Is a Mathematics/Philosophy Double Major Employable?
Many students wonder if pursuing a double major in philosophy and mathematics is a worthwhile academic endeavor. The short answer is yes, it is employable. However, it comes with an important caveat: be strategic in how you utilize your time in college. By combining academic rigor with practical experience and specific skills, you can significantly enhance your employability upon graduation.
Maximizing Employability While Studying Philosophy and Mathematics
Studying philosophy and mathematics is an incredibly strong course of study. These disciplines provide a solid foundation for critical thinking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning. However, to maximize your employability, it's crucial to supplement your academic achievements with practical experience and marketable skills.
Internships and Student Organizations
I recommend securing internships while in college, preferably in relevant fields such as technology, finance, or data analysis. These experiences not only provide valuable networking opportunities but also help you build a professional portfolio. Additionally, joining a few semi-professional student organizations can further enhance your leadership and teamwork skills.
Considering how to apply such philosophical and mathematical skills in a practical context, you might want to pick up programming or data science skills. Engaging in a project or two using these new skills can add significant value to your resume. Projects can be anything from a small web application to a data analysis project that showcases your mathematical abilities.
Complementing the Degree with Additional Skills
To further increase your marketability, I highly recommend minoring in computer science (CS). A CS minor will equip you with technical skills that are highly sought after in the job market. Moreover, completing a data analyst nanodegree on platforms like Udacity can be an excellent addition to your mathematics degree. This course will provide you with the necessary technical know-how to analyze and interpret complex data, a skill that is becoming increasingly important across various industries.
Another practical skill you might want to consider is logic programming. Learning logic programming languages like Prolog can bridge your philosophical-mathematical background with a practical skill set that can help you find employment more effectively. Prolog is a powerful tool that can be used in artificial intelligence, expert systems, and symbolic reasoning—skills that are in high demand in today’s tech industry.
Real-Life Success Stories
Feeling inspired by success stories can be motivating. I, myself, double majored in philosophy and physics and took an abundance of mathematics courses before graduating. This decision turned out to be one of the best life choices I made, as it provided excellent frameworks for thinking and problem-solving. I graduated a semester early and received job offers from tier 1 tech companies, venture capital firms, and startups. I eventually made the decision to join a satellite startup that I believed had great potential.
Special Training for a Strong Undergrad Experience
A unique combination of philosophical and mathematical training can prepare you for a highly employable undergraduate experience. The philosophical lens will help you develop strong problem-solving and communication skills, enhancing your ability to think critically and articulate complex ideas effectively. The mathematical foundation will give you robust quantitative skills, which many people might miss out on if they specialize solely in one area.
A great deal depends on your individual success, including your performance, internships, and personal network. However, I believe that this combination of disciplines can set you apart in the job market.
Conclusion
Mathematics and philosophy graduates are well-employed, some even becoming rich or pursuing academic research. If you combine this background with practical skills and a bit of strategic thinking, you can achieve significant success in your career. So, if you're considering a double major in philosophy and mathematics, go for it, but make sure to pair it with a solid plans for practical experience and skill enhancement.