TATISTICS

Statistics often is defined as the science of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. It is an exacting science, a discipline based on precise mathematical formulation, careful adherence to underlying theoretical principles, and rigorous standards for accurate data collection and analysis.

Because statistical procedures can be applied to problems in virtually any area of investigation or experimentation that involves some degree of uncertainty or variability, the need for statisticians has grown steadily in recent years.

The 1993 Occupational Outlook Handbook, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, states, "Private industry, in the face of increasing competition and strong government regulation, will require increasing numbers of statisticians to monitor productivity and quality in the manufacture of various products. Statisticians with knowledge of engineering and science will find jobs in research and development. Business firms will rely more heavily than in the past on statisticians to forecast sales, analyze business conditions, modernize accounting procedures, and help solve management problems. In addition, sophisticated statistical services will increasingly be contracted out to consulting firms." The Handbook states that diverse industries - including pharmaceuticals, motor vehicles, chemicals, and food products - require statisticians.

Statisticians with Ph.D. degrees have excellent employment prospects, especially in large corporations and in colleges and universities. The Handbook notes, "Large numbers of college and university faculty are expected to retire within 10 to 15 years, creating many openings for professional statisticians."

The Handbook and The Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance (8th Edition) also cite the growth of career opportunities for statisticians in federal, state, and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations. The Encyclopedia concludes, "Persons with an interest in and an aptitude for statistics should be able to establish a career in virtually any field of application."

According to the Job Rated Almanac, the statistics profession rates among the five best occupations on the basis of salary, stress level, work environment, job security, and physical demands.

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