Engineers Australia is encouraging high school students to take advanced maths to maximise career opportunities. Here’s what you need to know before taking the plunge!
Based on new data from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), Engineers Australia says more students are needed in advanced mathematics, especially girls.
Boys and girls take Year 12 General Mathematics at almost identical rates. But when it comes to more advanced subjects – such as Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics – fewer girls choose to continue.
Engineers Australia Chief Engineer, Katherine Richards, says it’s a growing national challenge to get students to even try advanced maths subjects.
“The participation gap grows as mathematics becomes more advanced, and so too does the performance gap,” says Katherine. But advanced maths can unlock a huge range of career opportunities.
Where advanced maths can take you
With Australia expected to need an additional 150,000 engineers by 2036, there has never been a better time for students to study advanced maths! And that’s just engineering. There are opportunities right across the world of STEM careers and beyond.
“We need to help young people understand that maths is not a talent you’re born with,” says Katherine. “Like any skill, it can be developed through practice, support and confidence.”
If you’re thinking of taking the plunge, we’re here to support you! We’ve rounded up some pep talks from people at the cutting edge of STEM, to help you make it through advanced maths.
Michaela Loukas
Young Scientist of the Year 2025
Advanced Science & Engineering (Bioinformatics) student at UNSW Sydney
If you’re a perfectionist who likes to get everything right on the first go, facing advanced maths might feel extra challenging. But Michaela reminds us that maths is about persistence, trial and error, and embracing the process of problem-solving.
“During Years 7 and 8 I loved maths,” says Michaela. “But by Year 10 I was falling behind in maths and becoming disheartened. For a perfectionist, that was frustrating as I struggled with failure. But once I reframed trial and error as part of the learning process, and saw how I could use maths in creative ways, I fell back in love with it.”
In science extension, Michaela developed her own AI model for breast cancer diagnosis, and she says the maths was crucial. “Concepts like differentiation, calculus and functions help me understand the mechanics behind the deep-learning model.”
Michaela says, “Maths really is the foundation of everything, so I’d advise students to stick with it in their senior years of schooling. Regardless of whether you do extension, advanced or standard maths, you’ll learn valuable skills for any future career.”
Chloe Pearse
CEO, Simon Marais Mathematics Competition
If you’re thinking about waiting until uni to get stuck into advanced maths, Chloe suggests starting sooner.
“I would absolutely encourage students wanting a career in STEM to do the study in high school rather than starting these advanced subjects at university or taking them as a catch-up short course,” says Chloe.
“These areas of maths help you in uni tutorials and prac classes in a range of STEM disciplines (including the biological sciences) by providing a solid foundation.”
Chloe made it through Maths Methods/Maths B, and is now CEO at the Simon Marais Mathematics Competition, which encourages creative maths problem-solving among undergraduate university students.
Tara Lie
Information & Technology Governance Manager
PhD Candidate on Quantum-Resilient Cybersecurity
“I did ATAR Mathematics Specialist and Methods in high school with the aim to go into physics, but once I was at university studying physics, I ended up swapping into a maths degree, and it opened so many doors!” says Tara. She says it was “definitely challenging to study at times, but 100% worth it”.
Tara is now working at the interface between cyber security and quantum, two of the most exciting emerging fields of STEM.
“Doing advanced mathematics in high school and then carrying it through my undergraduate degree set me up so well to continue on with cyber security, cryptography, and looking at fun things like quantum-resilient encryption algorithms and post-quantum cryptography planning.”
Tara reminds us all that how you learn maths at high school isn’t necessarily the university experience, so hang in there.
“Specialist was definitely challenging at times, but I found that once I hit university, the way that mathematics was taught really clicked for me and made me enjoy it a lot more,” says Tara.
Shana Uhlmann
Senior Executive
Shana is a senior executive in the technology and engineering sector. She’s leading big teams, with multi-million dollar budgets! Her success started with high school maths.
“Maths is my love, and the incredible, fun things I’ve done would not have happened without those high school subjects. Folks, it only gets better the more maths you study!” says Shana.
Is one of your buddies like Shana, overflowing with excitement about maths? Definitely see if you can share in their excitement! It’ll keep you going through the tougher challenges of advanced maths. Remember, you don’t have to go it alone.
A-Z of maths careers
Interested in maths but confused about where it may take you? From Astronomer to Zoologist, check out our list of careers you can take on with maths skills.
