where are the entry level math jobs in dallas? (McKinney: insurance, statistics)

[semidevil]

I have a B.A in mathematics from way back in 2005 and I'm trying to switch from my current role (insurance, customer service, leadership/management) to something that is more applied mathematics and related to analytics. Based on interest, I really enjoy statistics, anaysis, spreadsheets, using software etc etc (more support roles but consulting is ok).

The first thought ofcourse is the actuarial field. I've been working towards those exams for the past 2 years and its becoming a bit overwhelming; so thinking long term, I need to make a decision soon on what to do. I've been searching online and It seems I really dont have a lot of choices.

Looking in jobs like data scientists or statisticians, these all require Masters, Ph.D's or years of experience. Im not finding a lot of 'data analysts' either.

Any suggestions or ideas? Any math majors here have any suggestions? I've thought about picking up some software skils like SAS, but there aren't any classes in the area for those.

[usamathman]

You need to supplement that B.A. with some tech skills to make yourself more valuable.

MS Excel (pivot tables, macros), Excel VBA, SAS, SPSS, SQL, Python

.....all useful software packages/languages that you could learn
that would make you a stronger candidate and open more opportunities for you.

Plenty of online courses out there that are much cheaper and faster to complete then the full blown masters.

The key is learning these skills and then using them to develop some kind of portfolio that you can present to employers.

You need a way to showcase your skills due to your lack of experience in the field. Look into putting together 3 or 4 nice projects.

The portfolio will be the key.

Tech + Math is the way to go.

Other positions you may be qualified for would be...

-business analyst
-math modeler

[EDS_]

Originally Posted by semidevil

I have a B.A in mathematics from way back in 2005 and I'm trying to switch from my current role (insurance, customer service, leadership/management) to something that is more applied mathematics and related to analytics. Based on interest, I really enjoy statistics, anaysis, spreadsheets, using software etc etc (more support roles but consulting is ok).

The first thought ofcourse is the actuarial field. I've been working towards those exams for the past 2 years and its becoming a bit overwhelming; so thinking long term, I need to make a decision soon on what to do. I've been searching online and It seems I really dont have a lot of choices.

Looking in jobs like data scientists or statisticians, these all require Masters, Ph.D's or years of experience. Im not finding a lot of 'data analysts' either.

Any suggestions or ideas? Any math majors here have any suggestions? I've thought about picking up some software skils like SAS, but there aren't any classes in the area for those.

1. Call up UTSW and see if the any of the researchers need statistical help. Standard normal z may be your friend he is not the friend of most.

2. Root out a very big insurance holding company in McKinney, if you can't ferret them out message me and I'll send you their info. They need actuaries at all times. The testing is a nut-buster but it's worth it in the long run.

3. Call/show up at/email etc. TI, AA, oil companies, logistics companies (you know that business is all low level stats stuff).

Good luck. I'll add more as I recover from today's Christmas Party


Don't answer in the open but were your grades really strong? Consulting companies love math and physics types - but they too want MS/Ph.D if they can swing it.

[semidevil]

thanks for all the suggestions. I'll continue exploring. feel free to add on. right now, I'm still focusing on actuarial exams so it's a bit of struggle finding the time to self study the software side. Ideally, I'm hoping for an entry level analytical/actuarial job that will teach me these things.

EDS - sending you a PM shortly.