INMAS for Students

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The INMAS network was funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) with hubs at the University of Illinois and Johns Hopkins University.  The program trained graduate students pursuing degrees in math and statistics in professional and technical skills to prepare them for jobs in Business, Industry, and Government (BIG).  INMAS then matched students with summer internships developed through direct contact with BIG employers.

The mathematical sciences award some 1900 PhDs per year.  However, fewer than 800 tenure-track jobs are filled at 4-year universities nationwide each year.  Most students who earn a PhD in mathematics are not ultimately bound for academia!  INMAS sought to smooth what could otherwise be a tough career transition for students with curiosity toward industry during grad school.

Fulfilling and rewarding careers are available to PhD graduates in the mathematical sciences.  Still, one does not simply walk into these jobs.  Preparation for work in BIG jobs requires:

• willingness and flexibility in your life plan
• training which complements your mathematical skills
• industry work experience demonstrating your competence

For students bringing the willingness and flexibility, INMAS supplied the training and the work experience.

Students accepted into the program benefited from weekend and online training workshops covering:

• Python coding
• Statistical methods
• Machine learning
• Career preparation

Meanwhile, INMAS staff were hard at work contacting employers to develop internship projects for our students.  INMAS summer internships paid $1200/week for 8-12 weeks, compensated at $600 from INMAS and $600 from the employer.  Exceptions did apply in some cases, timing of the internships typically being flexible.

INMAS placed 34 interns per year on average between the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic.  Internship placements were prioritized according to the student's performance and professionalism during training events (guidelines provided at our Statement of Expectations).

Accepted students suited the following criteria:

• A current PhD student in good standing during the spring semester, with at least one year remaining in their PhD.
• Belonging to a participating department in the INMAS network, OR an alumnus of the Math Alliance studying the mathematical sciences an institution in the U.S.
• INMAS accepted both U.S. and international students.

• Required documentation was limited to an informal transcript reflecting graduate coursework and academic performance.
• Prior coding experience was highly recommended but not required.
• INMAS did not expect prior experience in applied mathematics or industry, the goal of INMAS being to expand students' career opportunities in industry or government.
• The desire to gain industry or government experience is essential.