What You'll Do

  • Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
  • Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
  • Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.
  • Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
  • Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
  • Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
  • Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.
  • Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
  • Break systems into their components, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.
  • Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.

Essential Skills

Mathematics 4.5/5
Complex Problem Solving 4.12/5
Reading Comprehension 4.0/5
Active Listening 4.0/5
Writing 4.0/5
Speaking 4.0/5
Critical Thinking 4.0/5
Active Learning 3.88/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.88/5
Systems Analysis 3.88/5
Systems Evaluation 3.88/5
Operations Analysis 3.75/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Leader: Taking charge and moving ideas forward motivates you.

Common styles

Analytical Thinking, Attention to Detail, Integrity, Initiative, Innovation

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Mathematical Reasoning 4.5/5
Deductive Reasoning 4.12/5
Inductive Reasoning 4.12/5
Oral Comprehension 4.0/5
Written Comprehension 4.0/5
Oral Expression 4.0/5
Written Expression 4.0/5
Problem Sensitivity 4.0/5

Technologies & Tools

A mathematical programming language AMPL Amazon Redshift Apache Hadoop Apache Hive Apache Pig Apple macOS Bash Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge Business Forecast Systems Forecast Pro C C++ Cisco IOS Citrix cloud computing software Claritas PRIZM NE Dassault Systemes CATIA Data entry software Database software Eko ESRI ArcExplorer ESRI ArcGIS software

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Analytical Thinking (High importance: 4.9/5)
  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.62/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 4.52/5)
  • Initiative (High importance: 4.43/5)
  • Innovation (High importance: 4.29/5)

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How to Become One

This career requires extensive preparation, typically including a graduate degree (Master's or Doctoral) and several years of experience. Most professionals in this field have invested significant time in education and training.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Advanced Analytics Associate Analytical Strategist Analytics Consultant Business Analyst Business Operations Analyst Business Process Analyst Decision Analyst Decision Support Analyst File System Installer Forms Analyst Liaison Planner Material Liaison Methods Analyst Methods Consultant Methods Specialist Office System Analyst Operations Analyst (Ops Analyst) Operations Research Analyst (Ops Research Analyst) Operations Research Scientist (Ops Research Scientist) Operations Specialist (Ops Specialist) Operations Support Specialist (Ops Support Specialist) Optimization Analyst Policy Advisor Policy Officer Procedure Analyst Procedure Writer Process Analyst Research Analyst Research Assistant Research Associate Research Scientist Research Specialist Research Technician (Research Tech) Researcher Risk Analyst Sales Operations Analyst (Sales Ops Analyst) Standards Analyst Systems Analyst Systems Consultant Technical Analyst