Jobs for maths lovers

Jobs for maths lovers by Michael Cheary Do you have a strength in numbers?If you’re a numerical person, looking for a new career that combines your love of numbers with a rewarding profession can seem like a challenge. However, it needn’t be as difficult as you imagine to figure out the right formula.To help you make sure everything adds up (maths, see), here are some of the top jobs for maths lovers:AccountancyKeeping a record of accounts is essential for any business, regardless of industry. And by essential, we mean essential by law.Not only does this fact make Accountants absolutely vital for a modern business to function, it also means that good ones are in high demand.Basic duties will include tracking and examining company income and expenditure, running payroll, conducting audits and identifying financial risks. So if you have a passion for mathematics and a methodical approach to your work, this could be the perfect career for you.Will I need a degree? This is not a pre-requisite for entry level positions, although a good knowledge of standard accountancy practices probably will. An AAT level qualification will help you get there.Perfect for: People who like to make sure the numbers add up.Avoid if: You have a completely irrational fear of calculators.How to become an Accountant »How to become a Chartered Accountant »View all Accountancy jobs »ActuaryActuaries use their maths skills to analyse a range of data, in order to calculate the probability of something happening. They then use their findings to evaluate the eventual cost to a business, and how savings could be made should that scenario happen. To put it simply, they’re professional risk-assessors.Although traditionally seen as dealing with insurance and pension schemes, more and more businesses are now turning to actuaries to help prepare for every eventuality.Advanced maths skills are absolutely essential for those looking to become successful in this industry, as are excellent analysis skills and the ability to evaluate and convey complex information.(N.B. A cautious approach to your work may also help with this one)Will I need a degree? Most employers will expect a degree, although it may not necessarily have to be within mathematics.Perfect for: People who like to take risks (just as long as they know the pros and cons)Avoid if: You can’t stand contingency.View all Actuary jobs »ArchitectMaths and architecture go hand-in-hand like… well, two things which go surprisingly well together.OK, while that may not be a compelling argument, it’s almost impossible to separate the two disciplines, and mathematical proportions have been used to shape buildings for thousands of years.Just think of some of the world’s most famous buildings (the Great Pyramids at Giza, the Pantheon, the Gherkin, [insert other great building here]) and without the precision and exact mathematical proportions employed, they would be impossible to have built. At the very least, they’d be lopsided .Aside from maths skills, problem-solving and creative vision are definite necessities. What’s more, with the right level of training and some experience in the industry, Architecture can become one of the most lucrative mathematic careers there are.Will I need a degree? You’ll need five years training at university.Perfect for: People who have grand designs.Avoid if: You feel out of your depth in Ikea.How to become an Architect »View all Architect jobs »Financial AnalystWere you secretly worried whenever someone asked ‘When are we ever going to use this?’ in relation to your favourite subject? Talk to an Analyst.While an Accountants skills could be seen as indispensable for a business to function day-to-day, having a great Analyst could be the key to completely changing a company’s future.It’s an Analysts job to collect, evaluate and analyse financial information, and use the findings to make recommendations back to the business. This could range from where they could cut costs, right through to how they should be spending millions of pounds.(N.B. Ability to deal with high-pressure situations may help with this one)Will I need a degree? Most employers will expect a degree in a mathematic discipline.Perfect for: People who over-analyse everything.Avoid if: Decision making isn’t really your thing…View all Financial Analyst jobs »Odds CompilerOdds Compilers (also known as Odds Makers, Traders and Risk Analysts) work for betting companies and casinos, working out the likelihood of potential scenarios, and attributing values on them for consumers to place bets on.Although part of the job may be based on your in-depth knowledge of a particular subject, situation or sport, the position also owes a lot to maths. Without the numbers, all bets would essentially be off.Of course there are a number of other variables to account for, so experience can be key in this industry. But if you like the idea of a fast-paced job, where the goalposts change on a daily basis, this may be the career path for you.May the odds be forever in your favour…Will I need a degree? This will vary from employer to employer.Perfect for: People who know that house always wins/People who like the odds stacked against them.Avoid if: You’re not sure who William Hill is, but you think you might have gone to school with him.StockbrokerIf you’ve got a good head for figures, work well under pressure and have a real drive to succeed, this could be the mathematical career path for you.As a Stockbroker it would be your job to buy and sell stocks and shares on behalf of your clients, whether they’re private individuals or multinational corporations. There are a number of areas you could choose to specialise in, but the goal remains the same: ensuring maximum returns for your clients.If you’re not scared to take risks for big rewards, this could be the right role for you. However, contrary to what you see portrayed in the media, you don’t need to be compl etely ruthless to succeed in this industry (see also: suits with braces).Will I need a degree? A degree is preferred, but experience in a similar financial capacity could work as an entry-level requirement.Perfect for: People who like to buy low and sell high.Avoid if: You didn’t understand the last reference.How to become a Stockbroker »View all Stockbroker jobs »Honourable mentions: Bookkeeper, Economist, Engineer, Statistician, Maths Teacher, Primary School Teacher who really like maths.