A statistician is a mathematician who collects and studies data in order to better understand
our world and analyze some
of its problems.
On a more particular level, a mathematician of this type collects
information and data about the particular topic that he/she is studying, and then uses his/her knowledge
of probability and
statistics to analyze and understand this collection of information.
Once he/she has done this, he/she uses this new knowledge to attempt to
gain a sense of understanding of other applicable situations, where
he/she can now predict various probable outcomes. To go about collecting
the data needed for the calculations ahead, the statistician might conduct
surveys, make models, create test cases, etc.
The degree that a statistician holds is often a major influence
on the type of job that they are able to attain. Many employers
in this field encourage their employees to continue to further their
education, and therefore may offer scholarships or classes within the
company. Presently, there is a high demand for statisticians. This
may widen one's chance of being hired, but it also creates a more
competitive field.
Some fascinating descriptions of what the job of a mathematician in the field of Statistics
entails can be found from the following sources:
The American Statistical
Association (ASA) has an informational web site where you find
information about the association, when and where it might hold
meetings, descriptions about the field, a job search engine, and a list
of helpful links and resources, among other things.
You can read about Edna Lee Paisano's daily activities as a Statistician with the Bureau
of the the Census of the Department of Commerce in 101 Careers in
Mathematics. (Page 136.)
Look at Lisa M. Tonder's description of her days as a
Senior Statistician with Medtronic, Inc., among others, in 101 Careers in
Mathematics. (Page 188.)
Click on this internet site, provided by the AMS, to learn what Matt Fivash's
job as a Statistician with the National Cancer Institute entails.
Great Jobs for Math Majors gives a wonderful description
of the job of a statistician, what background one usually has, working conditions, earnings, and
more information. (Page 143-180.)
Read about Dennis J. Beal's endeavors as a Statistician with Lockheed Martin Energy Systems
by clicking here. He assists in environmental
restoration projects by writing sampling plans (with a group) from drums of waste and then
analyzes the resulting data and produces statistical studies and written reports.
