If you are a student who is mathematically-minded, particularly gifted in, or even genuinely passionate about maths, there are several choices of career paths you can make. Each of these career paths can be considerably challenging, rewarding, and fulfilling, and each comes with its own pros and cons – including varying levels of stress and pressure, differences in annual salary, as well as the degree of difficulty in securing a role in that particular field or discipline.
But what are the most ideal career paths for a maths whizz to consider? Read on for some of the best mathematically-themed careers you can choose from, as well as a rundown of the characteristics and benefits of each one – and also what to expect from each role. Additionally, you will also find our top tips on how best to become professionally qualified to pursue each of these different types of mathematical professions.
Data Scientist
With data and the interpretation of information becoming both more necessary and more complex over time, Data Science as a field has never been more vital or lucrative for those with a mind to latch onto it. Ideal for any mathematics-loving student, Data Science is a lucrative, extremely sought-after, and highly in-demand profession – with annual salaries of between $98,000 to $150,000 Australian per annum, depending on experience and the nature of their degree, be it a Bachelor or a Masters.
But how does a maths student become professionally qualified for a career in Data Science? Well, for any student that is gifted in the area of mathematics and who is genuinely interested in a career in data analysis – a Masters of Data Science can be studied and obtained either online or via the more traditional methods of in-person teaching and learning at a university campus or other tertiary educational facility of choice. Degree courses such as these are perfect for those with a background in statistical analysis or mathematics, and most jobs will require you to have a very strong understanding of machine learning principles and coding languages such as Python.
Data Science is by no means an easy field, but with high earning potential and a considerable need for trained data science experts throughout the business landscape, it is certainly a lucrative and fascinating opportunity.
Maths Teacher, Tutor, University Lecturer or Professor, or Academic Researcher
Another very rewarding and fulfilling career path for any student who is passionate about mathematics is to follow the educational route. For example, pursuing a career as a maths teacher in either a high school or even a primary school can be incredibly enriching, as it can allow you to quite literally inspire the next generation of mathematical geniuses to share your passion and love for maths!
Alternatively, you may prefer to work in a tertiary educational institution – such as a university, TAFE, or institution of technology. Importantly, the job roles available within these types of educational facilities are varied – you may choose to become a university tutor, lecturer, or even a professor. You may even prefer to take the path of being an academic researcher within a maths discipline. PhD doctorate candidates, for example, are some of the most well-respected academics in the field of mathematics.
Architect, Structural Engineer, or Town Planner
It goes without saying that to be an architect, structural engineer, or town planner requires significant knowledge and understanding of mathematics. This includes practices such as algebra, calculus, and the fundamental principles of physics, each of which will be required to plan out and execute designs in a safe and reliable manner. Indeed, a person who pursues a career in the field of architecture or engineering will undoubtedly need to utilise all of their maths skills, knowledge, capabilities, and learnings acquired throughout their elementary and tertiary education at some point. Civil engineers or Town Planners, for example, will use algebra at least once a day every day in their daily lives on the job, as well as equations based on chemistry. Plus, with construction and development being an essential need of businesses across the globe, careers within this space can be highly varied and provide a considerable amount of freedom to those who decide to take the plunge. While architecture, engineering and town planning are obvious examples of maths-driven professions, analytical thinking and quantitative skills are equally important in technology-focused careers. Charles Sturt University offers a Bachelor of Information Technology that can help students build problem-solving and technical capabilities for careers in areas such as software development, cybersecurity and data analytics.
Financial Planner or Financial Advisor
Needless to say, to enter into the world of finance, you will also need to have a great interest in and natural flair for maths, mathematic equations, and indeed, anything math-related. A career in finance is also one that is heavily dependent on being well educated and qualified in the mathematical area of study and one which can be both challenging and rewarding for students who choose to pursue this type of career path. Of course, financial planning is also a very lucrative career, and many students who decide to put their maths skills to use to enable them to become financial planners or advisors do also share a decided and vested interest in money. For this specific route, a Masters in financial planning would be a more fitting degree.
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Mathematics is one of life’s most invaluable skills, offering you a wealth of options that are as lucrative as they are fascinating when it comes to your choice of career. By working in a mathematic field, you can ensure that your skills will practically always be highly sought after, allowing you a very desirable position when it comes to choosing the direction of your life. So, good luck starting your journey towards a career you can count on.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska: https://www.pexels.com/photo/hand-writing-mathematical-formulas-on-a-blackboard-6256258/
