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Which Careers Require High Spatial Intelligence?

Somewhere in Midwest America, a young Chinese-American immigrant named Yoyo plays with a construction-system toy set, building up magnificent structures before smashing them to pieces, only to start all over again. Any casual observer would be able to tell how much Yoyo is enjoying himself based on his laughter and shrill shrieks of joy. But it’s the changes that are happening on a deeper level in the recesses of Yoyo’s brain - that have the potential to shape Yoyo’s future career path.

After all, playing with construction systems like Brackitz is shown to improve children’s spatial abilities (Tracy, 1987). And there is a strong correlation between an individual's spatial aptitude and their performance in some of the most desirable and impactful career paths that exist, including careers in mathematics and STEM-related fields, among others.

Today, we’re going to take a look at just a few of the many careers that favor individuals who possess a high spatial aptitude.

Careers That Require High Spatial Intelligence

Mathematics

While the field of mathematics is full of logical thinkers, those who process information visual-spatially are also given a distinct advantage. One of thebenefits of being a spatially proficient thinker is the capacity to organize abstract information in a visually structured way, which can accelerate the process of solving equations and reaching conclusions. There are even famous examples of spatial thinkers using visualization techniques to achieve mathematical breakthroughs, as in the case ofAlbert Einstein solving for the speed of light by visualizing chasing a light beam.

Visual-spatial thinkers are often successful in approaching conventional math problems in unconventional ways, which can lead to new insights and faster processing of information. Because of this, it’s safe to say that anyone hoping to make a career in the field of mathematics would benefit from improving their spatial skills.

STEM Fields

Aside from aiding in mathematics,high spatial skills are associated with success in the other STEM fields of science, technology, and engineering (Uttal et al. 2013). Having the capacity to create and manipulate images in the mind’s eye offers a distinct advantage to professionals operating in these fields.

Take, for example, the scenarios of a chemist mentally manipulating images of molecules to test for superimposability, a computer scientist visualizing complex logic sequences while troubleshooting a segment of buggy code, and an engineer mentally stress-testing a bridge design for weak points in its structure. In all of these cases, the ability to process information visual-spatially comes as a great aid.

Art & Design

Artists and designers make up the “A” inSTEAM. And, like their more technically-focused counterparts, they too require a spatial aptitude for the work they do. Job titles in this field would include visual artists, architects, furniture designers, and more. When you think about the visual-spatial awareness required of Michelangelo as he painted the Sistine Chapel or the appealing symmetry in the design of the Taj Mahal, it becomes clear just how important spatial skills are for those in the fields of art and design.

Strategy, Planning & Executive Function

Spatial proficiency is beneficial in any career involving planning, strategizing and executing. This includes careers in which the plans are concrete and physical, such as urban or regional planners, as well as jobs where the plans are more abstract and symbolic, such as CEO’s or other business or strategic leaders. In either setting, an individual’s ability to visualize spatial dimensions and potential outcomes in advance gives them an edge over others in the field.

Medicine

The body is an incredibly intricate structure, and the professionals we trust to watch over our bodies must be familiar with its workings inside and out - literally. Whether it comes to reading an x-ray, performing a facial reconstruction, or making a 3D model of a patient’s bite, M.D.’s the world over rely heavily on spatial intelligence to perform their jobs.

Cartography & Map-related

Individuals with high spatial aptitudes are able to create and navigate maps with ease. This means that map-related professionals - such as cartographers, geographers, photogrammetrists, and surveyors among others - all benefit from developing their spatial skills.

Access to and success in the above mentioned careers is aided by spatial intelligence training, and construction systems like Brackitz allow children to develop these skills in a fun and engaging setting. Start exposing your children to construction systems today, and watch their spatial aptitudes grow!