INMAS for Students

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The INMAS network is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), and has hubs at the University of Illinois and Johns Hopkins University. The hubs organize training programs on technical and professional skills, to prepare students for productive internships in Business, Industry and Government (BIG). Students are then matched with internship projects that INMAS has developed through direct contact with employers. 

About 1900 PhDs are awarded in the mathematical sciences each year, but fewer than 800 tenure track jobs are filled nationwide, at all 4-year universities. Most students who earn a PhD will not get a tenure track job. For many students, a postdoc or visiting position turns out not to be a pathway to a tenure track job, but rather just a prelude to a tough career transition they are not prepared for. 

Fulfilling and rewarding careers are available to PhD graduates in the mathematical sciences. But you cannot just walk into those jobs. 

You need:

• willingness and flexibility in your life plan,
• training that complements your mathematical skills,
• industry work experience to demonstrate your competence.

If you bring the willingness and flexibility, INMAS will provide the training and internship work experience. 

Students accepted into the program benefit from weekend training workshops on:

1. Python coding
2. Statistical methods using Python
3. Machine learning
4. Group projects
5. Career preparation. 

Meanwhile, INMAS staff are busy contacting employers to develop internship projects. Internship placements are prioritized by your performance and professionalism during the training events (see our Statement of Expectations) and by geographic location in order to build sustainable links for participating departments. 

INMAS summer internships pay $1200/week for 8-12 weeks ( = $600 from INMAS plus $600 from the employer).  Exceptions may apply in special cases.  Timing of the internship is usually somewhat flexible. 

Up to 50 interns will be placed in 2024, split equally between the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. 

• You must be either (a)  from a participating department in the network, or else (b) an alumnus of the Math Alliance who is in a mathematical sciences graduate program at an institution in the U.S.  
• You must be a current PhD student in good standing during the spring semester, and must not graduate prior to August. 
• Both U.S. and international graduate students are eligible. 

11:59pm central time on Saturday, September 23, 2023

• Here is the application form. 
• If you have not talked in person with INMAS staff who visited your university, then before completing the application form we strongly recommend participating in the online information session  (Wednesday September 20, 7-8pm CT/8-9pm ET). 
• The only document you will need for the INMAS application is an informal transcript (pdf file) showing your graduate school coursework and grades. 
• Prior coding experience is highly recommended, such as a semester-long course during your undergraduate studies. 
• No prior experience in applied mathematics or industry is expected. The goal of INMAS is to expand your  career opportunities in industry or government.
• The desire to gain industry or government experience is crucial.