Operations Research Analysts

Career summary

Operations research analysts may also be called researchers, research analysts, management science analysts, and operations researchers.

Analysts start by learning as much as they can about the problem they are trying to solve. They define the problem, given what they know. Analysts talk to people whose work might be affected by any changes they make.

Once they have gathered the information they need, analysts begin to evaluate it. They create a solution and analyze it using a mathematical model. The model takes into account how different factors relate to each other. Analysts revise the model as they change their solution.

When they have a solution, analysts prepare reports and present them to the organization. The reports define the problem, evaluate it, and propose possible solutions. They include information about the time and money needed to make the proposed changes. Analysts may work with others in the organization to carry out the plan.

Operations research analysts must keep up with new developments in the fields of operations research and computer science.

Operations research is also called management science or decision technology.

Related careers

This career is part of the Business Management and Administration cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Actuaries
• Computer and Information Research Scientists
• Cost Estimators
• Economists
• Management Analysts
• Market Research Analysts
• Mathematicians
• Statisticians

Military careers

• Management Analysts and Planners

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to operations research analysts.

• Break an organizational problem down into parts. Observe the current system to see what might be changed.
• Identify and gather information.
• Test the quality of information, using statistical methods.
• Use computers and statistical software.
• Prepare a mathematical model of a problem.
• Experiment with different mathematical models.
• Test and revise models, if necessary.
• Design and use computer programs to figure out how long a project will take and how much it will cost.
• Evaluate the results of the research.
• Study information and select the most effective plan.
• Prepare reports of possible solutions to problems and present them to managers.
• Work with others in the organization to carry out the plan.
• Keep up with new developments in the field of operations research and computer science.

Common work activities

Operations research analysts perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Analyze data or information
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Get information needed to do the job
• Process information
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Think creatively
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Develop goals and strategies
• Document and record information
• Develop and build teams
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
• Schedule work and activities

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, operations research analysts:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact. They work with managers and consult with people inside and outside of the organization.
• Communicate by e-mail, telephone, and in person on a daily basis. They also write letters and memos, but less frequently.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
• May work as part of a team of analysts.

Physical work conditions

• Work indoors.
• May share an office with others.

Work performance

• Must be highly accurate in performing the job and be sure that everything is done. Errors could result in serious financial losses for companies.
• Make decisions on a monthly basis that impact their company and their coworkers. They usually decide a course of action without talking to a supervisor first.
• Set nearly all their daily tasks and goals without consulting a supervisor first.
• Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere where monthly deadlines must be met.

Hours/travel

• Generally work regular hours.
• Often are under pressure to meet deadlines and work more than a 40-hour week.
• Work a set schedule.

Physical demands

Operations research analysts frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for operations research analysts to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for operations research analysts to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

Skills and abilities

Operations research analysts need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Use math and science

• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
• Use scientific methods to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Teach others how to do something.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Management Information Systems
• Management Sciences
• Operations Management
• Operations Research

Other programs of study to consider

• Applied Mathematics
• Business Management and Administration
• Economics
• Engineering and Industrial Management
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Labor and Industrial Relations
• Mathematics
• Organizational Leadership
• Statistics

Training

To work as an operations research analyst, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a bachelor's degree.

Education after high school

Most operations research analysts have at least a bachelor's degree. Several fields of study provide good preparation for this occupation. These include computer science, economics, math, and statistics. Common areas of study are operations research, business administration, computer and information science, math, and engineering. A master's degree in computer science or operations research is an excellent way to prepare for this occupation.

Regardless of major, you should take courses in computer science and programming. This is because you use computers to run the complex models done in operations research.

On-the-job training

New graduates work under the guidance of experienced operations research analysts. In large companies, you may also receive formal classroom training. You work on more difficult tasks and get more independence in your work as you gain knowledge and experience. The length of training varies by employer. In general, you may receive up to several years of additional training, although less time is more common.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be management analysts and planners. This occupation is related to operations research. You need a bachelor's degree to enter this military occupation. Training lasts from six to ten weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements. Operations research analysts need a strong background in math. Take as many math courses as you can.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Computer Programming
• Computer Science
• Economics
• Statistics and Probability

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers strongly prefer to hire people with at least a bachelor's degree. Degrees in both operations research and computer science are especially desirable. Employers prefer workers who can think logically and who have good communication skills.

Entry-level positions in Washington State government require a four-year college degree, including college coursework in statistics, or a bachelor's degree and one year of experience in statistics or a related field. Government researchers are hired from a register of qualified applicants. A competitive examination may be required to be placed on the register. Policy research applicants often face keen competition for positions and an advanced degree is preferred. Familiarity with an agency, a college major, or experience in a field related to the agency's work is helpful.

#Entry level state jobs still have requirements mentioned above, 3/14/07, CJ & 3/9/11, 4/11/13, 12/12/16, 4/8/19 cj.

Tips

Seek project or temporary positions to gain experience. Conduct informational interviews with people who are doing research. They can give you a good idea of the skills needed to do the job.

Costs to workers

Workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Operations Research Analysts 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country.

Operations research analysts who work full time usually receive benefits. Common benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, health insurance, and a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Most operations research analysts who work for the federal government work for the armed forces. In addition, many analysts in private industry work on projects related to national defense.

Major employers:

• Professional, scientific, and technical service companies
• Finance and insurance companies
• Federal, state, and local government agencies

People trained to be operations research analysts often have different job titles. These include operations analyst, management analyst, systems analyst, and policy analyst.

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is expected to grow significantly. Companies use operations research analysts to help improve productivity and reduce costs. For example, analysts will be needed to help businesses improve their manufacturing operations and logistics. Operations research analysts will continue to be needed to provide support for our nation's military.

Job openings will also occur as people retire from this occupation.

Other resources

Career FAQ about OR/Analytics 

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences 
5521 Research Park Drive, Suite 200
Catonsville, MD 21228
800.446.3676
443.757.3500

Mathematical Sciences Career Information 

Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics 
3600 Market Street, 6th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215.382.9800

Society of Women Engineers 
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair 

References

Career cluster

• Business Management and Administration

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Operations Research Analysts (15-2031.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

DOT occupation

• Operations-research Analyst (020.067-018) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Investigative/Conventional/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Science Professional