Sometimes children ask, “Why do I have to learn math?” and think that they won’t need math later in life. Well, it is true that there are many jobs other than being a mathematician or math teacher, but most professional careers require a college degree. Math plays a pivotal role in getting into college, succeeding in college, and having the most opportunities for career development. Children may not understand the value of a college degree when they are young, but it is important for parents to ensure that their children have a strong academic foundation to give them the most options later on.
Based on U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, occupations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) have the greatest job prospects in the future. Workers with a degree in a STEM field were significantly less likely to face unemployment compared with their non-STEM counterparts. Since the beginning of 2000, growth in STEM jobs was three times greater than growth in non-STEM jobs.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook, created by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, offers a projection of the fastest growing professions and of the most amount of new jobs. The occupations with the best job outlook can be grouped together into the following five categories:
- Health Careers
- Computer Careers
- Engineering Careers
- Business Careers
- Higher Education Careers
Most of the occupations projected to have the best outlook are heavily rooted in STEM. Not only do the majority of these occupations need college degrees, but many of the careers also require a graduate degree. Having a good performance in math on standardized tests such as the GRE, GMAT, and MCAT will determine if students are qualified for graduate programs. No matter what the degree is in, mathematics is particularly important to gain admission to college and graduate school. Being good at math can open many doors later in life that might otherwise be shut.
Information provided by Kumon Math & Reading Center of Issaquah Highlands. For more information, please visit their website or call at 425-369-1072.
Past articles from Kumon:
- Kumon and the Common Core
- Reading Proficiency in Third Grade
- To Have and to Hold...A Pencil
- Motivation and Enjoyment
- Activities to Make Math Fun for Children
- Summer Learning Slide
- The Kumon Reading Program & the Common Core
- How Does the Kumon Method Affect A Student’s Future?
- Fostering Perseverance and Motivation in Your Child
- Summer Activities for Math
- Start Now; Make Back to School Transition Easier
- Why Is A Strong Foundation in the Basics Essential for Students?
- 3 Tops for Back-to-School Success
- New School Year, New Routine
