What’s the big deal about math these days?
A ten-year-old boy was sitting in my office last week with his parents talking to me about joining Mathnasium of Roland Park. As with every potential member, I asked him one of my key questions to success: “Why do you want to improve your math skills?” Of all the students I have asked this question, his answer gave me the impression that he really gets why math is important. His answer was, “because good math skills will help me get into a good college and get a good job.” I then asked him my second key question: “Are you willing to put in the time and effort to improve your math skills?” Again, he delivered a good answer: “Just like soccer, if you want to get better you have to work at it.” This kid will do fine at Mathnasium of Roland Park.
Let’s go back to the first answer. Was he right saying math will help him get a good job? Absolutely! Take a look at the most recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment of mathematicians is projected to grow 23 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. Businesses will need mathematicians to analyze the increasing volume of digital and electronic data. Take a closer look and you will see the median (50 percent above, 50 percent below) income for a mathematician is around $101,000. Related occupations requiring math skills that will increase in demand include computer programmers, financial analysts, market research analysts, and database administrators.
All of these jobs can be found in many different industries throughout the country. So, anyone working in math related positions will have good employment options and will have options as to where in the country they want to work. Matching a challenging job that pays well with the flexibility to work in different areas of the country is a combination that is very desirable. My young student is wise beyond his years. He knows good math skills will help him get to where he wants to go in life.
Mathnasium is the number one math-only franchise in the country. We have the tools, resources, and instructors to help any student in grades 2-12 improve their math skills. For more information about Mathnasium of Roland Park, contact Jim Trexler at 443-863-0531, rolandpark@mathnasium.com.
Jim Trexler
Center Director
Mathnasium of Roland Park
(443) 863-0531
