Looking for non-uni pathways or wondering if it’s possible to land maths jobs without a degree? Here are nine career areas where vocational pathways let you take your maths and data skills direct to employers.
#1 Coding
Maths used: logic, algorithms
Employment: software engineer, dev ops, machine learning engineer, UX designer
Course: Advanced Diploma of Information Technology
#2 Digital marketing
Maths used: statistics, percentages
Employment: social media marketer, digital marketing manager, digital content coordinator
Course: Diploma of Social Media Marketing
#3 Data science
Maths used: statistics, mathematical modelling, abstract logic
Employment: data scientist, data analyst
Course: Online data science course, General Assembly
#4 Financial maths
Maths used: simple and compound interest, numeracy, probability, statistics
Employment: accountant, bookkeeper, entrepreneur
Course: Accounting and finance courses, TAFE NSW
#5 Cyber security
Maths used: algebra, probability, algorithms
Employment: information security analyst, digital forensics, pen tester
Course: Certificate IV in Cyber Security
RELATED: 4 surprising cyber security career paths
#6 Construction management
Maths used: geometry, trigonometry, optimisation, measurement
Employment: construction site manager, architect, urban planner
Course: Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management)
#7 Electrical engineering
Maths used: trigonometry, geometry, calculus, mathematical modelling
Employment: transformer design engineer, electrical engineer, automotive electrical engineer
Course: Diploma of Electrical Engineering, TAFE NSW
#8 Civil engineering
Maths used: algebra, statistics, calculus, differential equations
Employment: project manager, civil/structural engineer, site engineer
Course: Diploma of Engineering, University of Newcastle
RELATED: 5 paths into engineering if you don’t ace your ATAR
#9 Creative industries
Maths used: algebra, measurement, geometry
Employment: graphic designer, digital media producer, furniture designer, fashion designer
Course: Cert II in Creative Industries
By the numbers
Study: most STEM vocational training is focused on engineering, according to Australia’s STEM Workforce report, July 2020…
80% Engineering
10% Agriculture and environmental science
8% Information technology
2% Natural and physical sciences
Employment: construction is the biggest employer of VET STEM-qualified workers…
15% Construction
15% Manufacturing
10% Other services
8% Transport, postal and warehousing
7% Public administration and safety
Did you know?
20% of males and 9% of female VET STEM qualified workers earn $104,000 and above, according to Australia’s STEM Workforce report, July 2020.
Looking for VET courses that’ll help you land maths jobs without a degree? Search for them at training.gov.au
This article originally appears in Careers with STEM: Maths & Data 2021.
Author: Heather Catchpole
Heather co-founded Careers with STEM publisher Refraction Media. She loves storytelling, Asian food & dogs and has reported on science stories from live volcanoes and fossil digs
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