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A statistician works with numerical data by applying mathematical and statistical methods to find solutions. They perform statistical analysis on quantitative data to help organizations make decisions on business development. They are involved in research to find advanced strategies for business improvement. Their expertise is essential for various public and private business sectors like finance, banking, health care, and research.

If you wish to level up your career as a statistician, we will help you compose a perfect resume. Let’s start with the three main types of resumes.

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Job duties of a statistician

A statistician analyzes statistical data. They must look at an organization’s data and figure out the patterns and trends to grow the business

The following responsibilities constitute the normal functions of a statistician:

  • Collecting data through surveys, polls, experiments, and questionnaires.

  • Overseeing data submission from various departments.

  • Cleaning data and identifying anomalies.

  • Interpreting the collected data through tables, charts, and graphs.

  • Identifying data through statistical formulas and software.

  • Ensuring data integrity and security.

  • Managing databases.

  • Designing improved methods for data-gathering.

  • Identifying business trends and correlating results of data analysis for business enhancement.

  • Preparing statistical analysis data reports that guide senior management.

  • Researching effective strategies for continuous business development.

  • Training subordinates on efficient data collection and statistical methods

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Statistician median salary

Based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the chief fact-finding agency of the U.S. government, the median salary of a statistician is $92,270 per annum as of May 2020. The compensation may be higher or lower based on the experience and performance of the employee and the organization’s reputation.

Top skills for statisticians

The primary duties of statisticians include analyzing large data sets to provide business insights, analyses, forecasts, and optimization programs to allow the company to operate efficiently and compete effectively in the marketplace. Whether for a business, large-scale research project, or any other goal, typically, the statistician will assist in compiling and computing data using statistical analysis techniques and Statistical Analysis System (SAS) programming and prepare technical reports, research notes, presentations, and charts.

Let’s delve deeper into the skills you’ll need to be successful in this role.

  • Data analytics and statistics You must be an expert in mathematical and statistical modeling and using classical and modern statistical methods. You must possess working knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of statistics, including a sound understanding of applying Statistical Models, Data Mining, Machine Learning, and how to build analytical solutions to deliver insights. Usual duties include working on sampling, data collection, and modeling data to translate data into action.

    You must implement your understanding of statistical theories and techniques to develop analytics solutions based on business needs. For example, you might need to find out why a specific product isn’t performing well. To do this, you’ll have to design a research project to collect and analyze customer survey answers. After gathering and analyzing data, you will know which steps to take to address the issues found. You’ll also need to identify, evaluate, and help implement emerging advanced analytics technologies and methods following industry standards.
  • Reporting A critical responsibility is writing statistical reports. You must develop and present the results from your data analyses in words, tables, and charts. Some roles ask you to write research papers based on sampling and statistical analysis. For this task, you will need communication skills to convey analytical findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to nontechnical audiences, both in oral and written presentations. In these reports and presentations, you should strive to demonstrate your ability to combine advanced analytics skills with exceptional field-specific understanding.
  • Optimization and systemization You’ll work across many departments, including Information Services teams, to automate recurring tasks and improve processes to increase efficiency. To accomplish this task, you must proactively develop ideas to explore and uncover new areas of improvement. This task may also involve creating software to improve company-specific programs.
  • Quality assurance Overseeing and performing QA testing requires an analytical thinker with strong conceptual and problem-solving skills, meticulous attention to detail, and superb organizational skills. You should implement methods to ensure the quality of collected data, including participating in developing and implementing standard operating procedures. After all, as an expert in data analysis, you will be expected to know what type of data will produce the best results and insights.
  • Programming A statistician must provide technical development expertise for designing, coding, testing, debugging, documenting, and supporting all types of analytical products. In short, you’ll be writing and validating analysis programs. To do this, you must participate in developing standards, design, and implementation of processes to collect and report data and statistics on assigned systems. But also, you must build, maintain, and improve decision systems and predictive models. You may even have to design and implement experiments to test new algorithms, technologies, and processes to serve the company’s statistics needs better and stay ahead of the competition. To do this successfully, you should have experience with programming to create and use advanced machine learning algorithms and statistics, such as regression, simulation, scenario analysis, modeling, clustering, decision trees, neural networks, and more.
  • Technology expertise Conducting data analyses requires knowledge and proficiency in software such as Statistical Analysis System (SAS), Business intelligence software, SPSS, Microsoft Office software suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), and databases such as Oracle and ACCESS. You’ll also need to have strong skills in computer programming, including hands-on experience using programming languages, automation tools, and stats packages (such as R, python, hive).
  • Interpersonal and communications skills You must effectively collaborate with stakeholders from various departments within the organization to provide advanced data-driven solutions, business insights, and support decisions. You must have the ability to maintain positive working relationships with other employees and interact effectively and patiently with customers, especially while under pressure. In addition, you must communicate effectively with all levels of employees and outside contacts with demonstrable skills in oral and written communications.

Statisticians education and certifications

  • Degree

    The minimum requirement for this job is a bachelor’s degree in Statistics, STEM-related fields, or another data science-related field from an accredited university. Some roles expect candidates to have had a minimum of 12 semester hours in statistics or a combination of education and experience with six semester hours in statistics. However, most roles will require a master's degree in a quantitative or technical field such as math, statistics, analytics, engineering, economics, physics, or computer science.

    Many universities offer degrees to consider.

    It’s also important to note that the minimum years of experience for a statistician role is at least three years, but most employers prefer five. Many employers consider a combination of your education and experience, so if you only have a bachelor’s, you can expect more years of experience to be required.

    The difference in education and experience also depends on the role. For example, an intermediate to a senior statistician role in clinical research will require a master’s degree with one to three years of experience, while an entry-level statistician role may simply need a bachelor’s with three to five years of experience. A lead statistician role for clinical research will require a doctorate and over five years of experience.

  • Certifications and licenses

    To be a statistician, you don’t need any kind of license. However, some employers prefer candidates who are certified in one or more areas. The following is a list of some possible options.

Statistician resume-writing tips

  • Specify your innovative efforts. If you have optimized data gathering and statistical analysis processes, make sure to mention it as a part of your work experience. Also, convey precisely your plans for business improvement under “objectives.”
  • Highlight your achievements first. Since recruiters go through a resume in just a few seconds, it is crucial to capture their attention quickly. Hence, showcase your best achievements, awards, or client recognition first, followed by other responsibilities in previous roles.
  • Proofread to check errors. Double-check your resume for grammatical errors and typos before submitting it. Get the help of friends or family members to go through your resume. Remember using short sentences or phrases does not mean they can be grammatically incorrect. You may also use online proofreading tools to check your content.
  • Feature perpetual learning. Mention your certifications, courses, and additional honors or degrees relevant to statistics or data science.

FAQ

  • Which order should I follow in writing about my work experience and education?

    If you have worked for more than one company, mention the latest job experience first and continue in reverse chronological order. The same applies to educational details. In education, say your most recent or advanced degree first to grab the attention of the recruiters.

  • Can I include references?

    No. If the recruiters are interested in your profile and need valid references, they will communicate that to you.

  • Should I mention any short gaps in my career?

    No. Short gaps in a career are insignificant, but if you had an extended opening of more than a year, do mention the reason. You may also include any courses or volunteering services you did during a break in your career. But make sure to keep the details concise.