Re: Maths Phd student..wanting to get into Business.
Management Science (sometimes referred to as Operations Research) is perhaps the most mathematically intensive discipline within Business/Commerce. My minor in Ph.D. is in Management Science but I can’t handle that much quant.
Many professors who teach Management Science courses in Universities have their Ph.D.s in Mathematics – and some decide to complement these with an MBA later to make it into business schools and get involved in consulting. The types of courses offered in business schools these days include Simulation Modelling, Production Planning, Business Decision Models, Optimization, Transportation & Distribution Management, and various other courses under the category of Supply Chain Management.
In terms of jobs, she can look at consulting opportunities with the likes of McKinsey, AT Kearney, Accenture and others that have a strong Operations Consulting practice. She can also explore R&D opportunities with ISPs (Independent Solution Providers) such as Manhattan Associates, Manugistics/JDA. Last but not the least, if she’s interested in systems development related to business solutions, it wouldn’t hurt to check out opportunities with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) companies as well.
If she's beyond the point of defending her proposal - i.e. she's considered an ABD (All But Dissertation), then it wouldn't hurt to get started on the job apps now. That being said, the industry doesn't look too favourably upon Ph.D. candidates until and unless their dissertation defense date has already been scheduled. Even then, they'd rather have someone who has a Ph.D. in hand.
Personally, I think she still has some time. If she's in her 3rd year, then she can have up to 2 more years of funding to finish her Ph.D. - so I'd rather wait until at least the proposal stage is done with.
Thank You for the detailed reply Umar Talib, I am going to forward it as is and see what she says.I really appreciate your feedback.:)Thanks again