Operational Researcher
What is the work like?
Operational researchers, also known as management scientists, apply advanced mathematical and business theory to help businesses and government solve problems and make better decisions.
As an operational researcher, you might be brought in to improve an organisation’s efficiency, or to provide information for senior managers to use when developing policies and predicting future business trends. You might work alone or in a small team.
Your work would include:
- examining a company’s current procedures
- observing and interviewing staff
- analysing the results using various mathematical, statistical and business theories
- deciding how to apply the theory to the client’s business
- devising and testing solutions to the problem (often by setting up statistical and computer forecasts and ‘models')
- reporting your findings to the client
- making recommendations about where changes could be made
- advising managers how to put the changes into practice.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will usually need a first class or upper second class degree in management science, operational research, or another relevant subject such as:
- mathematics
- statistics
- computing/IT
- economics
- business or management studies.
You could also get into operational research with a lower second class degree plus A level maths or statistics, or with a degree in a subject relevant to the particular industry, plus management or research work experience.
Some employers prefer you to have a postgraduate degree in operational research or management science. See the Operational Research Society (ORS) website for information on relevant degrees and postgraduate courses.
What further training and development can I do?
You would develop your skills on the job, learning from experienced researchers and taking on more responsibility as your experience grows. Some employers run structured graduate training programmes for new starters.
It is common to study for postgraduate degrees in operational research or management science on a part-time basis whilst you are working. See the Operational Research Society (ORS) website for a list of relevant courses.
The ORS also offers a range of short courses to help you to update your skills and research techniques – see their website for more information.
Where can I go for more information?
Seymour House12 Edward Street
Birmingham
B1 2RX
Tel: 0121 233 9300
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are around £20,000 to £28,000 a year.
- With experience this can rise to between £40,000 and £80,000.
- Consultants can earn up to £100,000 a year.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your typical working hours would be 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, perhaps with occasional overtime to meet deadlines. Part-time work is possible.
You may have an office base or work mainly from home, but you would often need to visit the companies that you are researching, which can involve frequent travel and overnight stays.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent mathematical and computer skills
- good business knowledge
- an organised, methodical and logical approach
- the ability to analyse complex information
- excellent written and spoken communication skills
- good research skills
- the ability to explain complex ideas clearly to people who are not experts
- a creative approach to problem solving.
What opportunities are there?
You might be employed by an operational research consultancy, the Government Operational Research Service (GORS), universities, research institutions, the NHS, or in all kinds of industry including manufacturing, utilities, transport and retail.
Jobs may be advertised in the national press, OR Newsletter (free to members of the Operational Research Society), the GORS website and specialist recruitment agencies.
With experience, you could be promoted to project/team leader and then to manager of an OR department. You could also progress into general management or work as a self-employed management consultant.
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