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- Use data to help inform decision-making in a wide range of different industries
- You'll need accuracy, problem-solving ability and attention to detail
- This is a highly desirable skill-set and work area in the age of 'big data'
Your work as a Data analyst-statistician could be used in a number of areas, like local and national government, market research (public sector or government), business, finance and insurance, NHS management, crime analysis and forensics. In the public sector, you could work for government agencies, research councils or universities. Working for the government could involve collecting, analysing and publishing information on population trends, the economy, the labour market, transport or crime.
The information you produce would then be used to advise ministers and inform the press and the wider population. In other industries or sectors, you might be involved in looking for trends and patterns to help companies make business decisions, analysing market research and trends in consumer feedback, opinion poll analysis, predicting demand for services or goods, or checking quality control standards in areas like drug and food testing.
This role would be ideal for someone with the ability to analyse, model and interpret data, strong problem-solving skills, a methodical and logical approach, a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, plus excellent written and spoken communication skills, including report writing.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Produce information to advise ministers, and inform the press and wider population
- Look for trends and patterns to help companies make business decisions
- Analyse market research and trends in consumer feedback
- Opinion poll analysis
- Predict demand for services or goods
- Check quality control standards in areas like drug and food testing
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
Your work as a data analyst-statistician could be used in a number of areas, like local and national government, market research (public sector or government), business, finance and insurance, NHS management, crime analysis and forensics. In the public sector, you could work for government agencies, research councils or universities. Working for the government could involve collecting, analysing and publishing information on population trends, the economy, the labour market, transport or crime.
You'll need
You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate award in statistics, mathematics, economics, operational research or psychology.
Other degrees, like social science or geography may also be acceptable if they include formal training in statistics as part of the course.
Some employers will expect you to have a working knowledge of statistical software packages, like Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).
Some university courses offer an industrial placement or sandwich year, which allows you to work in industry or commerce as part of your studies. This could be useful when you look for jobs after you finish your course.
The Royal Statistical Society runs a volunteering scheme, which gives you the chance to use your skills to help community organisations and charities. This is a good way to increase your understanding of how statistics can be put to good use in wider society.
You can also apply to join the Government Statistical Service (GSS) as a trainee through the Civil Service Fast Stream programme. You'll need a good degree pass or postgraduate qualification to do this. The GSS also directly recruits graduates, and those with equivalent and relevant experience, into positions like statistical officer.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could progress into management, move into academic research or work as a freelance consultant.