When AMSI attended the Age Careers Expo, we faced one common question over the four day period: how can mathematics lead to an interesting, viable and successful career?
Or rather, as the question was often put: How can you really use mathematics in everyday life?
The answer is, actually: quite easily. You only need to take a look at our Maths: Make Your Career Count series to see how mathematics is used everyday by people with a range of interesting careers. From nurse to guitar maker and even a zoo keeper, everyone we interviewed agreed that even a basic level of mathematical understanding helps you in everyday life, even when you’re not consciously thinking about it.
But for those with a stronger passion for mathematics, who want to be activity engaged with numbers and formulas everyday, there are a range of career options available. And not are they only available, but careers in mathematics are on the rise – with a generous salary to match. In fact, mathematician was recently named the number one job to have in 2014 according to a Jobs Rated report from CareerCast.com.
CareerCast.com rated mathematician as the top job for 2014. Image via math.byu.edu
For those wanting to gain a better idea about the possible roles for a mathematician, the Department of Education Job Guide is a great place to start. The Guide some great profiles on mathematicians, actuaries and statistician – perhaps the three most popular job roles for those with a mathematical interest. Each profile details a short summery of the job, what kind of tasks you can expect within each career, the different routes of specialization, personal attributes which are well suited to the role, and related fields of work.
You can read a summery describing the job of a mathematician here, which also includes some great information on the difference between applied and pure mathematics. As the Guide states, “mathematicians apply and develop mathematical principles to solve problems in all areas of the sciences, technology, social sciences, business, industry and commerce.” Specialist areas also include analytics, modeling and programming.
There’s also the profile on statisticians, for those who are interested in a role which allows them to “design and apply statistical techniques for creating, collecting and analysing data to draw conclusions, inform decision-making and direct policy within areas such as science, technology, medicine, education, business, finance and government.”
And finally there’s always actuaries, who “analyse mathematical, statistical, demographic, financial and economic data in order to predict and assess the long-term risks involved in financial decisions and planning.”
Be sure to have a look and see where a career in mathematics can take you.
