Weighing the costs and benefits of different solutions to complex problems, operations research analysts help organizations make better decisions. Operations research analysts use modeling software to simulate current and future events, and explore how altering the costs, schedules and other variables, might affect results. Their first step is exploring the problem at hand… then observing business processes in action… interviewing the clients or managers involved… and collecting other relevant data. With data in hand, analysts help managers decide how to allocate resources, develop production schedules, manage the supply chain, and set prices. For example, they may help decide how to organize products in supermarkets, the best way to ship products, or even what an airline should charge for tickets. Almost all operations research analysts work full time, and are employed by finance and insurance companies, private consulting firms, manufacturing, and for the Department of Defense. Most of their time is spent in an office, but they may visit organizations to gather data. They often work in teams with experts from a variety of different fields. Though many positions require a master’s or Ph.D., a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for most entry-level positions. Typical majors include engineering, computer science, analytics, or mathematics, as well as operations research. Positions with the military are usually filled by military veterans.
What they do:
Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.
On the job, you would:
Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
product and service development
Business
management
Basic Skills
using math to solve problems
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
Math
choose the right type of math to solve a problem
add, subtract, multiply, or divide
Verbal
read and understand what is written
communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
use rules to solve problems
People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
Analytical Thinking
Integrity
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Innovation
Achievement/Effort
You might use software like this on the job:
Analytical or scientific software
IBM SPSS Statistics
The MathWorks MATLAB
Word processing software
Google Docs
Microsoft Word
Operating system software
Bash
UNIX Shell
master's degree or bachelor's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
Produced by 
License
