How to Strengthen Job Security: Do the Math (Literally)

According to a recent U.S. Labor Department report, there are now 6 unemployed persons for every available position in the U.S., the highest number since this data first began to be tabulated in 2000. The industries of the past which used to sustain middle class growth, manufacturing and farming, for example, are meeting quick and untimely deaths, or are facing transformations which do not bode well for job growth in this country. The economic terrain continues to look increasingly bleak.

So what is the solution? Well, if you are interested in pursuing secure, high growth industries, one of the most critical skills to gain is mathematical acumen. A recent report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) indicated that 12 of the top 15 paying majors were engineering degrees. The other three, computer science, actuarial science, and construction management, also require mathematics skills. Thus, it is evident that mathematics is the key to obtaining a lucrative and in demand position. Petroleum engineering, with an average starting pay of $83,121, was the highest paying major. Spurred by the increasing demand for new energy sources, petroleum engineers work to find new oil and gas reservoirs. The issue is clearly about supply and demand. The U.S. education system has not done a good job of training students in math and sciences. Therefore, according to the NACE report, only 4% of college graduates are computer science and engineering majors. While many top students are lured by the prestige, glamor and fast pace of finance, law, or medicine, there has been a brain drain in the realm of engineering and math-based careers in general. It is a serious concern, especially since the identified major area of growth, so called green jobs, will require such mathematical knowledge. Thus, as more jobs open in this area, there will most likely not be enough qualified candidates to fill them.

Education reform has consistently failed to inculcate our youth with a love of mathematics and science, gateway subjects, so named because if one is able to succeed in these two areas, they will open up many opportunities. By contrast, an inability to master them will cause individuals to foreclose on a large variety of career options. The focus in education on constant testing to the detriment of critical learning of mathematics and science has led to a huge void in the supply of job candidates with at least minimal mathematics competency. Therefore, a national shift in strengthening mathematics education on all academic levels from grade school through college will be essential in improving the candidate pool for future employment positions. A Math Corps should be developed which would revitalize this crucial subject, and excite our students and citizens to gain this essential skill.

Even if you are not apt to return to school to study engineering, training in basic mathematics will increase your chances in the job search, or in advancing your career through promotion or transition. Therefore, consider taking an elementary mathematics course (e.g. Math for Business) at your local college or even explore such training opportunities through your current employer. If you feel that you have a math anxiety, a common occurrence for many Americans, investigate strategies to overcome it. The time is now to increase your job leads and security. It's simple, just do the math!