Career Compass: Statistical Sciences

As a statistical sciences student at the University of Manitoba, you will learn the language, reasoning, and analytic tools that many other disciplines use to investigate their areas. The Faculty of Science has many opportunities for you to explore the principles and methods for collecting, organizing and analyzing data. Statistics is an analytical discipline that helps other disciplines carry out research projects and studies that involve measurement, comparison, and interpretation. Statistics is a useful ancillary subject to other sciences, the social sciences, and many of the professional programs.

Skills you will gain by studying STATISTICAL SCIENCES

• The ability to recognize mathematical patterns and formulate new conjectures.
• The ability to collect, analyze and interpret data using statistical analysis, and make reasoned judgements on the basis of the available data.
• The ability to think critically and utilize complex formulae to solve quantitative problems with accuracy and proficiency.
• The ability to communicate effectively verbally, by giving effective presentations, and in writing, by preparing technical reports.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: STAT 1150, STAT 2150, MATH 1220, MATH 1230, MATH 1232, and MATH 1240

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Statistics offers several joint Honours program and program options with other fields of study. Meet with an academic advisor in the Faculty of Science to help you plan your program.
2. Use UM Achieve by running "what-ifs" to explore different program options & corresponding requirements.
3. If you need academic support, visit the Statistics Help Centre or log on to UM Learn to access the LevelUp Program.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Explore your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including Science Students' Association and other student communities.
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience and volunteer for Science, Engineering & Technology (SET) Day.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as Mathletics and as Community Engaged Learning programs.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre website to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit the Indigenous Student Centre and learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your program.

To do this year:

1. Meet with a department and science advisor to declare your honours or major program.
2. Use UM Achieve to prepare a plan for registration.
3. Consider taking a minor and choose courses that will open opportunities.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Become a Student Affiliate with the Statistical Society of Canada.
4. Develop professional connections by attending the Statistics Seminar Series and Tech Manitoba events.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Volunteer with a professor and apply for a Research Assistant position, Undergraduate Research Award, NSERC grant, or Manitoba eXperimental Mathematics Laboratory.

Gain relevant work experience with: Elections Manitoba, Statistics Canada or WISE Kid-Netic Energy.

Earn while you learn: Consider applying to the Science Co-operative education program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange or service-learning program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out the WUSC Student Refugee Program or Community Engaged Learning. Practice your use of additional languages through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your program

To do this year:

1. Meet with your Department Advisor and an Academic Advisor for Honours or Major program approval.
2. Use UM Achieve to prepare a plan for registration.
3. Meet with your Co-op Advisor (if applicable).

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
4. Attend a LinkedIn workshop on UMConnect to create a profile and network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Continue or start research: Participate in the Data Science Nexus and Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Check out volunteer opportunities with: Let's Talk Science, Volunteer Manitoba, or tutoring math at the Academic Learning Centre.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out UMConnect, CSIS, CRA, ai-jobs.net, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, or other job boards

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Explore on-campus opportunities such as the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program, volunteer for the International Student Mentorship Program or take part in Graduation Pow Wow

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your Honours or Major program

To do this year:

1. Meet with your department advisor and science advisor, if needed, for honours or major program approval.
2. Use UM Achieve to check eligibility to graduate
3. Meet with your co-op advisor (if applicable).
4. Confirm eligibility to graduate with a science advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor to be a reference or write a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Present your research at Statistical Society of Canada's Annual Meeting and CANSSI Summit.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Post-Secondary Recruitment Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Business Analyst
• Criminal Intelligence Analyst
• Demographer
• Emergency Management Analyst
• Information Analyst/Researcher
• Insurance Underwriter
• Junior Data Analyst
• Market Research Analyst
• Operations Research Analyst
• Pay and Benefits Analyst
• Program Evaluation Officer
• Quantitative Analyst
• Risk Analyst

Options requiring other education

• Accountant
• Actuary
• Data Scientist
• Epidemiologist
• Policy Analyst
• Research Scientist
• Statistician/Biostatistician
• Teacher
• University Professor

Industries like aerospace, business, government, and financial services would value a statistical sciences degree in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Numeracy & data use
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Oral & written communication
• Teamwork
• Digital literacy
• Industry specific knowledge
• Continuous learning

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.