Statistician
Collect and analyse data, then present findings to use the data to help solve problems, spot trends or make predictions.
About the job
What it's like
Statisticians collect and analyse data, then present their findings to use the date to help solve problems, spot trends or make predictions.
In this role you’d use your knowledge of statistics to design and implement methods of research such as surveys, experiments, opinion polls. You’d then gather numerical data and display it, helping companies to make sense of quantitative data.
For example, information about weather conditions is collected through satellites, barometers, radars, and other instruments located on land, in water and the atmosphere. The data collected is then combined with forecasting and statistical models to provide the detailed weather forecasts that we see every day on TV or on our phones.
Statistics are used in many fields including economics, biology, engineering, public health, medicine, psychology, marketing, education, and sports.
What you might do
meet with clients to discuss the data required and how it should be collected
select the best research method to use depending on the information needed
design research methods such as experiments, trials or surveys
carry out research, often as part of a team
collect and analyse the data
use the statistics to make forecasts
present your results to others in the most appropriate way, using tables, graphs, diagrams or written reports
make decisions or predictions based on the results
advise other colleagues and policy makers of results and decisions
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- analysing
- time management
- sorting
- attention to detail
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- written communication
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Economics
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Skills for Work: Financial Services
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Statistics
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Financial Services
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Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
People in this role will generally have degree level qualifications in a statistical related subject, such as:
economics
mathematics
statistics
The UK’s main employer of statisticians is the Office of National Statistics and they have a number of fast track schemes to help graduates make a start in a career as a statistician.
Qualifications such as the Graduate Diploma in Statistics, awarded by the RSS, may also be accepted - this is equivalent to a UK honours degree in statistics.
In addition, the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) have a number of accreditation and qualification schemes such as the professional qualification of graduate statistician, gained through completion of degree courses accredited by the RSS.
You could also consider applying to join the civil service via the Civil Service Fast Stream: Government Statistical Service programme - an accelerated training and development programme – to do this you would need a good degree pass or postgraduate qualification.
Recruitment in this area is also increasing in Scotland and there are opportunities within the Scottish Government and other public sector bodies as well as demand for statisticians within STEM industries (science, technology, engineering & maths) and specialisms, such as biostatisticians.
While not all employers list specific qualification requirements they do ask for relevant (usually work based) experience that demonstrates a range of transferable skills.
Some employers will expect you to have a working knowledge of statistical software packages, like Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).
Membership of the RSS, as mentioned above, is worth considering in order to stay up-to-date and access their training opportunities. You can join as a fellow with no qualifications, as a professional or as a business looking to help staff stay up to date.
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