Data Analyst-statistician

You can apply to join the Government Statistical Service (GSS) as a trainee through the Civil Service Fast Stream programme. You'll need a good degree pass or postgraduate qualification to do this.

The GSS also directly recruits graduates, and those with equivalent and relevant experience, into positions like statistical officer.

You'll need:

• maths knowledge
• analytical thinking skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Depending on the industry or sector, you might:

• look for trends and patterns to help make business, policy or organisational decisions
• analyse market research and trends in consumer feedback
• analyse opinion polls
• predict demand for services or goods
• check quality control standards in areas like drug and food testing

You could work in an office.

The Royal Statistical Society advertise volunteering opportunities, which give you the chance to use your skills to help community organisations and charities. This is a good way to increase your understanding of how statistics can be put to good use in wider society.

Career tips

Some employers will expect you to have a working knowledge of statistical software packages, like Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

Further information

You can find out more on careers in statistics from the Royal Statistical Society.