Operational researcher
Operational researchers analyse problems and find ways to help organisations make better decisions and improve the way they work.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As an operational researcher, you'll:
- speak to staff and managers to learn about what they do and how they work
- collect and analyse data, using mathematical and statistical methods
- create computer models to test solutions to problems
- identify areas for improvement and recommend changes
- present findings to senior management teams
- monitor changes to make sure they are working
Working environment
You could work in an office or from home.
Career path and progression
With experience you could become a research team leader or project manager, then move on to managing an operational research department within a large organisation.
You can find work and career development opportunities in the public and private sector, including:
- the health service
- government departments
- the defence industry
- retail, financial services and higher education
You could also become self-employed and work as a business or management consultant.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- maths skills
- analytical thinking skills
- business management skills
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to use your initiative
- active listening skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- a government graduate training scheme
You'll usually need a degree in maths and operational research, or a related subject that contains a high proportion of maths, for example:
- statistics
- computing
- economics
- management science
- physics
Some employers may prefer you to have a postgraduate qualification in operational research or management science.
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 could apply to do an Operational Research Specialist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship typically takes 2 years to complete.
Most trainee operational researchers are graduates with strong maths and analytical skills.
Entry requirements
Most people following this route have:
- a degree in a relevant subject
More Information
You could apply for a place on the Government Operational Research Service Fast Stream scheme.
To be eligible, you'll need a degree in maths, or a combined degree or degree apprenticeship that has a high maths content. A postgraduate award in a maths related subject may also be acceptable.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join The Operational Research Society for professional development opportunities.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in operational research from The Operational Research Society.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.