Maths might be the key to landing your dream job
You might think maths skills lead to a career as a mathematician or a maths teacher, and while that might be true, you probably haven’t stopped to think of just how many other fascinating, highly sought after careers have maths embedded deep in their heart. So if your students need some inspiration and motivation, here are a few dream jobs that might lay in their future if they develop a solid foundation in mathematics. Never let it be said that maths is boring!
Rollercoaster designer
Skills in physics and geometry are essential for designing coasters. From determining the building materials to the shape of the coaster and the speeds and G forces that are safe for passengers to reach, it all depends on getting your sums spot on!
Animator
You might think that a career as an animator is all about being creative, and while that may be the case, animators also require skills in Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry and Calculus. Maths skills are essential when creating figures that move and change.
Professional photographer
We might be living in a digital world these days, but photographers still need math skills to calculate a number of settings for their cameras, including aperture, shutter speed and focal length. Photograph composition often requires the rule of thirds.
Pilot
Pilots use maths in a variety of ways, depending on the type of aircraft they fly. Pilots need to have a sound understanding of geometry and physics and could be required to calculate anything from the speed and distance of their descent to how much fuel they need to complete their journey.
Game designer
While playing games is a pleasure, designing them takes a great deal of mathematical skill. A knowledge of statistics is required so the designer can create the statistical likelihood of all events in the game. Linear algebra helps designers understand vector spaces in a 3D model of a video game in production. Geometry allows the designer understands how shapes can be created by a computer algorithm.
Astronaut
Astronauts’ lives depend on getting their sums right. They need strong skills in Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra. Their maths abilities are needed to determine a range of factors like speed, distance and velocity. And remember, when astronauts are flying to another destination in space, it’s a destination that’s in motion, outside of our atmosphere. So just stop and think about how many layers of complexity that adds to such a task!
Forensic Scientist
Maths comes into play when a forensic analyst is analysing the shape and pattern of blood stains to determine the direction and force of the blow that injured the victim. Maths skills can help determine the type of weapon used and where the victim was when the blow was delivered. Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Calculus and Statistics all come into play in such a role.
Doctor
Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus , Statistics and Probability all play a part in the working lives of physicians. From writing patients’ prescriptions to calculating medicine dosages or interpreting CAT scans, maths is right at the heart of being a Doctor.
What other jobs can you think of that rely on mathematics? Share them in the comments!