Developing new drugs in the pharmaceutical industry, analyzing data in court cases, contributing to federal policymaking, consulting on complex engineering projects — did you know that each of these careers is a possibility for a talented statistician?
Read on to learn more about this field, the issue of data-driven businesses, and how obtaining a graduate degree in statistics can equip you for a job in nearly any industry.
Why now is the perfect time to pursue a career as a statistician
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of statisticians and mathematicians is projected to grow 33% from 2016 to 2026: much higher than the projected growth rate for all occupations. Furthermore, the median annual pay for statisticians in some industries is close to six figures.
At the same time, there is a general lack of qualified candidates to fill these positions. Many of the most in-demand jobs require an advanced degree, meaning that those with a PhD in statistics are extremely valuable to employers.
The rise of data-driven business and what it means for statisticians
You may have heard that many businesses and organizations aim to become more data-driven. In recent years, the amount of data available has increased exponentially due to massive technological advances and increased internet usage.
Knowledge of statistics — the science of collecting, analyzing and interpreting data — is more valuable than ever in today’s data-driven age. If a business can collect and analyze these vast amounts of data, it can better make informed decisions to achieve its goals.
For those considering a career in statistics, it’s clear that this influx of data is an amazing opportunity. Statisticians are becoming increasingly valuable because they are the ones who can interpret this available data.
Where do statisticians work?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers of statisticians range from the federal government, the insurance and healthcare industries, and colleges and universities.
Statisticians are also likely to find employment in research and development. The need for statisticians in such a wide variety of industries means that you can combine your other talents with your statistical skills to achieve a rewarding and exciting career!
What do statisticians do?
Your daily tasks in the office may vary substantially depending on the field you decide to work in. In the manufacturing industry, for example, statisticians are instrumental in creating statistical models for quality control. Additionally, they assist in building products that will satisfy customers while increasing company profit.
For example:
If you choose to pursue a career in education, however, you may help evaluate the effectiveness of teachers and curricula and develop statistical models that can ultimately help improve the quality of the education system.
If you’re passionate about politics, you can easily find employment as a government researcher, where you could have the opportunity to use statistical methods with the aim of policy-making, decision-making, and assisting in government regulation.
Across industries, however, statisticians with strong analytical and communications skills are in high demand: Employers want you to be able to explain complex statistical concepts clearly to those with less experience in your field.
Studying statistical science can help you achieve a rewarding and dynamic career! If you want to learn more about this fascinating field, check out the statistics and data analytics graduate programs at SMU.
