Data analyst-statistician Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

Your work as a statistician could be used in a number of areas, including:

• local and national government
• market research (public sector or government)
• business, finance and insurance
• NHS management
• crime analysis and forensics
• education.

In the public sector you could work for government agencies, research councils and universities. Working for the government, for example, could involve collecting, analysing and publishing information on population trends, the economy, the labour market, transport or crime. The information you produce would then be used to advise ministers, and inform the press and the wider population.

In other industries or sectors, you might be involved in:

• looking for trends and patterns to help companies make business decisions
• analysing market research and trends in consumer feedback
• opinion poll analysis
• predicting demand for services or goods
• checking quality control standards in areas such as drug and food testing.

Hours

Your work would normally be office-based but might involve travelling to other locations to collect data. You would generally work around 37 to 40 hours a week, and occasionally longer to meet project deadlines.

Income

Starting salaries for assistant statisticians can be between £20,000 and £27,000 a year. With experience and qualifications this can rise to around £40,000 to £53,000 a year.

Chief statisticians can earn up to £70,000 a year.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

For most jobs you will need a degree in statistics, mathematics or another subject involving working with numbers, such as economics, operational research, psychology or a medical science.

To do a maths-based degree course, you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C) plus at least two A levels including maths. You will need to check exact entry requirements with individual colleges and universities. You can search for degree courses on the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website.

• Universities and Colleges Admissions Service

Some four-year sandwich degree courses include a year in the workplace. The experience you gain during this time could help you when applying for work. See the Civil Service website for further advice on work experience and sandwich placement opportunities.

• Civil Service

As an alternative to a degree, you could take a qualification such as the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) Graduate Diploma in Statistics. See the RSS website for details.

• Royal Statistical Society

Some employers may prefer you to have a postgraduate qualification (such as a Masters degree or PhD), and knowledge of statistical software packages - for example Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

Fast stream assistant statistician recruitment scheme

The Government Statistical Service (GSS) runs a fast stream assistant statistician recruitment scheme for high calibre graduates with a first or second class honours degree in a numerate subject.

The GSS also recruits graduates (and those with equivalent and relevant experience) into the roles of statistical officer and temporary statistical officer, which can be a route into a permanent job in statistics. See the GSS website for more details on recruitment criteria.

• Government Statistical Service

Training and development

As a new statistician you would usually receive on-the-job training from your employer. You would work under the supervision of experienced staff in preparation for taking on your own projects and more responsibility.

You may also be encouraged to work towards Royal Statistical Society (RSS) qualifications, which are available at Ordinary Certificate, Higher Certificate and Graduate Diploma levels.

The RSS also awards Chartered Statistician (CStat) status to people with an honours degree or higher degree in statistics, plus at least five years' practical experience. See the RSS website for details.

• Royal Statistical Society

Also, the Market Research Society (MRS) offers a number of qualifications and training programmes. See the MRS website for details.

If you do not already have a postgraduate qualification, you could study part-time for a relevant Masters degree or PhD.

Skills and knowledge

To be a data analyst-statistician, you should have:

• a high level of mathematical ability
• good IT skills
• the ability to analyse, model and interpret data
• strong problem-solving skills
• a methodical and logical approach
• the ability to plan work and meet deadlines
• a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• good interpersonal skills to work as part of a team
• excellent written and spoken communication skills including report writing.

More information

Royal Statistical Society (RSS)
12 Errol Street
London
EC1Y 8LX
Tel: 020 7638 8998
www.rss.org.uk

Market Research Society (MRS)
15 Northburgh Street
London
EC1V 0JR
www.mrs.org.uk

Statisticians in the Pharmaceutical Industry Ltd (PSI)

Opportunities

The Government Statistical Services (GSS) is the biggest recruiter of statisticians in the UK, with over 1000 staff in the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and other government departments.

• UK Statistics Authority

You may be able to find opportunities at universities and research institutes, research agencies, the NHS, the pharmaceutical industry and in business.

Outside the GSS, many companies are likely to employ statisticians in market research, so you may need to change employers to further your career.

With experience, you could progress into management, move into academic research or choose to work as a freelance consultant.

You may find the following useful for vacancies and further reading (links open in a new window):

• Royal Statistical Society (RSS) (job links)
• Office for National Statistics (job page)
• UK Statistics Authority (GSS Recruitment pages)
• MR Web
• Research Live

Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.

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