Data analyst-statistician
Statistics officer
Data analyst-statisticians identify trends, create models, collect numerical information and present results.
Salary range: £23,000 to £70,000
How to become a data analyst-statistician
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a graduate training scheme
University
You’ll usually need a degree or postgraduate award in
- statistics
- mathematics
- economics
- operational research
- psychology
Other subjects may be acceptable if they include formal training in statistics as part of the course, for example social science or geography.
Some university courses offer an industrial placement or sandwich year, which allows you to work in industry or commerce as part of your studies. This could be useful when you look for jobs after you finish your course.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More information
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements
Volunteering and experience
The Royal Statistical Society advertise volunteering opportunities, which give you the chance to use your skills to help community organisations and charities. This is a good way to increase your understanding of how statistics can be put to good use in wider society.
Other routes
You can apply to join the Government Statistical Service (GSS) as a trainee through the Civil Service Fast Stream programme. You’ll need a good degree pass or postgraduate qualification to do this.
The GSS also directly recruits graduates, and those with equivalent and relevant experience, into positions like statistical officer.
More information
Career tips
Some employers will expect you to have a working knowledge of statistical software packages, like Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).
Further information
You can find out more on careers in statistics from the Royal Statistical Society.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- maths knowledge
- analytical thinking skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- excellent verbal communication skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- the ability to read English
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
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 like drug and food testing
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could progress into management, move into academic research or work as a freelance consultant.