10 Career Options

The two most common career paths for mathematical and computer science PhDs are the tenure-track academic path discussed in Section 11 and the industrial/government lab path, discussed in Section 12.

There are other options that might be a better fit, though, either at the beginning of your career or as your circumstances change later.

• You could begin your career with a post-doc experience. This is becoming increasingly common in the mathematical and computer sciences. A post-doc might allow you to concentrate on research without the distractions of teaching and without having responsibility for a product. To successfully transition out of a post-doc, keep up your publication rate and be visible at key conferences in your area.
• You could start your own company, either product-based or consulting. This can provide flexibility in working hours and worksite, ideal for those who have childcare or eldercare responsibilities. It also can provide good income potential (if you ignore the maxim,¹``How do you make a small fortune in computer science? Start with a large fortune and put out a hardware/software product.") The main drawbacks are a possibly very large investment of time for a proportionally small payback, lack of job security, the probable need to raise venture capital, and the discipline required to concentrate if you work from home.
• Even if you start in a traditional research or teaching position, you may eventually want to transition to academic administration (department chairperson, dean, provost, president) or a management position in a laboratory or corporation.
• Many ``non-traditional" careers are open to PhD scientists and mathematicians. Some can be full time, while others might be better as a part-time or after-hours job. Whatever your interests outside mathematics and science, with enough imagination you can probably find a way to make your technical expertise an asset.
  • There are science policy positions on the staff of the US congress and also in the US executive branch of the government.
  • Computer science and mathematical science consultants are needed in a variety of surprising places; for example, in the television and movie industry to vet plots and props.
  • Some PhDs take positions in journalism, writing for technical news services or the general press. Many mystery or science fiction writers have technical backgrounds, as do researchers and writers on the history of science.
  • Organizations such as the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy hire PhDs to oversee their grant programs.
  • Mathematical and computer modeling is used in a variety of non-traditional areas. As an example, a sports team might use such techniques to advise a player on how to improve performance.
  • Some people with research PhDs become interested in K-12 education and serve as teachers, textbook writers, or as teachers-of-teachers.
  • PhDs serve as consultants on patent applications and as expert witnesses in court trials.
  • PhDs also bring an important perspective as elected officials, and a great deal of good can be done by advocating for science, mathematics, and education from a position of knowledge as well as power.
  • There are many ways to combine technical expertise with the arts. This has been done by sculptors (e.g., George Hart, Bathsheba Grossman), painters, musicians, photographers, graphic artists (with a Society of Digital Artists), animation artists, and even needlework artists (Some patterns can be found in a book entitled Making Mathematics with Needlework.),

See Sections 15.8 and 15.9 for a few helpful links.

``The production of work is cumulative; nothing is produced in isolation and everything contributes something to the next piece." (Henryk Ptasiewicz) Your mathematical and computer science education may contribute in rather surprising ways to your life's work.