Education & Career Trends: October 29, 2024
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
Content Credit:
- Article by Electra Nanou, published on makeuseof.com.
Math is quite a versatile skill to have, as it fits into almost any career. The tech industry, in particular, has some of the most lucrative jobs for mathematicians. If you understand and can easily apply math to any situation, your suitable career options are just as varied. And with technology being the hottest industry around, it’s an exciting direction to go in, whether you’re interested in software, AI, fintech, or something else.
Find what field speaks to you the most and whether your credentials fit the bill. If not, do what you can to boost your résumé with certifications and experience. Even when starting from a completely different career, you can achieve that dream tech job—it may just take a bit more time and work.
Here are the best technology career paths you can pursue as a math expert and what makes you an ideal candidate. All of them require the same foundation, but some ask for specific capabilities and mindsets.
1. Mechanical Engineer
- Learning about machines and designing them involves several technological branches, from engines to electronics and HVAC.
- And a mechanical engineer needs math to work out how to create different products and ensure they function properly.
- To apply for this kind of job, a relevant degree is essential, as well as proficiency in calculus, algebra, and statistics, at the very least.
- How much math you’ll use depends on your chosen mechanical engineering path.
2. Computer Programmer
- The language of computers is pure math.
- This close link means you can’t thrive in programming without a good grasp of mathematics.
- To be exact, you must be proficient in binary and discrete mathematics alongside your typical algebra, statistics, and calculus.
3. Software Engineer
- The math you need varies from job to job, but a basic knack for solving problems and learning programming languages like Python, C#, and SQL is a must.
- Specific math knowledge you should have includes big-O notation, conditional logic, probability, and analysis.
- Of course, the broader and higher your expertise, the more you’ll be able to do when designing and troubleshooting software.
4. Machine Learning Engineer
- Data, matrices, and vectors are key parts of this technological career, which you can take in many different directions, whether practical or research-based.
- But what a machine learning engineer does for most businesses is automate processes.
- For example, a client may want to instantly sort through information that would normally take forever or perform actions like responding to customers or allocating tasks to workers.
- The math expert that’s perfect for AI-related roles has linear algebra, statistics, and calculus under their belt.
- An even better skillset includes knowledge of data analysis, R and Python programming languages, and machine learning algorithms.
5. Blockchain Developer
- Blockchain is one of the most exciting fields to be in.
- What you do as a blockchain developer is code and process algorithms on a decentralised ledger system, typically related to finance.
- The math required relates to programming, analysis, and cryptography with a particular emphasis on elliptic curve digital signature algorithms.
- It’s specialised mathematics for a special career.
6. Data Analyst
- If you’re a math expert and like working with data, this is a good job for you.
- Since the whole point of data analysis is to understand and manage patterns of raw data for the benefit of clients, you have to come to terms with subjects like artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- The mathematical part demands that you hone your skills in linear algebra, calculus, statistics, probability, and overall problem-solving.
7. Data Architect
- Instead of analysing data, you could build a company’s entire framework that will then store, integrate, and process that data.
- This infrastructure affects the efficiency and security of any organisation, so data architecture is an important role expected to grow in demand.
- Your math needs to be exceptional in order to keep up with the demands of the job, which relies heavily on arithmetic, algebra, calculus, and statistics.
- The more numeric expertise you bring to the table, the better your prospects.
8. Data Modeler
- Data modelling demands the same high level of applied mathematics as any other career in this tech field.
- Once in it, however, the challenges and rewards can be very satisfying.
- In short, data analysts, architects, and modelers often work together to study, develop, and manage the flow and structure of an organisation’s big data.
- It’s the modeler’s job to design and care for databases so as to streamline the flow of information and represent it in a clear and constructive way.
9. Financial Analyst
- A business’s finances generate data, too, which can be of most use when someone keeps track of it and knows how to turn it to their advantage.
- That’s what a financial analyst is for: assess where the client stands and what steps they should take next for better investments and overall profit.
- A strong degree in finance, economics, accounting, or mathematics is key.
- To become a successful financial analyst, you must be able to quickly make sense of numbers, create sound monetary plans, and communicate them well.
10. Auditor
- Analysing financial information is part of an auditor’s job as well, but the difference is that they do it to ensure the client is processing their funds effectively, lawfully, and securely.
- Countering hacks and scams is as important as building a client base and positive reputation, something which an auditor can help with by finding inconsistencies in customer payments, for example.
- All-in-all, for a smooth auditing career, you should have qualifications in accounting, know applied mathematics, and be as efficient with accounting software as possible, ideally for different business sizes and needs.
11. Statistician
- Like financial analysts and auditors, statisticians can work in all sorts of companies to study and interpret data in useful ways.
- Their expertise is in statistical theory and everything that comes with it.
- This includes standard math, from calculus to probability, and computer science, considering most auditing today happens through digital systems.
- You need an aptitude for math and IT—not to mention a sharp eye for detail, if you’re to find enlightening patterns in all those data reports.
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Have you checked out yesterday’s blog yet?
Igniting the Joy of Learning with AI
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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