Statistics is the collection, analysis, and presentation of numerical data. Statistician's designs surveys and experiments, then collect and interpret the resulting information or data. In doing so, they often apply their knowledge of statistical methods to a particular subject area, such as biology, economics, engineering, medicine, or psychology. They use statistical techniques to predict population growth or economic conditions, develop quality control tests for manufactured products, assess the nature of environmental problems, analyze legal and social problems, or help business managers and government officials make decisions; evaluate the results of new programs. Some statisticians develop new statistical methods.
Often statisticians are able to obtain information about group of people or things by surveying a small portion, called sample, of the group. For example, to determine the size of total audience for particular programs, television rating service ask only a few thousand families, rather than all viewers, which programs they watch. Statisticians decide where and how to gather the data, determine the type and size of the sample group, and develop the survey questionnaire or reporting form. They also prepare instructions for workers who will collect and tabulate data. Finally, statisticians analyze, interpret, and summarize data, usually using sophisticated statistical computer soft packages.
In manufacturing industries, statisticians play an import role in the area of quality improvement. For example, a statistician in an automobile manufacturing company might design pediments using statistical models to estimate the failure time an engine exposed to extreme weather conditions and to indent factors that lead to improved performance. In chemical companies, statisticians might design experiments to determine what combination of several chemicals would lead to the best productions. Statisticians working in all industries use computers extensive to process large amounts of data for statistical modeling and graphic analysis.
Because statistics are used in so many areas, it is sometime difficult to distinguish statisticians from specialists in other fields who use statistics. For example, a statistician working with data on economic conditions may have the title of economist.
Working Conditions
Statisticians usually work regular hours in offices. Some statisticians travel to provide advice on research projects, to supervise or set up surveys, or to gather statistical data. Some may have fairly repetitive tasks, while others may have a variety of tasks, such as designing experiments.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Good communications skills are important for prospective statisticians, not only for those who plan to teach, but also to qualify for many positions in the industry, where the need to explain statistical processes to those who are not statisticians is common. Solid understanding of business and management is also important for those who plan to work in private industry.
Beginning statisticians, who have only the bachelor's degree, often spend much of their time doing routine work supervised by an experienced statistician. With experience, they may be promoted to positions of greater technical and supervisory responsibility.
However, opportunities for promotion are best for those with advanced degrees. Master's and Ph.D. degree holders enjoy independence in their work and are qualified to engage in research, to develop statistical methods, or, after several years of patience in a particular area of technological application, to become statistical consultants.
Outlook
Although employment of statisticians is expected to grower slowly than the average for all occupations, job opportunities should remain favorable for individuals with statistics training. Many statistics majors, particularly at the bachelor's degree level, but also at the master's degree level, may find positions in which they do not have the title of statistician. This is especially true for those involved in analyzing and interpreting data from other disciplines such as economics, biological science, psychology, or engineering.
Among graduates with a bachelor's degree in statistics, those with a strong background in mathematics, engineering, or health or computer science should have the best prospects of finding jobs related to their field of study in private industry or government. Federal government agencies will need statisticians in fields such as demography, agriculture, consumer and producer surveys, social security, health, education, energy conservation, and environmental quality control. However, competition for entry-level positions in the federal government is expected to be strong for those just meeting the minimum qualification standards for statisticians. Those who meet state certification requirements may become high school statistics teachers, a newly emerging field.
Private industry, in the face of increasing competition and strong government regulation, will continue to require statisticians, especially at the master's and Ph.D. degree levels, to not only monitor but improve productivity and quality in the manufacture of various products including pharmaceuticals, motor vehicles, chemicals, and food products. For example, pharmaceutical firms will need more statisticians to assess the safety and effectiveness of the rapidly expanding number of drugs. To meet continuing competition, motor vehicle manufacturers will need statisticians to improve and monitor the quality of automobiles, trucks, and their components by developing tests for new and existing designs. Statisticians with knowledge of engineering and the physical sciences will find jobs in research and development, working with scientists and engineers to help improve design and production processes in order to ensure consistent quality of newly developed products. Business firms will rely more heavily than in the past on workers with a background in statistics to forecast sales, analyze business conditions, and help solve management problems. In addition, sophisticated statistical services will increasingly be contracted out to consulting firms.
Earnings
Statisticians who hold advanced degrees generally earn higher starting salaries.
Benefits for statisticians tend to resemble those offered most professionals who work in an office setting: vacation and sick leave, health and life insurance, and a retirement plan, among others.
Related Occupations
People in numerous occupations work with different kinds of statisticians. Among them are actuaries, mathematicians, operations research analysts, computer programmers, computer systems analysts, engineers, economists, financial analysts, information scientists, life scientists, physical scientists, and social scientists.
