One of the recurring questions faced by departments of mathematics across Europe is how to strengthen the connection between university education and the rapidly evolving needs of industry. While mathematical foundations remain essential, students increasingly seek opportunities to understand how mathematical knowledge is applied outside the classroom and how it can translate into meaningful career paths.
At the Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, this challenge has been addressed through the undergraduate study programme in Applied Mathematics that combines a strong mathematical foundation with contemporary application areas and direct exposure to professional environments. The programme is organised through three modules: Data Analytics and Statistics, Financial Mathematics, and Technomathematics, which will be remastered as Artificial Intelligence and Systems Modelling starting from 2027/28. Students study mathematical analysis, linear algebra, probability, statistics, differential equations, optimisation and numerical methods, while also encountering modern topics such as machine learning, neural networks, blockchain technologies, insurance mathematics and quantum computing.
However, one aspect of the programme deserves special attention: professional practice is not an optional activity but a compulsory course (90 hours, 3 ECTS) that has been integrated into the curriculum since 2020/21. Professional Practice is a mandatory course during the fifth semester purposed to enable students to spend time in a professional environment and acquire practical knowledge that contributes to their professional development and future career orientation. The inclusion of professional practice reflects a simple belief: applied mathematics should not be experienced solely through lectures and exercises. Students benefit enormously from seeing how mathematical thinking is used in industry, finance, information technologies, insurance, data analytics and research institutions. Through internships and professional engagements, students encounter real datasets, practical constraints, interdisciplinary teams and open-ended problems. These experiences complement their theoretical education and help them better understand the role mathematics plays in modern organisations. At the same time, companies gain access to highly motivated students with strong analytical skills, critical thinking capabilities and advanced mathematical training, allowing them to scout for future employees.
Over the years, our network of partner institutions has grown to more than 30 companies, offering about 50 internship places each year in diverse areas spanning information technologies, data analytics, bioinformatics, healthcare, banking, insurance, business intelligence, marketing, logistics, telecommunications, food industry, public administration and official statistics. The development of this network was neither immediate nor effortless. It relied heavily on the enthusiasm of alumni and former students who helped open doors and establish trust with their employers. In many cases, companies initially viewed cooperation primarily through the lens of short-term recruitment needs, and it took sustained dialogue to illustrate the mutual benefits of engaging more broadly in the education of future professionals. The success of our Applied Mathematics programme depends not only on curriculum design, but also on the collective effort of professors, alumni, and industry partners to build lasting relationships. After the success of Professional Practice at undergraduate studies of Applied Mathematics the mandatory course has been introduced also at the master level studies of Applied Mathematics as of 2024/25.
For many students, professional practice represents their first direct encounter with the professional world. For some, it becomes the first step toward a future career. For all of them, it demonstrates a lesson that lies at the heart of applied mathematics: mathematics is not only a body of knowledge, but also a powerful tool for understanding and shaping the world around us.
Dora Seleši
Head of Studies for Applied Mathematics
Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad
