Statisticians
Statisticians develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. They may specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. This includes mathematical and survey statisticians.
Statisticians apply statistical methods and models to real-world problems. They gather, analyze, and interpret data which aids in decision-making processes.
A career in statistics involves identifying relationships and trends in data, especially factors that affect the results of research; preparing raw data for processing after verifying its accuracy and making necessary adjustments; determining appropriate statistical methods and presenting results, using charts, bullets, and graphs, in meetings or conferences to audiences such as clients, peers, and students.
Statistician jobs involve developing software applications or programming for statistical modelling and graphic analysis, applying sampling techniques, or using complete enumeration bases to determine groups to be surveyed, and examining theories like those of probability and inference, to discover mathematical bases.
Statisticians jobs require a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or a doctoral degree with extensive skill, knowledge and experience. The skills required include mathematics, programming, critical thinking, problem-solving, science, systems analysis and evaluation, judgement and decision making, learning strategies and time management.
How to become a statistician? They should have knowledge of mathematics and computers and electronics. Statisticians find roles in areas such as business, health and medicine, government, physical sciences, and environmental sciences, and their pay is commensurate with the nature of the job.
A successful statistician needs to think analytically and pay attention to detail.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Ph.D. Statistics
- M.Sc. Statistics
- B.Sc. Statistics
Tasks
- Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs, charts, and tables.
- Process large amounts of data for statistical modeling and graphic analysis, using computers.
- Identify relationships and trends in data, as well as any factors that could affect the results of research.
- Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.
- Prepare data for processing by organizing information, checking for inaccuracies, and adjusting and weighting the raw data.
- Evaluate the statistical methods and procedures used to obtain data to ensure validity, applicability, efficiency, and accuracy.
- Evaluate sources of information to determine any limitations, in terms of reliability or usability.
- Plan data collection methods for specific projects and determine the types and sizes of sample groups to be used.
- Design research projects that apply valid scientific techniques and use information obtained from baselines or historical data to structure uncompromised and efficient analyses.
- Supervise and provide instructions for workers collecting and tabulating data.
Progression Routes
READY FOR MORE?
Subscribe to our Premium package and you'll unlock a wealth of extra information about your favourite careers and gain access our library of immersive 360° VR careers experience.
As a Premium user you'll find out more about the day-to-day demands of any career, what you could earn and, importantly, receive expert advice on study routes, preparation expenses, and where & what to study to fulfil your potential.