Good with Numbers? Here are 7 Jobs with Your Name on Them!

Some people are naturally gifted with it comes to numbers. Give them a puzzle and they solve it in record time. They see patterns other people wouldn’t notice and can comfortably handle large chunks of data. To them, algebra is fun, whereas to the rest of us, it’s a nightmare.

Not everyone has the right traits to be a number cruncher. Some of us are creative or caring types who are much happier being a free spirit. There is nothing wrong with this – after all, we humans have evolved to be a diverse bunch and the world needs many different skills to ensure life ticks on without too much drama.

In general, if you love puzzles, enjoy problem solving, are good at analyzing things, and are confident with numbers, you are well suited to working in a field where a strong aptitude for math is important. So, if you are the type of person who signed up for extra math just because you could, there are seven jobs with your name all over them.

1. Bookkeeper / Accountant

Accountancy is the most obvious career path for someone who loves numbers. It’s an easy career to get into with numerous courses available at a multitude of different levels. At the lower end of the scale, bookkeepers take care of the day-to-day financial record keeping for small businesses, maintaining the accounts right up to End of Year calculations. Accountants are a step up, as they are required to prepare accounts and advise the business on the best financial strategies going forward.

2. Financial Services

If you are good with numbers and dealing with the public, a job in financial services could be right for you. This is a broad field and there is plenty of scope for career development. You could spend your day advising customers on the best pension plans, or provide invoice factoring services to small businesses. In essence, your job is to help individuals and businesses with their finances. This is a growth sector and job security is good.

3. Investment Banker

Investment bankers deal with stocks, shares and other investments. Their job is to make money for their clients. It can be a high-pressure working environment and you need to be able to think on your feet, but if you have an aptitude for figures and you are a risk taker, there is excellent earning potential, with many seasoned investment bankers earning six-figure salaries, plus lucrative performance bonuses.

4. Math Tutor

Are you a great communicator as well as having an aptitude for numbers? If so, it’s possible that teaching is your true vocation in life. Math and other STEM subjects are hot right now, with government keen to encourage take-up in this sector, particularly amongst girls and ethnic minorities. Good math tutors are always in demand, so job security is high and, even better, you can really make a difference to kids’ lives.

5. Economist

Economists are the people who help governments develop their financial policies. Their job is to analyze jobs, raw materials and other resources, with a view to advising government and industry. Many economists work behind the scenes, but if you prefer a more public role, you could work in the media. Economists also go into banking, business, and the public sector. In short, there is a lot you can do with a degree in economics.

6. Statistician

Statistics has a reputation for being rather boring, but if you love crunching numbers for fun, a job as a statistician should be perfect for you. Statisticians collect, analyze, and tabulate vast chunks of data. They look for patterns, trends, and anything else of interest. It’s common to see statisticians working in industry, banking, and healthcare, looking for solutions to complex problems. As a qualified statistician, you could find yourself working in the public or private sector. Either way, your skills will always be in demand.

7. Actuary

Actuaries work for insurance and pensions companies. Their job is to manage risk. They use numbers and statistics to work out the balance of probability of whether a future event is likely. A skilled actuary is often able to advise management teams within larger businesses to plan for the future. To be an actuary, you need a combination of mathematical acumen and a good understanding of human psychology. Most actuaries have a background in computer science, statistics and analytics, with psychology and sociology modules thrown in.

If you are not sure which direction your career should take have a chat with your careers advisor and see what the options are.

Images via pixabay.