How To Get A Job As A Statistician
Statisticians are skilled in both mathematics and statistics. The knowledge they have, in conjunction with data they collect and analyze, affects decisions made in fields such as science, engineering, education, medicine, marketing, public health, research, politics, economics, and the military.
Job opportunities for Statisticians are increasing along with rapidly growing technological advances in other fields. Those especially in demand are Statisticians with masters’ degrees and considerable experience. Individuals in this field are highly skilled and are therefore very well paid.
Statisticians usually work a regular forty hour week. They spend their time in offices except when client meeting or the gathering of data demand, so some travel may be necessary.
Statisticians must above all be interested and highly skilled in mathematics. They must also be detail-oriented, have excellent computer skills, and an understanding of business.
Statisticians work in many fields of research and marketing. They work for insurance companies, educational institutions, pharmaceutical companies, private industry and all levels of government.
Statisticians design surveys, polls, and experiments to collect data. They do sampling which is collecting data from a particular group or population. To sample, they must decide such things as how, where and when to collect data, and the size of the sample group. They then create a questionnaire and when this is complete they use computer software programs to organize the information, understand its significance and summarize the results. They then present their findings to their clients. Statisticians may also design statistical software programs and supervise junior staff members.
Education
Those wishing to become Statisticians must first obtain a high school diploma. Here they should take all the mathematics, statistics, computer sciences, English, statistics, available as well as calculus, if offered.
They must then obtain a Masters Degree in either mathematics or statistics. Positions in research are generally only available to those with considerable experience. Some more advance position will require a PhD. Programs are offered by both Colleges and Universities.
Be aware that some government positions may require only a Bachelors’ degree, though mathematical and statistical knowledge are still essential.
It is possible to start with a Bachelors’ Degree in related subjects such as business, economics, or engineering and then take a Masters’ degree in applied statistics. If Statisticians wish to specialize in any one area, they may wish to concentrate on subjects that relate to their planned specialization.
Ongoing education is essential for Statisticians to keep up with developing software programs and technical knowledge specific to their choice of career.
Statisticians with sufficient education and experience can advance to positions as supervisors, consultants, educators, and researchers.
