Mathematics experts can explore a wide range of career opportunities in education, social sciences, finance, mathematics, and business. People who specialize in mathematics develop strong analytical skills. They are comfortable working with numbers, performing complex calculations, and using logic to inform recommendations for operational procedures.
If you’re planning to pursue a career in mathematics, you may want to consider these diverse professions.
Educator
Mathematics experts may opt to instruct students of all ages, although you may prefer focusing on middle school or high school students and teach math exclusively. Many students do not perform well in mathematics, and mathematics experts are uniquely qualified to teach this discipline. In addition to a degree in mathematics, you will need to be certified or licensed to teach in public schools.
You can also work as a tutor in mathematics. Mathematics tutors work with children of all ages. Those who specialize in high school mathematics may also work with students preparing to take standardized tests. Tutors play a crucial role in assisting students who struggle with math and wish to improve their academic performance.
Mathematics professors are postsecondary instructors who work with students pursuing their degrees. These education experts usually need a Ph.D. in their field, although they may begin their postsecondary teaching career with a master’s degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported mathematic science professors earned a median annual salary of $73,690 in 2019.
Investment Specialists
Mathematicians are ideal for careers that involve investments because they can assess risks, project returns, and perform complex calculations involving multiple variables. Investing is a complex process, and the goals of the investor must be considered. They understand the times interest earned ratio and how it affects their assessment of investing in different companies. Investment specialists understand how to evaluate relevant information about stocks, bonds, and shares and determine which investments are suitable for their clients.
Personal financial advisors work with individual clients. They recommend investments that will fulfill their investment goals. In some cases, personal financial advisors manage their client’s portfolios. In other cases, personal financial advisors also provide tax advice. They monitor the investments and produce reports for their clients.
Financial advisors are similar to personal financial advisors, but they manage the investment portfolio for the company they work for. Some specialize in hedge fund investments, while others focus solely on risk assessment. Financial advisors help companies with capital to invest in achieving their investment objectives.
According to the BLS, personal financial advisors earned median annual salaries of $87,850 in 2019, while financial analysts earned $81,590.
Mathematicians and Statisticians
Mathematics and statisticians took home median annual incomes of $105,030 and $91,160 in 2019, per the BLS. These mathematical experts typically need a master’s degree in mathematics or statistics.
Mathematicians and statisticians use their skills to help determine how to improve operational procedures or solve problems. Their skills may be utilized in manufacturing, design, engineering, healthcare, and business. The government also employs mathematicians and statisticians. Mathematicians and statisticians gather data, evaluate the data, and use data to inform their recommendations. They may perform calculations to produce statistical data or determine whether a new medication is effective.
Research Analysts
Market research analysts evaluate sales trends and use data to make projections. They work with sales and development staff to determine what products consumers want and how much they’re willing to pay for those items. They use polls, surveys, and sales reports to gather data, which they use to inform their recommendations. The BLS expects job opportunities for market research analysts to increase by 18% from 2019 to 2019, which is significantly higher than the 4% average job growth rate projected for all occupations.
Operations research analysts can also expect strong job growth in their field. The BLS projects openings for operations research analysts will increase by 25% from 2019 to 2029. The BLS indicated the median annual salaries for market research analysts and operational research analysts were $63,790 and $84,810 in 2019.
Like market research analysts, operations research analysts use their skills to gather and evaluate data. Their objective is to determine ways to eliminate problems or improve procedures. Their skills are in demand in several fields, including healthcare, business, manufacturing, and finance. Operations research analysts assess the problem or objective, determine what data they need to inform their recommendations, collect the data, and then evaluate it. Once they have completed these steps, they complete reports and make recommendations.
