Careers in BEGIN
Mathematicians bring powerful analytical insight to fields far beyond academia. Through the BEGIN (Business, Entrepreneurship, Government, Industry, and Nonprofit) initiative, the AMS supports graduate students and early-career professionals as they explore diverse careers where quantitative thinking, creativity, and communication leads to new opportunities. People with mathematical training can flourish in Business, Entrepreneurship, Government, Industry, and Nonprofit careers—where teamwork, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and different perspectives are key. Discover an array of careers waiting for your mathematical experience.
What BEGIN Offers
BEGIN supports mathematicians who are curious about or pursuing careers beyond academia by providing structured opportunities to explore, prepare, and connect.
- Career exploration: Exposure to roles in business, industry, government, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial settings.
- Skill translation: Guidance on reframing mathematical training for resumes, interviews, and professional communication.
- Direct connections: Opportunities to engage with employers, practitioners, and peers through fairs, panels, and workshops.
- Ongoing learning: Talks, interviews, and resources available year-round.
Who Should Participate?
BEGIN programming is designed for:
- Graduate students considering careers beyond academia
- Postdoctoral scholars exploring professional options
- Early-career mathematicians transitioning into industry, government, or nonprofit roles
- International scholars seeking insight into U.S.-based career pathways
“The immediate feedback I received was invaluable—it helped me reflect on my answers, sharpen my thinking, and adjust my communication style in real time. Engaging in this dynamic environment pushed me to think quickly and strategically, and it strengthened my confidence for future interviews.”
— Rui Fang, Assistant Professor, The Ohio State University
“As an international student, I learned where to search for opportunities related to mathematics outside of academia.”
— Jenita Jahangir, Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Past Events
BEGIN Bootcamp
The second annual AMS-sponsored BEGIN Bootcamp was held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Joint Mathematics Meetings (JMM) in Washington, DC. The program supported early-career mathematicians exploring opportunities in BEGIN sectors.
Here are some of the topics that were covered:
- Transforming CVs into STEM-focused resumés
- Networking and communication strategies for non-mathematicians
- Career development resources in BEGIN fields
- Networking with mathematicians in diverse industries
Participants left the Bootcamp with practical tools, clearer career direction, and expanded professional networks across multiple BEGIN sectors.
Career Fair at JMM 2026
The AMS Career Fair at JMM 2026 provided job-seekers with direct access to employers seeking mathematical talent and offered attendees the opportunity to practice networking and career conversations in a supportive environment. Participating organizations included:
Career Fair at JMM 2026 Participating Organizations:
Past Participating Organizations:
Resources
BEGIN resources are designed to support ongoing career exploration by helping mathematicians learn directly from professionals working across business, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors.
Talking BIG Jobs Live Interviews
In collaboration with the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM), the AMS produces a series of interactive, web-based interviews hosted by Tondeur Fellows. These conversations feature mathematicians working in a wide range of nonacademic roles and provide insight into career paths, day-to-day work, and professional decision-making in BEGIN fields. These resources complement BEGIN programming at the Joint Mathematics Meetings and provide year-round opportunities for learning and professional growth.
The interviews are intended to help participants better understand how mathematical training is applied outside academia and to identify skills and experiences that are valuable across sectors.
Support
BEGIN programming is made possible through the support of individuals and partner organizations committed to expanding career pathways for mathematicians.
Our work is funded in part by a generous gift from Philippe and Claire-Lise Tondeur, in collaboration with the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM), the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), the American Statistical Association (ASA), and participants in the BIG Math Network.