Mathematics and physics are both fairly small occupations, with only around 8000 people employed as one in Australia. A significant number of graduates go on to university research positions and others find jobs in government departments or large businesses in related fields.
Common graduate roles include:
As universities employ a significant number of mathematics and physics graduates, we recommend that you search for options available in the location/s you are planning to reside.
A range of large businesses that undertake a significant amount of research and development are interested in employing mathematics and physics graduates. Make sure you begin searching early in your final year of study as closing dates can be earlier than you may expect.
Mathematics and physics graduates should also consider the following federal Government options and any options available in relevant state or territory departments:
A range of financial institutions will also be interested in applications, particularly from mathematics graduates. As such, it may be worth checking out ‘Banking Graduate Jobs’.
Competition for positions is high, and many mathematics/physics graduates will benefit from broadening their job search to include a range of relevant positions in science and possibly, in the case of mathematics, finance.
Statistics show that 49% of physicists and 50% of mathematicians are employed in NSW; other states to note are VIC, SA and QLD.
Although discipline-specific graduate jobs are difficult to find, they tend to pay quite well, with starting salaries at around $60k.
Space systems engineer, Defence Science and Technology Group at Department of Defence