[jboggan]

I will tell you that if you are looking to move into software and are currently "a couple of years" from finishing a math PhD you need to re-evaluate your chances of finishing your PhD. PhD's are difficult programs, especially in the final stages, and if you don't have a burning and overwhelming desire to do something that requires you to have that math PhD you are going to have a very difficult time finishing.

Go ahead and think right now how you can transition from grad school to being hired in software development 12 months from now. You're probably being paid to go to school right now so that makes it even easier. Start working on some open source projects, create a side project, get your GitHub account bouncing with meaningful commits.

PhD or no PhD you will need to demonstrate some finished projects to help you get hired at a good position.