Sign up for our newsletter
Join our newsletter to receive the latest updates and insights in online education. Get exclusive access to in-depth articles, expert advice, and special offers tailored for your educational journey.
Join our newsletter to receive the latest updates and insights in online education. Get exclusive access to in-depth articles, expert advice, and special offers tailored for your educational journey.
This bar graph shows the annual salary for Operations Research Analysts.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Operations Research Analysts.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 23%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
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.
Becoming an operations research analyst involves a mix of education, skill development, and gaining practical experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the path toward this analytical career.
Most entry-level operations research analyst positions require at least a bachelor's degree. Degrees that are particularly relevant include:
Relevant coursework includes statistics, calculus, linear algebra, computer science, and modeling. You can find accredited programs through university websites or education resources like the U.S. Department of Education.
While not always required, a master's degree or Ph.D. can be advantageous, especially for more complex roles or advancement opportunities. Advanced degrees often focus on:
Graduate programs are available through many universities and can be found on their respective websites.
Operations research analysts need strong technical skills, including proficiency in:
Online courses and certifications can help you learn these skills. Resources like Coursera or edX offer relevant courses.
Hands-on experience is critical. Look for internships or entry-level positions in industries such as:
Networking with professionals and attending industry events can also provide opportunities to gain experience.
While not mandatory, certification can demonstrate professional commitment and expertise. Consider certifications like:
Certification details can be found on the respective websites of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS).
Operations research is a dynamic field. Staying informed about the latest trends and technologies is crucial. You can do this by:
Continuing education is key to career advancement. Consider additional courses or training that focus on:
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to becoming an operations research analyst. It's a path that requires dedication and a continuous investment in learning, but for those with a passion for data and problem-solving, it can be a rewarding career choice.
To kick off your career as an operations research analyst, you'll typically need a bachelor's degree in:
Many employers prefer candidates with advanced degrees such as a master's or PhD, especially for more complex roles.
As an operations research analyst, you should hone a variety of skills, including:
Operations research analysts are in demand across diverse sectors:
Earning certifications can boost your credibility and job prospects. Consider:
Your career progression might look like this:
Yes, the demand for operations research analysts is expected to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is projected to grow 25% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
While this can depend on the employer and specific role, many operations research analysts have the ability to work remotely due to the nature of their work being computer-based and data-driven.
Salaries can vary based on experience, education level, and location. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for operations research analysts was $84,810 in May 2020.
Staying current in this field involves:
Remember, the field of operations research is dynamic, so continuous learning is key to advancing your career.