How to Get Started
as a Statistician
Refine Your Skills and Remain Relevant
Data is essential to many businesses today. Consumer data help companies carry out predictive analytics to help develop better business models. Businesses need professionals to collect, organize, and present data.
Statisticians use various concepts to collect, interpret, and analyze data. We continue to produce data so the demand for statisticians will keep increasing. Read on to find out how to become a statistician.
What Is a Statistician?
A statistician is someone who applies statistical methods and models to solve real-world problems. They apply statistical theories to gather, analyze and interpret volumes of large data to meet organizational goals.
Today, many companies utilize big data and as a result, most employ statisticians. Their duties and responsibilities typically depend on where they are employed. Some work in the field of academics while others work with insurance companies.
How Does a Statistician Relate to Data Science?
Both of these fields interact with data, but they are different. Statisticians are more concerned with collecting and analyzing quantitative data. Data scientists, on the other hand, work in a multidisciplinary field that uses a wide range of scientific methods to derive knowledge from data.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Statistician?
How long it takes to become a professional depends on your career path and goals. The best way to become one is by earning a bachelor’s degree in statistics, computer science, or a related field.
Completing this program will take you about four years. To increase your career prospects, you should consider completing a master’s degree program, which takes less than three years. It might take you about four to six years before you become a professional statistician.
Where to Study Statistics
You must consider earning a bachelor’s degree in statistics or a related field. Companies consider a statistician role as a senior position, so you should also consider earning a master’s degree in statistics. Most employers prefer hiring job applicants with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
The following are schooling options that you must consider.
Statistician Community Colleges
Many community colleges in the United States offer associate degrees in statistics. These programs typically take less than three years to complete. Upon completion of the program, you must gain a couple of years of work experience to qualify for statistician job positions.
Statistician Universities
Many universities offer master’s and bachelor’s degrees in statistics, mathematics, or computer science. A master’s degree typically takes about two years to complete while a bachelor’s degree program takes about four.
Michigan State University and the University of California are just some of the universities offering degree programs in statistics, mathematics, and computer science.
Statistician Coding Bootcamps
Statisticians typically have a strong background in mathematics. Although there are no coding bootcamps designed to help students become statisticians, consider enrolling in mathematics bootcamps with a focus on statistical models.
Statistician Online Courses
Consider enrolling in online courses in a related field if you are looking to add a specific set of skills. You can focus on topics such as statistical learning, introduction to probability theory, and foundations of data analysis.
Most of these courses run from two to 10 weeks. You can also start by looking for free online courses. Online courses tend to have flexible learning schedules for people working full-time jobs.
How to Become a Statistician A Step-by-Step Guide
The best way to become a statistician is by enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program in statistics, mathematics, or computer science. The technical skills required to perform this job can be acquired from such programs.
Below are some of the most important steps that you should take to become a statistician.
Take AP math classes in high school
Statisticians typically have a strong background in mathematics. You can take your knowledge of mathematics to the next level while still in high school. Outside high school, you can enroll in advanced algebra, pre-calculus, trigonometry, and linear algebra courses.
Earn a bachelor's degree
To hold an entry-level job, you’ll need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in statistics or a related field. Most employers generally prefer hiring bachelor’s degree holders.
Complete an internship program
A statistician is considered a senior, so you’ll need to gain practical work experience. One way to achieve this is by completing an internship program. Most universities and colleges have internship programs as part of their core curriculum.
Earn a master’s degree
You should consider earning a master’s degree in statistics. Most statisticians have master’s degrees in statistics or a related field. You will be broadening your job prospects.
Consider professional certification
Most certifications require years of experience before you can enroll. Just like earning a master’s degree, professional certificates increase your employability, especially in competitive job markets.
Entry-Level Statistician Job Requirements
Employers looking for entry-level statisticians prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in statistics or a related field. You’ll also need a year’s experience before you can work as an entry-level statistician.
Some employers will overlook experience in favor of a master’s degree or a PhD in statistics or a related field. Knowledge of SAS programming, data analysis, and statistical writing is also required for entry-level positions.
Statistician Salary and Job Outlook
The demand for statisticians is growing at a much faster rate than the national average. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for statisticians is expected to grow at 33% over the next decade.
A report by BLS showed that statisticians earned median pay of approximately $93,290 in 2020. This is significantly higher than the average for all occupations which stood at $41,950 in 2020, as reported by BLS.
Example Statistician Job Interview Questions
- What do you understand by sampling as used in statistics? List the various sampling methods.
- What are the methods/techniques used for analyzing data in statistics?
- What is the relationship between statisticians and data analysts?
- Explain how you handle missing data in statistics.
What Does a Statistician Do?
Statisticians use various models and techniques to collect and analyze data according to the objectives of a given study. They then use various types of software designed to help these professionals analyze and interpret the data.
They perform the tasks listed below.
Applies Statistical Skills to the Design of Research Studies
A statistician is expected to develop statistical designs to help teams collect and analyze data. You are expected to work as a member of a research team to provide valuable statistical input regarding the design, execution, and analysis of the data collected.
You are also expected to prepare those teams for the collection, analysis, editing, and verification of statistical data. You must demonstrate your ability to research while providing statistical input.
Works With a Project Manager to Understand Objectives of a Study
You are expected to work with a project manager to fully understand the objectives of a business. You must provide statistical input during the collection and analysis of data.
Statisticians are expected to also work with the project manager and team members during result presentations. They communicate data-driven insights to allow the stakeholders to make informed decisions.
Advises on Current Statistical Practices
These professionals review current statistical practices and make recommendations for improvements. You will be required to play an advisory role on such matters.
Essential Statistician Skills and Certifications
To excel you’ll need certain technical skills. You will be working with lots of data, so you need to have excellent data analysis skills. You must consider certifications if you wish to remain marketable in a competitive job market.
Below are some of the most essential skills and certifications of a statistician.
Statistician Skills
Mathematics
Many statistical concepts and models derive from mathematical models. Statisticians must have strong mathematical abilities. Many statisticians have specialized in mathematics.
Many situations will require the application of advanced mathematical techniques and concepts. Having strong mathematical skills is essential.
Proficiency in R and Python
R is a computer language designed for statistical computing and graphics. Statisticians use R to effectively handle and store data. They also use the R environment for calculations on arrays. Python is a language also used in statistics. For this reason, statisticians need to learn Python for big data.
R offers many functionality features that are useful in the manipulation of data. Many employers consider R a statistics system. For these reasons, having strong skills in R will put you at an advantage when looking for jobs.
Data Analysis
Data analysis refers to the process of applying statistical methods to come up with valuable insights to help organizations make informed decisions. This skill is useful to those who specialize in applied statistics.
Such skills are helpful when evaluating data to implement improvements in an organization. Information from data analysis can help biostatisticians prevent diseases. These professionals must learn data analysis.
Statistician Certifications
This certificate program focuses on various statistical concepts as used when designing, sampling, collecting, interpreting, and presenting data. The course is taught by industry experts who offer a comprehensive curriculum, covering everything from designing valid statistical studies to regression analysis.
The certificate program is delivered online, and students get a graduate certificate upon completion. It is meant for researchers, business analysts, statisticians, and data scientists.
This certificate program is designed to equip professionals in the medical or public health industry with statistical skills. It is designed for researchers, data analysts, data scientists, and statisticians. You will learn linear and logistic regression models, biostatistics, and principles for observational studies.
This is a premier program meant for analytics practitioners. It will help advance your knowledge in analytics. You must have at least a bachelor’s degree before enrolling. You should also have three to seven years of working experience depending on your educational background.
Reasons to Become a Statistician in 2021
The BLS estimates that the demand for statisticians will grow at 33 percent over the next decade. This means that you’ll always have employment opportunities. Not only that but they are reasonably paid.
This career is ideal if you are ready to commit a few years to a degree and a few more to gaining work experience. If you have a knack for solving math equations, data, and software development, you should consider a career as a statistician.
Statistician FAQ
What does a statistician do?
Statisticians use various models and techniques to collect and analyze data according to the objectives of a given study. They use various types of software designed to help them analyze and interpret the data.
Do you need a PhD to become a statistician?
Not all statistician job positions require applicants to have a PhD. Jobs in the academic and research industries generally require PhDs in statistics. However, in most statistician job positions, employers prefer hiring candidates with a bachelor’s or a master’s degree.
Is being a statistician difficult?
No, it is no more challenging than training for any other profession. However, it does require a student to master concepts in mathematics which most students might find challenging.
Who employs statisticians?
Statisticians are employed in a number of industries including sports, research and development, marketing, and healthcare. They typically work in industries that require the collection and analysis of data.
