COOL CAREERS
Do something cool with math
You'll find a variety of interesting professions use elements of algebra, geometry, calculus and statistics (as well as biology, physics and chemistry). That's why it's important to take four years in high school. With your own TI graphing calculator to use along the way, you can build the skills you need to land your dream job - and get paid well for it, too.
Check it out and check back often
Read below to discover how different jobs apply different kinds of math and science to do cool stuff. Visit back often as we’ll continue to add more and more - cool careers you may never have imagined required math and science know-how.
Select a cool career below
Geoscientists
Being a geoscientist puts you on the front lines of environmental research and the ability to consult on ways to more effectively preserve and protect the planet. You’ll be monitoring the quality of the Earth’s aquatic ecosystems, deteriorating coastal environments and rising sea levels, for example. You’ll even be able to visit and explore different areas of the world – on land and at sea – to search for natural resources that are increasingly more in demand, such as groundwater, metals and petroleum.
Biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. You’ll need to know all this in order to build the technical and interpersonal skills to study the Earth, communicate your findings and propose solutions. As a geoscientist, you’d examine and research the planet’s physical aspects, internal composition, ground and surface waters, atmosphere, oceans, and magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Geoscientists usually work in one of several closely related fields that include:
- Engineering Geologist
- Geologist
- Geophysicist
- Glacial Geologist
- Mineralogist
- Oceanographer
- Paleontologist
- Sedimentologists
- Stratigrapher
- Volcanologist
Sports Scientist
Sports scientists are often called upon by athletes for help in testing and extending their physical abilities. Your expertise would be relied upon to develop a tailored exercise and conditioning regiment, nutrition plan and recovery, injury and illness prevention techniques. As a sports scientist, you also could work with doctors to help people improve their health through physical activity, consult with hospitals in areas such as cardiac rehabilitation and health promotion, and take part in clinical research.
Physics, chemistry and mathematics (statistics). These subject areas will help you when studying things like biomechanics and physiology in relation to the human body’s adaptability to physical activity, movement and motion. Through the application of sports sciences techniques and scientific principals, you’ll be able to help improve an athlete’s level of performance. Sports science is integrated into many different sectors that include:
- Clinical research
- Corporate wellness
- Drug companies
- Fitness clubs
- Health and life insurance companies
- Law enforcement
- Personal training
- Physical education
- Professional sports
Video Game Designer
Combining the skill sets of a graphic artist/animator and computer programmer, the video game designer deals with many aspects of creating a game at a higher, supervisory level. The layout of the game world and the type of game play, for example. These must be unified under a single cohesive overall concept. Plus you’ll need to have a functional understanding of technical issues such as game physics and 3-D graphics in order to direct programmers. Think of what it’s like to be a movie director – it’s a lot like that and perhaps even with the big budgets to match.
Mathematics (algebra, calculus, trigonometry) and physics. By taking advanced math and physics, you’ll be prepared for the technical aspects of video game design. For example, applying game physics and art design in a way that brings balance to the game play. Employers will also expect you to have acquired added knowledge in areas such as writing (both technical and creative), design theory, computer knowledge, sketching and storyboarding, and coding.
