How Important is Maths!?
You all must have studied maths at some point or the other. And it is one subject that has a lot of applications and is probably the most versatile subject ever! All students study maths till class 10 – and students are also given the option of studying higher maths in 11th and 12th with science, commerce, arts subjects.
In this video, we are going to discuss the future prospects of careers in maths – i.e., what career options you can go for if you have studied maths till class 12 or in graduation. We will also discuss the eligibility criteria for each of these careers.
Some of the major career options involving maths or that people with maths can opt for are:
- Computer Programmer
- Mathematician
- Statistician
- Professor
- Chartered Accountant
- Actuary
- Investment Manager
Let us discuss these one by one.
- Computer Programmer – the job of a computer programmer is to create codes that allow computer applications to run. For example – any gaming apps or social media apps that you might be using, are made by computer programmers. They make them run the way they run.
But knowledge of maths is also a plus point in this occupation – and counts as an advantage for applicants. Some topics from maths which are important for coding are algebra, statistics and calculus.
To become a computer programmer from a top college or university like IITs, NITs, etc, students have to study physics, chemistry, maths at the plus-two level and sit for the various engineering entrance examinations, like IIT-JEE.
Science graduates can also do MCA (Masters i n Computer Applications) or MSc (in computer science). - Mathematician – if you enjoy solving puzzles and have a good head for numbers, then this might be the right career for you!
The duties of a mathematician may vary depending on their field of work. However, they typically develop new mathematical theories, concepts, and rules in areas like geometry and algebra. They use these theories to solve problems in the sciences, business, and engineering fields. Mathematicians develop new theories, work on problems that nobody has ever solved before!
To become a mathematician, you should study maths compulsorily in 11th and 12th. After this, you should do a graduation in maths – preferred is Pure mathematics, like Maths honours. Followed by this, to be a renowned mathematician, you should also do a masters (Maths Majors) and then a PhD in maths. - Statistician – As the name suggests, statistician is a person dealing with statistics. A statistician is a professional who collects, verifies and interprets data. And then based on this data, statisticians take decisions and tell their clients on what next steps to take. So they don’t only collect data – they also make sense out of it.
To become a statistician, students should study maths in 11th and 12th. They should then go for a statistics degree or a degree in maths with statistics as a subject. To become a renowned statistician and for better growth, students are advised to also do a masters in statistics and M.Phil or a PhD.The following are the courses offered in India for becoming a statistician:
- Bachelor of Science-Honours (B. Sc-Hons.) Statistics
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Applied Statistics
- Bachelor of Statistics (B. Stat)
- M. Phil Statistics
- Master of Science Applied Statistics (M.Sc. Applied Statistics)
- Master of Science in Biostatistics (M. Sc. Biostatistics)
- Master of Science in Statistics (M.Sc. Statistics)
- Master of Statistics (M. Stat)
- Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics
- Post Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics
- Post Graduate Diploma in Statistics
- Certificate Course in Financial Statistics
- Diploma in Statistics
- Ph.D. Statistics
Statistician positions are available in both private and public sectors. Industry segments where statisticians are in demand include: education, healthcare and life sciences, pharmaceuticals, banking, finance and insurance, market and operational research, civil/government service, research and development, manufacturing and industrial, and consultancy firms.
- Professor – The job of a college professor is very prestigious! For becoming a maths professor in college, you need to study maths in 11th and 12th, followed by a graduation and masters degree and a PhD in maths.
- Chartered Accountant or CA – An accountant performs financial functions related to company, like calculating taxes, complying with govt regulations on businesses etc. To become a CA, you need to give CA CPT exam – Chartered Accountant Common Proficiency Test. Students can appear for this exam after their class 12.The exam is conducted twice a year, in the months of June and December.
CA CPT Exam Pattern
- Objective type examination
- 4 hours duration – 2 sessions of 2 hours each
- Total marks for the test are 200
- First Session (Morning session: 10.30 am to 12.30 pm)
- Section A – Fundamentals of Accounting (60 Marks)
- Section B – Mercantile Laws (40 Marks)>
- Second Session (Afternoon Session: 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm)
- Section C – General Economics (50 Marks)
- Section D – Quantitative Aptitude (50 Marks)
- Negative marking for incorrect answers.
To clear the CPT, a student has to obtain a total of 50% marks in all the papers together.
Students who pass this exam are eligible to go for second level of the course i.e. PCC (Professional Competency Course), followed by a final level.
After clearing all three, and some other criteria, the student is awarded the CA certification, and can go on to practice as a CA.
- Actuaries – An actuary is a business professional who deals with the measurement and management of risk and uncertainty, with respect to markets, trade and business. For becoming an actuary, you must have a strong knowledge of maths and a keen interest in statistics and probability.
The most common exam for pursuing actuarials in India is the Actuarials Common Entrance Test.To become a fully qualified actuarial from india you need to pass all the 15 exams that consists of:- CT series – 9 exams
- CA series- 3 exams
- ST series – 2 exams
- SA series – 1 exam
However, note that people who are giving exams for actuarials are also eligible to work in a company along-with preparation. Some companies do hire students with minimum 3 papers as well. As you keep giving and qualifying more and more papers, your post increases and your pay also increases.
Usually students pursuing actuarial science, get an undergraduate degree in Statistics.
However, people with other degrees who have Maths can also apply for the same.
- Investment manager – As the name suggests, investment managers provide financial advice and services to clients about investment matters – like buying and selling investment trusts and shares or bonds or commodities, to help these clients invest their money in the best places, so that their money grows the most.
Investment managers work with a lot of financial data and need to be capable of performing calculations and making earnings projections, so they need to have strong mathematical skills. They use spreadsheets and analytical software to perform their duties, so computer skills are also important.In addition to this, candidates should also have a good knowledge of economics and finance. So usually, students go for a Bachelor’s degree in financial management or economics and then an MBA (Masters in Business Management or Administration) for better job prospects.Mathematics is challenging, rewarding and fun. It is both logical and creative. Snails make their shells, spiders design their webs, and bees build hexagonal combs – all in the form of a mathematical equation. There are countless examples of mathematical patterns in nature’s fabric.Some of you might find maths challenging or boring, but let me tell you that it is good that you study maths – it helps you to develop analytical thinking. We can look for the best logic, see the possible solutions and relate the data we have to reach the conclusion.If you have any questions regarding this video, drop a comment.Stay tuned and happy learning!