There comes a point when every homework-weary teenager throws up their hands and declares: “What’s the point?! I’m never going to use maths outside of school”. As usual, it’s on parents to keep them motivated, and one way to do that is to answer another question: “what careers use maths?”.
The key word here is opportunity. Maths opens doors to a huge variety of careers, some of which are lucrative. Now, first thing that springs to mind when it comes to maths careers are things like engineering and banking, but what if your child isn’t interested in those fields? The good news is that the logical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills you learn while studying maths are highly valued by many employers. In fact, almost all industries, from science and technology to business, retail, and healthcare, build on the maths skills learned in secondary school.
Can maths help you earn more?
One great piece of news for anyone interested in careers involving maths is that there are a lot of well-paying jobs available.
In the UK, maths is the third-highest-paying degree, with salaries for maths graduates ranging from £52,500–£82,500. However, the top two highest-paying degrees – medicine and finance, also rely heavily on maths skills.
High demand for people who work with numbers translates to higher salaries, and it’s no secret that graduates with STEM-related degrees are highly sought after in today’s job market. What’s more, thanks to the growing importance placed on technology, big data, and economic efficiency across all sectors, expert number crunchers are expected to remain in high demand for years to come.
So which industries and jobs need maths?
Let’s look at several industries and careers that rely heavily on solid mathematical knowledge and skills.
INSURANCE
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Actuary
Actuaries are essential to the insurance industry, and they need expert skills in statistics, modelling software, and business. Actuaries will analyse and forecast the financial costs of risk and uncertainty. They use maths, statistics, and financial theories to predict the likelihood of future risks, and help businesses and clients develop policies to reduce the cost and impact of those risks.
FINANCE
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Accountant
Accountants examine financial records and prepare financial documents for businesses, statutory bodies, charities, firms, and individuals. They are responsible for the accuracy of the documents they create, and any mistakes could lead to significant legal and financial costs for their clients. As well as generic roles, accountants can specialise in certain field such as auditing, tax accountancy, and forensic accountancy.
Other finance roles using maths include: Economist, stockbroker, Foreign exchange trader
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
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iOS/Android software developer
iOS and Android are the operating systems that run all our mobile devices, such as smartphones, iPads, and tablets. Software engineers design and develop the software that keeps those mobile devices running, and they’re also involved in creating and maintaining many of the apps that run on both operating systems.
Other digital technology roles using maths include: Algorithms engineer, Data scientist
DIGITAL MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA
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Social media manager
Social media managers help businesses and organisations social media platforms to sell products, build brand awareness and connect with their audience. It’s a varied role that involves everything from developing a social media strategy, to creating content and running ads. Monitor the performance of content and advertising campaigns using data from the platforms and using data on the audience to plan targeted campaigns.
Other digital marketing roles using maths include: Digital marketing manager, Google Ads Manager, Website designer
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
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Software developer
Software developers have overarching responsibility for the development of software programmes such as Windows, Google chrome, and Skype. They analyse the user’s needs, then design, test, and develop software that meets those needs. Some software developers will specialise in specific areas of software, such as application software (the apps we have on our mobile devices), and systems software (the systems that keep our computer running).
Other I.T. roles using maths include: Cryptanalyst, Information security consultant
HEALTHCARE
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Medical scientist
Medical scientists are fundamental to global healthcare. That’s because they study the cause of diseases and develop ways to treat them. In their daily work, medical scientists will plan and conduct experiments to increase the body of scientific knowledge on topics related to medicine, such as clinical trials to new drugs and treatments or to improve existing ones. For example, a medical scientist in the field of cancer research may experiment with different combinations of drugs to identify which is most effective at slowing the progress of a particular cancer.
Other finance roles using maths include: Doctor, Epidemiologist
SCIENCE
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Meteorologist
Have you ever watched a weather report on the TV? That’s meteorology – but the role involves far more than just presenting the weather. Meteorologists study weather conditions using data collected from weather stations, radar, remote sensors, and satellite images across the globe. They use that data to produce forecasts. To do this job, you’ll need excellent IT skills, as well as strong skills in analysing and interpreting complex mathematical data.
Other roles include: Chemist, Geoscientist, Biologist, Climatologist, Marine Scientist
DATA ANALYTICS
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Data analyst
These professionals use advanced mathematical and analytical methods to help businesses investigate complex issues, identify, and address inefficiencies. Data analysts employ statistical tools to interpret data sets and prepare reports that effectively communicate patterns, trends, and predictions. Once completed, these reports help senior executive and directors to make strategic, data-driven decisions about their businesses.
Other data analytics roles using maths include: market research analyst, statistician
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
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Animator
Watch the credits of any Disney Pixar film and you’ll see that it includes animators. Animators create sequences of multiple images (called frames) that create the illusion of movement when played rapidly in sequence. Unsurprisingly, the digital revolution has seen an explosion of career opportunities in animation – in areas such as film, television, and video games. Now obviously, artistic skills are a must for this job, but an animator also needs knowledge of applied maths so they can, for example, work out aspects of geometric figures when dealing with objects that move and change.
Other arts roles using maths include: Sound engineer
There are plenty more careers where maths is used on a daily basis – teachers, architect, engineers, and air traffic controllers are just a roles we didn’t have time to discuss. Hopefully, this article has reignited your child’s passion for maths and helped them understand the opportunities that maths can bring.
George Alexander Tuition is a London-based maths tuition service providing 1-1 tutoring for children aged 11-18. We support all milestone maths exams, from 11+ to A-Level, and offer bespoke home-learning packages. You can contact us on info@gatuition.com, and you can also find us on Instagram and YouTube.
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