Careers in Statistics

Is statistics for you?

Being a statistician is challenging. In addition to having knowledge of statistical methods and concepts, you need to have skills in mathematics and critical thinking and you need to be able to communicate effectively.

However, being a statistician can also be exciting and rewarding. You get to work with researchers in many disciplines on important problems in the natural, physical and social sciences.

If you have a lively interest in many different areas, like the idea of working cooperatively with scientists in other fields, are able to step back to see the whole picture and find the idea of understanding the story behind the numbers appealing, then statistics may be for you!

What do statisticians do?

Statisticians contribute to scientific inquiry by applying their mathematical and statistical expertise to the design of surveys and experiments; to the collection, processing, and analysis of data; and to the interpretation of the results. They may apply their knowledge of statistical methods to a variety of subject areas including

• agriculture
• biological sciences such as genetics, botany, zoology and ecology
• economics
• engineering
• environmental science
• forensic science
• marketing
• medicine
• psychology
• public health
• sports

Many environmental, financial, industrial, medical and political decisions cannot be made without the use of statistical techniques, such as the design and analysis of clinical trials to gain government approval for a new drug.

For Today’s Graduate, Just One Word: Statistics (NYTimes.com)

5 College Majors That Can Help You Get a Job (SmartMoney.com)

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