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) – Summer Research
The State University of New York LSAMP program seeks to diversify the workforce by increasing the number of underrepresented students in STEM. Groups that have been historically underrepresented in STEM include African-Americans, Alaskan Natives, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Pacific Islanders. The group objective encouraged credit to individuals for completing the course, focusing on theory and process, which aims to show system ideas as the mission forefront.
Academic Level: Undergraduate
Participating Schools: SUNY New Paltz, NY; SUNY Albany, NY; SUNY Binghamton, NY; SUNY Old Westbury, NY; SUNY Buffalo, NY; SUNY New Paltz, NY; and Suffolk County Community College in Long Island, NY
Learn More: Program
Hands-On Research in Genomics and Biology
Hands-on research in Genomics and Computational Biology brings nationally recruited participants from underrepresented groups. The University of Georgia hosts the 10-week Summer program.
Academic Level: undergraduate students
Participating Schools: University of Georgia (Lead), Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, and Fort Valley State University
Learn More: Program
Biostatistics Enrichment Summer Training (BEST) Diversity Program
The Biostatistics Epidemiology Summer Training Diversity Program (BEST) was established to expand and diversify the behavioral and biomedical sciences.
Academic Level: Undergraduate
Participating Schools: Columbia University
Learn More: Program
NIEHS Scholars Connect Program
The NIEHS Scholars Connect Program (NSCP) provides a unique opportunity for highly motivated science, technology, engineering, and math focused undergraduate students. In this program they receive biomedical research training and professional and personal development. Students have hands-on mentored research experiences.
Academic Level: Undergraduate
Participating Schools:
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (Lead). Duke University, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, NC A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, NC State University, University of Notre Dame, UNC Chapel Hill, UNC Charlotte, UNC Pembroke, Williams College
Learn More: Program
Your Career in Math
Internships provide mathematics students with practical experiences they can apply to future jobs and list on their resumes. They take classroom knowledge and turn it into career expertise.
Graduates who intern are more desirable to employers because they have experience working in their major. So undergraduates and graduate students should consider an internship. Many institutions have programs in a variety of disciplines. So whether you are interested in history, management, health, chemistry, physics, finance, data analysis, or math – there is an internship for you!
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