Operational Researcher

Typical Salary

£23,000 To £60,000

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week

between 8am and 6pm

How To Become a Operational Researcher

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

You'll usually need a degree in operational research, maths or other relevant subject, for example:

statistics
computing
economics
management science

2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths

a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Apprenticeship

You could do an operational research specialist higher apprenticeship.

a degree in a relevant subject for a degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You may be able to get into operational research if you've got related experience from industry, for example in research and development or project management.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

business management skills
maths skills
analytical thinking skills
knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
to be flexible and open to change
the ability to use your initiative
customer service skills
the ability to work well with others
to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Day To Day Tasks

In your day-to-day tasks you may:

observe staff and managers, and interview them about their jobs
collect and analyse data, using mathematical and statistical methods
apply business theories
identify areas for improvement and recommend changes
advise managers on making changes
check to see how changes are working
set up and test solutions to problems, using statistical and computer forecasting
present findings to the organisation

Working Environment

You could work in an office or from home.

Career Path & Progression

With experience you could become a project or team leader, then manager of an operational research department.

You could also become self-employed as a management consultant.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

Joining a professional body like The Operational Research Society may improve your career prospects.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in operational research from The Operational Research Society.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.