Careers for the mathematically-minded
For anyone who loves math, there are high-paying careers waiting. We all know them. The people who can work a scientific calculator like no one else. The people who can tell you the payment on any principal amount money amortized over a given period of time at a given interest rate. The people who can create entire spreadsheets in minutes. The people who seem to have been born to calculate.
Not everyone has the ability to understand and apply math, but those who do have some valuable career options. Here are some of today’s most lucrative mathematical careers.
Actuary
Hands down, an actuary is the number-one career choice for a math buff. Actuaries are affiliated with insurance companies and other businesses that operate on the probability that certain events will happen. It’s a lot like predicting the future by basing the prediction on past performance. To become an actuary, college students normally major in business, statistics, or. According to the US Department of Labor, an actuary makes an average salary of about $83,000. It’s a great career choice for someone who loves math and statistics.
Marketing manager
Though it may sound odd, since marketing isn’t traditionally affiliated with math, there is a connection. Rather than predicting events involving people, marketing managers predict the performance of products and services. A marketing manager’s job is to create a viable plan for a company to introduce products, including the lifespan of the product and the curve of profitability the product will create. The Department of Labor reports the average salary of a marketing manager to be $118,100. Students interested in the field should focus on sales and marketing.
Accountant
At one time or another, most business owners need help from an accountant. Accountants provide financial information and can analyze the financial documents to offer the solutions to business problems. Accounting services include preparation of tax documents, statements for business start-ups and acquisitions, and growth and exit strategies. The Department of Labor reports the average accountant salary to be $68,000, but larger corporations can offer considerably higher compensation. Most accounting jobs require at least least a bachelor’s degree in the field.
Information technology
Computer languages, networks and systems are all based on numbers and call for a very analytical mind. IT workers handle the planning, implementation, and operations of all computer-related activities in a workplace. Due to the growth in technology, information-technology workers’ salaries average about $101,580 according to the Department of Labor. A career in information technology requires a degree in IT and computer science. Information technology is a constantly and rapidly changing field. People specializing in information technology can expect to have to periodically update their educations and work skills and add various certifications to their educational history.
Mathematical calculations at work
Being mathematically minded can provide much more than just a hobby. Today more than ever before, math skills can be parlayed into lucrative careers. Anyone who enjoys math and has the requisite skills should consider their options in the business world. Overall, math skills translate into top-paying career opportunities.
