Mathematics can be challenging for most people, but for those who have a passion for it, it is nothing but fun and rewarding. It is both creative and logical. And once you develop a knack for working with numbers, you will be amazed at what you can do with them.
It is a fairly flexible and transferable skill.
If you are excellent at mathematics, consider yourself lucky because there are plenty of lucrative career options for you in today’s job market. Whether you use your math skills and data science skillset to solve complex business problems or help individuals make investment decisions, there are numerous ways in which you can put your skills to great use in your career.
In this article, we explore some of the most popular career choices for those who excel in mathematics:
- FINANCIAL ANALYSTS
When businesses or individuals need to make important investment decisions, they often seek the help of a financial analyst. Financial analysts monitor market trends and the performance of different bonds, stocks, and other investments so that they can help their clients make smart investment decisions. They help businesses build their financial portfolio as well as manage and report on the performance of their investments. A bachelor’s degree, with a major in finance, economics, or statistics, is a minimum requirement for most financial analyst jobs.
- INSURANCE UNDERWRITER
Insurance underwriters are responsible for analyzing and evaluating the risks of insuring different assets or people. They work with large amounts of data to determine the probability and amount of claims over a policy’s lifetime. It helps insurance companies decide whether they should offer an insurance plan or not. They also help set suitable rates for insurance policies – rates that are competitive yet profitable for the insurance provider.
If you are wondering how to become an insurance underwriter, a bachelor’s degree in finance or business discipline is the minimum requirement with a few years of relevant experience. Additional certifications are also required for most senior positions.
- MATHEMATICIANS
Mathematicians are responsible for finding solutions to business problems by analyzing facts and figures. They use various statistical models and techniques to interpret data and derive useful information from it. This information is then communicated in the form of reports explaining the calculations and conclusions so that it can be used for decision-making. Mathematicians need to stay updated on the latest mathematical developments and research to provide a high level of service to their employers.
- ECONOMISTS
An economist collects and analyzes data about the production of goods and services and the available resources to determine economic trends and market conditions. Their work revolves around areas such as healthcare, employment, energy production, interest rates, exchange rates, taxes, and inflation.
Economists research economic issues, use statistical and mathematical techniques to interpret financial data, and provide advice to organizations. Most positions require a master’s degree or Ph.D. to qualify.
- BANKING
Students with expert level math skills can find a range of opportunities in the banking sector, with the option to specialize in areas like shares and bonds, privatization, mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings (IPOs), and lending. The work of banking professionals revolves around market research, finding new ways to create business opportunities, and developing innovative solutions for clients. Most banking roles require a degree in finance to qualify.
- ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH ROLES
Academic and research roles are a popular choice for students with a mathematics background. Teaching can be a rewarding career option for those who have a passion for transferring their love for numbers to others.
Teaching jobs in most countries require you to hold a teaching qualification. It is usually not too difficult to obtain and is even subsidized in some countries. If you wish to become a university-level teacher, a postgraduate degree is generally required. Other than teaching, there is a wide range of research roles for those who want to drive the next batch of mathematical discoveries.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The world could never survive without mathematicians. It is a career path that has been around forever and, surprisingly, one that continues to grow in importance with time. Careers that require a firm grasp of mathematics are some of the most rewarding career options out there today based on their pay levels, growth prospects, and job security. So, if you have a head for numbers, it is time you use it to your advantage when choosing your career path – you will not regret it.
