Not every child dreams of becoming a mathematician or a maths teacher – and that’s perfectly okay. But before they write off maths completely, they might be surprised to learn that it’s a crucial part of some of the coolest jobs out there!
Whether they want to explore space, design video games, or even become a social media influencer, maths plays a bigger role than they might think. When kids see the real-world impact of numbers, patterns, and problem-solving, they start to see maths as exciting, relevant, and even fun.
Karen Taylor-Brown, Publisher of Careers with STEM magazine, says the single biggest thing we can do to encourage young people to stick with maths is to showcase the relevance of maths, and the people that use maths in all sorts of careers.
“How often do you hear students say, ‘when am I ever going to need this in the real world’? The truth is, maths is everywhere in our lives, we just can’t always see it. And the same goes for people working in these fields. It’s maths experts who are often working behind the scenes to make systems work – from the energy we use when we flick on the kettle, to preventing disease, to the train we catch to work or uni. And the world needs more people who understand maths to make sure we can solve the big challenges of our time.”
World Maths Day
With World Maths Day happening on March 26, there’s no better time to spark a love of learning. Lisa Rodgers from 3P Learning, creators of Mathletics, encourages schools to take part, saying: “World Maths Day is a fun, empowering, and all-inclusive event that celebrates mathematics as a universal skill. Let’s come together and inspire students worldwide!”
Here are 13 surprisingly mathematical careers that might just change the way your kids see numbers!
1. Photographer
The perfect shot isn’t just about creativity – it’s about maths! Photographers use geometry, symmetry, and ratios to frame their images, work with light exposure, and master different lens dimensions. If your child loves taking photos, they’re already thinking mathematically.
2. Pilot
Flying a plane isn’t just about taking off and landing – it’s about calculating speed, altitude, wind velocity, and fuel consumption. Pilots rely on maths every second they’re in the air to ensure a smooth and safe flight.
3. Architect
If your child loves LEGO or Minecraft, they might be a future architect! Designing buildings requires measurement, proportion, and spatial awareness. Architects also collaborate with engineers and builders, using maths to bring incredible structures to life.
4. Musician
Music and maths go hand in hand! Rhythm, timing, and patterns are all mathematical, and studies show that learning an instrument can boost maths skills. Whether it’s counting beats or reading music, musicians are constantly using numbers.
5. Astronaut
Before astronauts blast off into space, they need to calculate launch speeds, angles, and orbital paths – all using maths. It’s also essential for understanding gravity, motion, and the vastness of space itself.
6. Doctor
Medicine is full of maths! From determining medication dosages to measuring vital signs and even reading scans, doctors use maths every day to diagnose and treat patients. If your child dreams of saving lives, maths is a must.
7. Forensic Investigator
Solving crimes isn’t just about collecting evidence – it’s about analysing it mathematically. Investigators use geometry to understand blood splatter patterns, statistics to match DNA, and formulas to determine how long a body has been at a crime scene.
8. Video Game Designer
Creating a 3D game world isn’t just about imagination – it’s about algebra, geometry, and coding. Game designers use maths to program physics, create realistic movements, and develop addictive gaming experiences.
9. Social Media Influencer
Believe it or not, influencers crunch numbers daily! They track their followers, engagement rates, and video views, analysing trends to grow their audience. If your child dreams of YouTube fame, they’ll need solid maths skills to make it happen.
10. Software Engineer
The tech world runs on maths! Coding, algorithms, and problem-solving are all built on mathematical thinking. From creating apps to designing AI, software engineers use maths to innovate and shape the future.
11. Fashion Designer
Creating the perfect outfit isn’t just about style – it’s about measurement, proportion, and patternmaking. Fashion designers use maths to craft precise designs, ensuring a flawless fit every time.
12. Chef
Cooking is more mathematical than you might think! From measuring ingredients and adjusting ratios to timing meals and scaling recipes, chefs rely on maths for precision in the kitchen. Baking in particular is a science of weights, temperatures, and chemical reactions – all of which require strong numerical skills.
13. Builder
Builders don’t just work with their hands – they work with maths too! Whether they’re measuring materials, calculating angles, estimating costs, or ensuring structural stability, numbers are essential to every construction project. If your child loves building things, maths could lead them to an exciting career in the trades.
Want to make maths more exciting for your kids? Join World Maths Day!
World Maths Day is the world’s largest online maths competition, hosted within the award-winning online program Mathletics. The competition brings together students from across the globe to celebrate numbers in a fun and interactive way.
Mark your calendar for March 26, and let’s inspire a new generation of mathematical thinkers!
Register now at www.worldmathsday.com
Spanning Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide and printed free magazine for parents. With kids events and activities, attractions & things to do with kids, schools and education, school holiday guides, health & wellbeing for families, parenting and lifestyle news. Located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.
