Data analyst-statistician
Data analyst-statisticians collect numbers and statistics to identify trends, create models and present results.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Depending on the industry or sector, you might:
- help to design scientific research studies
- use statistical software to analyse risk, for example in insurance
- look for trends and patterns to help organisations and government make policy decisions
- investigate market research into consumer habits and feedback
- analyse results from clinical trials
- create models to predict demand for services or goods
- check quality control standards in areas like drug and food testing
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Career path and progression
You can use your skills to work in a lot of different areas, for example healthcare, finance, environment, sports and e-commerce.
With experience, you could:
- become a manager
- move into teaching and academic research
- work as a freelance consultant
- become a data scientist to use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve businesses
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- maths knowledge
- analytical thinking skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- persistence and determination
- the ability to work on your own
- concentration skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- a graduate training scheme
You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate degree in:
- statistics
- mathematics
- economics
- operational research
- psychology
You may be able to apply for jobs if you have a degree in a subject that included statistics as part of your course, for example social science or geography.
Courses that give you the chance to spend a year in industry or get work experience through placements, internships or real business projects may give you an advantage when you are looking for graduate jobs.
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
You may be able to start by doing a T level in Digital Business Services. This could give you some of the skills you need to apply for a trainee position with a company.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
You could start in a junior data analysis role through a data technician advanced apprenticeship.
You could go on to complete a data analysis higher apprenticeship or data scientist degree apprenticeship.
If you want to work in health data analysis you could do a medical statistician degree apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
You can develop your professional skills and gain real work experience by helping community organisations and charities. For example, with the Royal Statistical Society.
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 or postgraduate qualification.
The GSS also directly recruits graduates and people with relevant experience into positions like statistical officer.
Further information
You can find out more on careers in statistics from the Royal Statistical Society.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.