Beyond Numbers: Scope of Mathematics

According to Proclus, a famous mathematician, “Whatever there is a number, there is beauty.” Proclus was passionate about numbers and he loved mathematics. For him, numbers were his first love. Are you also passionate about numbers like him? But are you not totally sure about the scope of Mathematics?

Today many rewarding careers involve dealing with numbers. For some professions, number-crunching may not be the key task but dealing with numbers could be one of the most important foundations.

You must be wondering which ones?

For Data Scientists, Actuaries, and Financial Analysts, number crunching is a core task. However, for Mechanical Engineers, the use of Mathematics for design and manufacturing is needed but number crunching is not a core task. Thus, the scope of mathematics and the opportunities within this career field are unlimited.

A career in Mathematics today has a lot of options. In many fields such as Social Sciences, Medicine, Engineering and Natural science, etc. Mathematics is considered as a significant tool. It is used for solving business problems, scientific problems, and economic problems.

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Across various industries, a career in Mathematics in India opens up plenty of opportunities. Read about the following career options to understand the scope of Mathematics.

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are specialists who use Mathematical and Statistical methods, computer modelling and software to extract knowledge and information from structured (such as a database in MS-Excel or SQL) or structured data (such as written text, images, and videos).

Data can be anything from population data and personal income data of Indians to images, video, and GPS data. Data Scientists use models or formulas to analyze a very large pool of data to derive useful information and insights. There is a huge scope of mathematics principles in Data Science.

Using such information and insights decisions are taken in business and in day to day life. For example, a business can analyze consumer buying habits and purchase data to decide what should be the features of a new product which would have a high chance of acceptance by a group of customers.

Google map analyses a humongous amount of real-time GPS data to tell you out of the many alternative routes which would be the fastest route to reach your destination and would tell you the ETA (Expected Time of Arrival). Data Science is a very prospective career in Mathematics now.

• Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or in a similar field followed by a Master’s degree or a Diploma in Data Science/ Data Analytics/ Business Analytics. You can do a Master’s degree in Statistics/ Applied Statistics/ or in a similar field too. A B.Tech. in Data Science and Engineering /a B.Tech. in Computer Science & Engineering with a specialization in Data Science is a very good option too.

• Salary bracket: Rs. 3.5 – 9 lakh or even more a year at the beginning of your career

Actuary

Actuaries analyze statistical data like mortality rates, injuries, birth rates, retirement rates, etc. to figure out the probability of their occurrences and the costs associated with each event. Actuaries have to deal with risks. Actuaries also have to create new policies for people and firms to minimize the risks associated and also the financial effects of these given scenarios.

Actuary is one of the most sought out careers in Mathematics in India and those who have comparatively high command over Mathematics are most likely to be successful in this career. Thus, the scope of Mathematics in this field of work is immense.

• Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics or Actuarial Science, or in a field related to Finance. A Fellow Membership of the Institute of Actuaries of India is essential for becoming an Actuary in India. You can get a good job also with an Associate Membership of the institute.

• Salary bracket: Rs. 3 – 5 lakh a year at the beginning of your career

Mathematician

Mathematicians can be of two types: theoretical and applied ones. Theoretical Mathematicians develop new principles of Mathematics and try to find new developments in the existing ones. Applied Mathematicians apply the concepts of Mathematics to solve bigger problems in Economics, Scientific, and Engineering domains.

In order to understand the scope of Mathematics in India, one must also understand the fact that becoming a Mathematician requires immense expertise in all the fundamental theories and principles of Mathematics. Students who wish to pursue a career in Mathematics in India must consider becoming a Mathematician.

• Qualification: A Ph.D. in mathematics is the most desired educational requirement. If you want to avail yourself the full scope of Mathematics, then you may do well to acquire a Ph.D. degree.

• Salary bracket: Rs. 6.5 – 7.5 lakh a year or even more at the beginning of one’s career

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Statistician

Statisticians make use of Statistical and Mathematical theories to collect, decode, and interpret numerical inputs and hence provide usable information. Statistics is applied in a wide range of work. For example, Statistics can be used to learn how new products might be accepted or how safe they are even before they are sold.

The scope of Mathematics is expanding by leaps and bounds as more and more students are showing their interest in the field of Statistics.

• Qualification: A Master’s degree in Statistics or Mathematics is the minimum requirement, but research and academic jobs generally require a Ph.D.

• Salary bracket: Rs. 6.5 – 7.5 lakh a year or even more at the beginning of one’s career

Astronomer

Astronomers primarily use principles of Physics and Mathematics to understand the working of the universe and contribute to research and breakthrough experiments. A student who wants to pursue a career in this field and is interested in exploring the scope of Mathematics can consider becoming an Astronomer.

• Qualification: A Ph.D. in the field of Astronomy is necessary.

• Salary bracket: Rs. 7 – 8 lakh a year or even more at the beginning of one’s career

Meteorologist

Meteorologists study the physical features and motions and behaviors of various processes of the earth and its atmosphere. They are involved in explaining, understanding, observing or forecasting the earth’s atmospheric phenomena and/or how the atmosphere affects the earth and life on the planet.

Thus, a student who wishes to explore a career in Mathematics in India can pursue meteorology. Meteorology comes within the scope of Mathematics.

• Qualification: A B.Sc. in Meteorology or a Bachelor’s in Mathematics both are sufficient to get into Meteorology.

• Salary bracket: Rs. 7 – 8 lakh a year or even more at the beginning of one’s career

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Economist

Economics is increasingly becoming a numerical science, given that the job of an Economist is to identify problems and solutions within the requisite distribution and production of goods and services such as land, labor and raw materials. They have to research, analyze and monitor prevailing economic conditions and predict likely economic conditions.

Thus, a career as an Economist is one of the most preferred careers in mathematics in India. Moreover, to go beyond and understand the unlimited scope of mathematics, you can take up higher studies like Ph.D.

• Qualification: Corporate jobs require a minimum of an M.A. or M.Sc. in Economics. However, possessing a Ph. D. is in economics most desirable.

• Salary bracket: Rs. 3 – 7 lakh a year or even more at the beginning of one’s career

Physicist

The scope of Mathematics is wide in almost every field of science, including Physics. One of the most attractive careers in Mathematics in India is actually in the role of a Physicist. A physicist is a scientist who specializes in the field of physics. The field of physics encompasses the integration of matter and energy at all length and time scales.

Physicists perform experiments to conduct research and then to develop various theories related to nature and its laws, energy, motion. Etc. A career as a Physicist is mostly preferred by those who wish to get into research and experiments. Therefore, a student can explore various careers in Mathematics through higher studies in Physics.

• Qualification: A doctoral degree (Ph.D.) would be an advantage although some jobs require a minimum of an M.Sc. in Physics.

• Salary bracket: Rs. 6 – 7.5 lakh a year or even more at the beginning of one’s career

Engineer

Engineers are creators of novel and better products and services, be it electronics, software or computer products. They have to be aware and upbeat about technological advancements taking place across the globe. Engineering comes within the scope of Mathematics as a field of careers.

To pursue a career in Mathematics, many students prefer getting a degree in Engineering and gain expertise in their field of interest.

• Qualification: A college degree in Engineering with specialization in any stream, along with courses in Engineering Mathematics and Engineering Physics.

• Salary bracket: Rs. 3 – 10 lakh a year or even more at the beginning of one’s career

Market Researcher

Market Researchers are involved in inspecting the market conditions to analyze the potential sales of a product or service. They conduct various polls and surveys to understand factors that will affect the sale of a particular product. This is a key job necessarily required prior to any new product launch.

If you are looking for a career in mathematics, then Market Researcher could be a great career choice. This career option is included in the scope of mathematics in India as a number of Mathematics enthusiasts are opting for a career as a Market Researcher.

• Qualification: A bachelor’s degree would pretty much suffice for any research job, but a master’s degree is usually required for technical positions.

• Salary bracket: Rs. 3 – 10 lakh a year or even more at the beginning of one’s career

Mathematics or Science Professor

If you are interested to pursue a career in Mathematics in India but are also interested in teaching secondary students or college students, then you must consider becoming Mathematics or Science Professor.

Generally, as a science professor, you would be involved in teaching various subjects like Engineering Mathematics, Calculus, random processes, etc. Thus, a career in Mathematics in India can be pursued by becoming a Mathematics or professor.

• Qualification: A doctorate (Ph.D.) degree is essential.

• Salary bracket: Rs. 6.5 – 7.5 lakh a year or even more at the beginning of one’s career

Accountant/Auditor

An Accountant generally prepares financial reports to help managers in business or executives working for the government. As Accounting requires a lot of number crunching, it is included in the scope of Mathematics. Students who are passionate about numbers and wish to explore the scope of Mathematics can go for this career field.

• Qualification: Generally, a graduation degree in business or a chartered accountant qualification would be advantageous.

• Salary bracket: Rs. 6 – 7.5 lakh a year or even more at the beginning of one’s career

What skills are developed by studying Mathematics?

The Scope of Mathematics is extensive in developing various skills that could be useful for various occupations. These skills act as foundations to solve complex problems in many areas of business.

• Critical Thinking: Skills in an analysis of complex situations, using logic and reasoning to understand the situations and take appropriate actions or make interpretations and inferences.

• Problem Solving: Skills in analysis and understanding of problems, evaluating various options to solve the problems, and using the best option to solve the problems.

• Analytical Thinking: Skills in solving problems quickly and effectively using visual thinking ability.

• Quantitative Reasoning: Skills in applying and understanding basic and elementary mathematics concepts for solving reasoning problems quantitatively.

• Time management: Skills in prioritizing work, managing time effectively.

• Logical Argument and Illogical Argument: Skills in analyzing logical and illogical errors. In reasoning, logic is a method that supports a conclusion that is true and on the other hand, illogical is a method that supports a conclusion that is false.

In Conclusion

If numbers intrigue you the most and working with formulas and tables is exciting, then choose from the list of careers discussed. For some, Math might be a lot of fun. Formulas, equations, roots, thetas, and calculators might be your friends. So, if you are inclined towards mathematics and solving sums is your passion, you can make a career out of it.

To all the “math geeks” out there, you can use those skills and just plain get paid well and still have the job satisfaction to do what you love the most.

The scope of mathematics is still largely untapped in India as most math lovers are still unaware of its prospects and how it can be pursued. Most students who are looking for a career in mathematics can go for any of the above choices if they feel they are highly competitive with numbers.

Find out how career guidance and expert career planners can help you make selecting courses suitable for you. 

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