Career Ideas to Fit Your Aptitude And Ability: 2

Today the focus is on Numerical Reasoning.

But First: Why Measure Ability?

There is general agreement that abilities are a valid predictor of performance. This means that where you have a high ability, you are likely going to be more able to cope with the demands of a specific environment. By better understanding your ability, this can help you to make an informed choice around jobs where you might reach your full potential while also gaining insight about where some struggles may be coming from. However, motivation and context also play an important role. Almost every skill can be learned with the help of someone who can show you how.

What is Numerical Reasoning?

Numerical reasoning involves processing numerical patterns logically and easily. But people with strong numerical reasoning excel at more than addition, multiplication, and division. They easily process, analyse and interpret numerical charts, trends, and relationships.

Someone with a strong aptitude for numerical reasoning finds trends in numbers interesting. They enjoy number games and puzzles. They can memorise and recall numerical facts from various sources and put them to practical use. They can make accurate estimates and projections from data. And they’re good in roles that require instant access to numerical facts and information. If you are naturally numerical or you enjoy handling large sets of data then a numerical job is likely to satisfy you.

When someone’s aptitude for numerical reasoning isn’t one of their strongest aptitudes, they take longer to understand patterns in numerical information, especially if it’s their first interaction with that information. And they may feel lost when looking at a report with a lot of unrelated data sets. But they may excel when applying a numerical formula they’re familiar with already. So if you have a low to moderate numerical ability, you may still be able for the numerical tasks of your job. You may need someone to help you to learn the skills to perform effectively at your job, or you may take a little longer to learn. The proportion of numerical tasks you are asked to perform may be out of alignment with your natural abilities. So it is worth paying attention to your natural aptitudes and whether the balance of numerical tasks is right for you in your current role or whether you are feeling stressed. You may want to speak with your boss about adjusting or rethinking your role or supports so that you can perform at your best and as your most authentic self.

What Courses of Study are Good Fits for Numerical Ability

If you have an aptitude for numerical reasoning and enjoy working out complex equations you may find yourself considering a course heavily based in maths.

A maths degree is highly valued in the employment sector. Although there are few companies hiring mathematicians, maths graduates are highly sought after. Maths graduates have highly developed problem-solving skills; a trait that gives mathematicians an advantage in acquiring other skills quickly and efficiently.

Engineering, computers, science, accounting, actuarial studies, statistics should also give you enough maths to satisfy your hunger for problem solving.

What Career Skills Relate Well to Numerical Ability

People with an aptitude for numbers are in a strong position to create a satisfying career in the current jobs market. In the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, analytical thinking, creative thinking and technological literacy were identified as the 3 core skills most on the rise that employers want from their employees. As of 2020, analytical thinking is considered to be a core skill by more companies than any other skill. Numerical and analytical thinking often go hand in hand so this is a skill generally well developed in those with high numerical ability.

People with a strong aptitude for numerical reasoning are needed for the ever-expanding tech and data-driven careers waiting to be filled. Numerical reasoning matters in non-tech roles too, including for roles in finance and marketing. Numerical and analytical people are needed in almost every business you can imagine, no matter how creative or alternative they are. Jobs covering the financial industry and beyond often tend to be very well paid, particularly if you are driven to succeed.

People with strong numerical skills would do well to positively develop their softer self-efficacy skills – resilience, flexibility and agility; motivation and self-awareness; and curiosity and lifelong learning – which were also identified as key core skills to help employers adapt to the current trends of industry transformation.

Careers for People Who are Good with Numbers

Jobs for people with high numerical ability tend to be forward thinking and ever changing but I would agree with Careers Portal that they can be loosely grouped into three categories.

1. Careers directly related to maths

There are many positions within the public sector, in industry, IT and finance that demand a strong mathematical knowledge.

Public sector roles include civil service positions which involve using mathematical, statistical, and computing knowledge acquired through the study of maths. Maths-related public jobs also include all forms of teaching and academic work.

Construction managers, construction professionals (civil engineers, architects), construction technicians (draughtspersons) and construction craftspersons (bricklayers, plasterers) all rely heavily on strong numerical ability to deliver in their roles.

Machinists work in industry and draw on numerical skills to understand machine systems and to set up and run equipment that creates precision parts, instruments, and tools.

Engineers are often maths enthusiasts who are more drawn to the concrete than the abstract. The type of maths depends on the type of engineering but mathematics is a big part of an engineer's daily work, including statistics, calculus, algebra, geometry and trigonometry.

Computer science and ICT sector are good fits for those who are forward thinking and like to design innovative uses for new and existing computing technologies.

Statisticians analyse data and apply computational techniques to solve problems. They may specialise in biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, economic statistics, or survey statistics.

Scientists will find that numerical ability plays an important role in understanding the laws equations and formulae of physics, chemistry and its specialisations.

Economists collect and analyse data, research trends, and evaluate economic issues for resources, goods and services, or monetary and fiscal policy.

Stockbrokers possess a deep understanding of economics and the financial markets.

2. Careers that involve thinking logically and quantitatively

Typical examples include actuarial, accounting and banking careers.

Accountants remain in high demand. Almost all companies use the services of an accountant and some of the biggest financial institutions are accountancy firms.

Banking is radically transforming. There are many different types of banker, from retail bank branches through to the big multinational investment bankers.

Auditors go through the records of companies to ensure they’re paying the right taxes and everything is above board.

Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyse the economic costs of risk and uncertainty to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits.

Administrators and clerical workers often complete mathematical tasks that support the management and running of a business. Numerical skills are an asset for administrative roles and duties.

3. Wide career pool open to those with highly developed numerical and logical thinking and analytical skills

Analysis is a core numerical skill. The ability to analyse difficult problems coupled with industry experience and well developed softer skills makes a highly attractive combination for employers.

Service managers may find that data spreadsheets and forecasting form a large part of their role. The ability to conceptualise figures and relate it back to daily operations is an asset in these roles.

Management analysts find ways to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness by conducting studies and evaluations and designing systems and procedures.

Market research analysts — or marketing analysts or strategists — cover an array of jobs from analysts who study how market conditions impact sales to those who dig into marketing data to find trends and marketing opportunities.

Operations research analysts use advanced mathematical and analytical methods to help solve complex issues, help management make decisions, formulate policies, and improve functions.

Financial analysts has some basic primary duties, including performing financial forecasting, reporting and operational metrics tracking. They're also responsible for analysing financial data, creating financial models for decision support, analysing past results and identifying trends. Financial analysts also make recommendations for improvement, report on financial performance and prepare for regular leadership reviews. They work closely with accounting teams to ensure accurate financial reporting.

Data scientists work closely with business stakeholders and create data models and algorithms. They can predict the right model a business needs to grow and also analyse data with stakeholders. Some popular careers in data science include data scientists, data analysts, data engineers, data architects and business intelligence specialists. Data science is one of the highest growth areas in the current job market.

Sources

Ireland’s National Skills Strategy 2025

Jobs for People Good with Numbers

Numeracy Skills: examples and jobs that require them

Numerical reasoning and what it means for careers

Skills Outlook: The Future of Jobs Report 2023

What can I do with a Degree in Maths?

10 skills you need to land a top job in 2022, according to Glassdoor