Careers Boom for Mathematical Sciences
As many question the value of university degrees, the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute’s (AMSI) new careers website, Maths Adds, shows demand for mathematical and statistical skills is growing.
An expansion of the popular print version now in its 19th edition, the site features over 100 examples from recent job ads illustrating mathematical and statistical career pathways. Showcasing how the discipline can open doors to future success, the portal aims to assist students making decisions about subjects going into Year 11 and 12 and higher education study.
AMSI Director Professor Geoff Prince says the sheer volume of ads and breadth of sectors featured confirms demand is high for science, technology, engineering and mathematical skills (STEM).
“This site confirms mathematics and statistics skills have enormous currency in today’s job market. Demand is only increasing with already over 75 per cent of high-growth areas demanding skills such as mathematics and statistics,” he said.
The site is part of the institute’s growing resources to empower Australians to pursue mathematics. Despite the mathematical sciences being worth approximately $145 billion annually to the Australian economy, the number of Australian students pursing the discipline is in decline.
“Year 12 enrolments in high-level maths have almost halved since 2005. This is fuelled by a combination of factors including the need for industry to better communicate how they employ skills such as mathematics,” says AMSI Director, Professor Geoff Prince.
Professor Prince believes many people will be surprised at how varied and creative mathematical careers can be.
“When people think of mathematics they often call up the ‘A Beautiful Mind’ stereotype of greying men with white boards and formulas. Maths is used across every sector and discipline from the arts to IT and engineering to climate and environment and even medicine, the possibilities are endless.”
Students, teachers and parents are invited to search the Maths Adds site for a small taste of what is possible with mathematics and statistics.
Access Maths Adds digital mathsadds.amsi.org.au or pdf.
For Interview:
Professor Geoff Prince, AMSI Director
Media Contact:
Laura Watson
E: media@amsi.org.au
P: 04215 18733
