Applied Mathematics attracts students who want a quantitative foundation without giving up the freedom to explore. During a recent panel, current concentrators shared how they navigated the program—why they chose Applied Math, how they selected an application area, the courses that shaped their path, and how they found research and internship opportunities. Their insights highlight the concentration’s flexibility, the range of career pathways it supports, and the value of building a strong analytical toolkit early on.
Q: Why do students choose Applied Math as their concentration (major)?
A: Students are drawn to Applied Math for its flexibility and breadth. Some enter Harvard already passionate about math and looking to apply it to biology or research. Others discover Applied Math after exploring life sciences, computer science, or biotech, realizing how valuable a strong quantitative toolkit could be across disciplines. Many students feel that Applied Math allows students to “dabble” in multiple fields—math, CS, stats, economics, or biology—without feeling locked into one path.
Q: How do students decide on an application area?
A: For some people, their application area is clear from the start—such as biology or computer science—while others figured it out through coursework and internships. Your application area can evolve as you explore interests, and the concentration’s structure supports flexibility. The decision making process is often about discovering what subjects keep you most engaged and where the quantitative reasoning feels most exciting.
Q: How do students find research or internship opportunities?
A: Most students found summer research positions and internships through cold emailing professors or alumni, or by networking via LinkedIn, the Harvard alumni directory, or Firsthand Advisors. Several worked in labs at Harvard, HMS, the Broad Institute, or Dana-Farber, while others joined startups incubated at the Harvard Innovation Labs or participated in structured programs like Girls Who Invest. The main advice: start reaching out in late fall or early spring, be persistent, and don’t be discouraged if some emails go unanswered—finding the right fit takes time.
Q: When should students start applying for summer research or internships?
A: Timelines vary by field. Tech recruiting tends to happen in the fall, biology and biotech opportunities open mostly in the spring, and finance internships begin recruiting as early as sophomore fall (with many applications opening January 1 of sophomore year for the following summer). Many students found research positions in January–February of their first year through consistent outreach and follow-up emails.
Q: How can I prepare for an internship if I don’t have prior experience?
A: Employers don’t expect first-years to have perfect resumes. Current students suggested creating small personal projects, joining student organizations like the Harvard Data Analytics Group or Harvard Undergraduate Robotics Club, and pursuing intro courses that demonstrate interest in the field. Framing your past volunteer or leadership experiences in a way that connects to your goals—like showing curiosity, teamwork, or initiative—can make a strong impression.
Q: What general advice did the panelists share for new concentrators?
A: Be curious, flexible, and proactive. Try a mix of courses early on, explore different application areas, and don’t be afraid to pivot. Use Harvard’s resources—faculty advising, the i-lab, alumni networks, and student groups—to build experience and connections. Applied Math offers a toolkit that’s valuable across fields, so the best path is the one that keeps you engaged and growing.
