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What Does an Operations Research Analyst Do

Operations research analysts help businesses create effective strategies based on data. Learn more about the skills required to break into the field, along with some similar operations research analyst jobs to consider.

Businesses collect tremendous volumes of data, from worker habits to daily operations processes and customer behavior. Operations research analysts analyze this data using mathematical modeling and advanced analysis to create insightful reports that help business leaders make more efficient and cost-effective decisions. These professionals are vital to optimizing business operations. 

With faster-than-average industry growth and high salaries, operations research analyst positions are a great option for professionals who enjoy math and statistics. Explore what this job involves and how to set yourself up for success.

What does an operations research analyst do?

Operations research analysts perform critical functions for companies interested in improving their processes and making more informed decisions. As an operations research analyst, you will use statistics, mathematical modeling, and optimization to develop solutions to issues causing less-than-ideal performance. For example, you might study customer behavior to provide insight into the best time of year to offer a particular sale or help streamline information sharing in a hospital to provide more time for doctors to spend with patients.

Operations research analysts take this raw data and analyze it without bias. In this role, you must use mathematical and analytical skills to discover the optimal solution for an issue, regardless of other people’s motivations or opinions. Your employer will trust you to find the best solutions for everyone based on what the data reflects.

Tasks and responsibilities

The tasks in this role vary based on a business’s needs. Some typical responsibilities may include: 

• Use data to identify issues in processes, logistics, customer behavior, and other areas

• Collect and sort information from various sources, such as databases or interviews

• Analyze the data using models, simulations, and other techniques

• Develop and test possible solutions

• Write reports and effectively communicate proposed recommendations

• Formulate appropriate models and analysis processes

• Collaborate with decision-makers about issues and solutions

• Communicate changes in process to staff and colleagues

• Mine big data to identify patterns

What are some in-demand operations research analyst skills? 

To be successful as an operations research analyst, you’ll need strong analytical and mathematical skills to fulfill your job’s expectations. Some other technical and workplace skills that are helpful in this role include the following:

Technical skills

• Quantitative analysis

• Computer programming

• Predictive modeling

• Advanced mathematics

• Conducting tests using  simulations

• Strong writing, research, and presentation skills

What tools do operations research analysts use?

Operations research analysts use a wide range of software and other tools to gather, analyze successfully, and model data sets. 

Some examples of this software include: 

Analytical software, like IBM SPSS Statistics

• Database user interface and query software, like Microsoft SQL Server

• Operating system software, like UNIX Shell

• Object-oriented development software, like Scala

• Word processing software, like Google Docs

Qualifications needed for operations research analyst jobs

Operations research analysts typically need a strong math and computer programming background to succeed. You might acquire these skills through a four-year degree, an advanced degree, online certifications, and on-the-job training.