Whether they’re revolutionizing baseball, winning big on Wall Street, or predicting an election outcome, statisticians know how to turn data into useful information and tools. Statisticians design surveys and experiments to collect data and create models and algorithms that turn numbers into understandable concepts, identifiable trends and patterns, or conclusions. Startups looking to expand quickly, and well-established businesses alike need the help of statisticians to make decisions. Though they work in many fields, there are some common statistician specializations: Government statisticians monitor wages, the unemployment rate and other important socioeconomic indicators. They analyze data and shed light on trends in the economy, the environment, pollution, and many other national and global arenas. Biostatisticians predominantly work in the healthcare industry. They may design drug studies or study how diseases spread. Corporate research and development also employs many statisticians. They may design experiments and analyze experimental data for product testing or help inform marketing strategies for consumer goods. Most statisticians need at least a master’s degree in statistics, math, or a related field, although some entry-level jobs are available for those with a bachelor’s degree. Is a statistician career for you? If you can calculate the odds, you’re already partway there.
What they do:
Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.
On the job, you would:
Draw conclusions or make predictions, based on data summaries or statistical analyses.
Design research studies in collaboration with physicians, life scientists, or other professionals.
Analyze clinical or survey data, using statistical approaches such as longitudinal analysis, mixed-effect modeling, logistic regression analyses, and model-building techniques.
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Basic Skills
using math to solve problems
reading work related information
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
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
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Dependability
Cooperation
Achievement/Effort
You might use software like this on the job:
Analytical or scientific software
SAS
The MathWorks MATLAB
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Structured query language SQL
Object or component oriented development software
C++
R
master's degree or doctoral degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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