How Do I Become an Operations Analyst?

If you enjoy problem-solving and are comfortable working with both numbers and computers, you might be wondering how to become an operations analyst. The terms ‘operations analyst’ and ‘operations research analyst’ are sometimes used interchangeably to refer to a professional who uses mathematics and statistics to evaluate the procedures and efficiency of operations, or internal workings, within a business. Operations analysts find employment in a number of fields, including technical and scientific industries, insurance, finance, and manufacturing. Most work in the private sector, but some secure jobs working to streamline operations within the federal government.

Operations analysts must be skilled at gathering information from databases, company reports and employ experiences and accessing that information to draw conclusions. They use statistics for much of their analyses, but may also use simulated data to predict outcomes of proposed solutions to problems. Because advanced computer software plays an essential role in these evaluations, aspiring operations analysts must be comfortable working with computers and proficient at learning new software.

While this profession requires extensive use of mathematics principles on a regular basis, an operations analyst’s work doesn’t end with number-crunching. These professionals evaluate data to find solutions to problems within a business, such as areas where tasks are not being performed as cost-effectively as possible. They report on their findings and propose ideas for how to solve these problems. An operations analyst has significant influence within a business, helping management determine the prices of manufactured goods, the time frame involved in production, and how to best utilize resources such as workers, machines and materials to maximize productivity within the company.

An operations analyst’s work is math-intensive on a daily basis, so an educational background in mathematics is a must for pursuing this career path. Some candidates major in computer science, physics, engineering, or another technical program of study but make sure to complete courses such as calculus and statistics in order to have a more varied array of experiences from which they can draw. Still others come from business backgrounds, such as business administration, finance, or management. Certain institutions of higher education even offer degrees in operations research specifically. Typically, employers seek candidates with a minimum of a four-year degree from an accredited school for an entry-level position or a master’s-level degree for higher level positions.

In 2010, operations research analysts earned a median salary of $70,960 per year, according to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. The position is so desirable that CNN Money ranked it as number 52 on the publication’s 2010 “Best Jobs in America” list, citing a six-figure top salary for the most educated and experienced operations research analysts and a high rate of personal job satisfaction. Do you have the observational and critical-thinking skills to recognize problems and inefficiencies and the mathematics skills to analyze potential solutions? If so, knowing how to become an operations analyst could be the first step to beginning a profitable and fulfilling new career.

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