While the subject of Mathematics is believed to be difficult, boring, and dead-end by many students in their teens, we would like to point out that, Mathematics is also one of the highest paying careers in the world.
So if you’re aiming to hit the career jackpot that includes a handsome salary, is mentally stimulating, and is an exclusive niche, before you are 30, concentrating on Mathematics as a subject is not a bad idea at all.
On the contrary of being called a “dead-end”, Mathematics is one of the most exciting careers one can choose. It is so exciting, that even Dan Brown based all his mysteries novels on history, mathematics, and science.
Also how cool is it to be able to juggle numbers and weird symbols that only some can understand? Exactly.
Putting to rest the unpopular notion of mathematics being a non-glamorous field, Mindler is here with the 5 most lucrative careers in the field of mathematics for all Mathletes.
Top 5 Careers in Mathematics
1. Data Scientist
Data Science is an interdisciplinary field that works in tandem with scientific theories, processes, and algorithms to extract useful data and insights out of unstructured, raw data. The extracted data is then used across a wide range of applications.
A data scientist gathers big data, analyses large sets of structured and unstructured data by using the combined knowledge of computer science, mathematics, and statistics. A part of the job profile is also to interpret data and create reports to form plans for companies and organizations, using sources such as smartphones, news, social media, etc.
To pursue a career in data science, aspirants must plan accordingly from their 10+2 education. Choosing the right stream from the primary step is essential for this career.
A secondary education certification in Mathematics, or Science will help you enroll in graduate courses for Data Science. Today, we have a lot of options when it comes to pursuing a degree to become a data scientist.
Degrees like B.Sc Data Science, Bachelors in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physical Sciences are perfect choices for embarking on a career like Data Science.
2. Software Developer
Another well-paying career choice, that is very popular among professionals, and is in high demand these days, is that of a Software Developer. They are usually hired to work in large multinationals, and industries such as information technology, finance, computer systems design, and manufacturing.
The primary role of a software developer is to analyze the needs and requirements of the customers, and design user-friendly, cost-effective applications to facilitate them.
They use their theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and technical creativity to carry out innovative plans and develop applications well suited to their clients. Their secondary role is to look for bugs or errors, and perform quality tests on the pre-exisiting software to avoid future loss of data, and employee productivity as well as create final reports, and reviewing the application.
A career in software development is a perfect fit for candidates with excellent collaboration and analytical skills, who are adept at communicating their ideas and enjoy thinking out of the box.
A degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or Data Science, is recommended to go forward with a career in software development.
3. Economist
Economics is an elite career path and an evergreen, utilitarian subject with a high demand for skilled professionals at national as well as international levels.
In layman’s terms, an economist is an expert in studying the relationship between resources, their production, and output. They study this relation at the community, national and global level.
The role of an economist is to analyze economic data, including economic indicators for the country such as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) along with consumer survey results. Economists also conduct in-depth research on the distribution, accessibility, and horizon, popularity of goods and services, to help identify forthcoming trends and make economic decisions accordingly.
Additionally, Economists are needed for budgeting and financial planning, by targeting segments and special sectors of the economy, to create plans of action for businesses as well as the country.
Their insights into the market cycle and forecasts for job market growth are valued to help companies take administrative decisions.
An aspiring economist must have a degree in economics, mathematics, business economics, and related fields. Choosing humanities with maths is recommended for students in their 10+2, interested in the field.
Recommended Read: Humanities With Maths: Is It the Right Stream Combination for You?
4. Mathematician
Looking for an exclusive niche, not accessible to everyone? In 2018, 2,900 jobs were held by Mathematicians, in the job market.
Love Maths? Then this career is for you! Mathematicians are professionals who use high-level mathematical theories, computational techniques, algorithms, and computer technology to solve scientific, engineering, physics, or economical problems for businesses, or the government.
A part of their job description is to develop new mathematical theories, do research for new findings, in the field of Mathematics, understand existing theories, and decipher the relationships between known and unknown principles to solve real-world problems using Mathematics.
A career in mathematics, allows professionals to choose their expertise. They have a choice between theoretical and applied mathematics.
While theoretical mathematics deals with identifying unexplained issues in mathematics and resolving them, applied mathematics deals with using existing theories and algorithms to solve practical problems.
To pursue a career in mathematics, one must have a passion for problem-solving, evolving and expounding theories, communicating, and creating new solutions.
A bachelor’s, master’s, and preferably a post-doctoral degree are recommended to become a mathematician, along with strong analytical skills and mental ability.
Recommended Read: Love Maths? One Of These 8 Careers Could Be Perfect For You!
5. Medical Scientist
Why choose between Science and Mathematics, Medical and Engineering? Go for the high-flying career of a medical scientist instead!
A medical scientist researches and develops theories, and antidotes, to contribute to the field of medicine, to better human life. The profession requires being in charge of newly developed drugs, vaccines, as well as managing drug delivery systems, and coming up with innovative solutions and therapeutic methods to enhance existing medical techniques.
The career requires a lot of training, research, and education. Candidates are required to complete their Ph.D. before gaining employment in the industry as qualified professionals.
However, for a person with a zeal for the subject, a career as a medical scientist is full of new opportunities and an exciting journey.
To become a medical scientist, aspirants must choose Physics, Chemistry, Biology, in their 10+2, and graduation. Choosing mathematics on the side is recommended for gaining a better understanding of the course.
Conclusion
Mathematics offers many lucrative opportunities for students. The field is still a relatively unexplored territory for many, and thus we are here to help you!
Mindler is an ed-tech organization that provides career counseling services to students of class VIII to students planning to pursue higher education. We aim to guide students towards their suited career paths with an in-depth assessment, research, and analysis.
An exciting career in mathematics awaits you, with Mindler’s Career Counseling Online.