Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyse, interpret, then present numerical information to assist in decision-making. They may specialise in one particular area such as economics, health or agriculture.
Tasks & duties
Statisticians may do some or all of the following:
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design methods of obtaining data such as surveys, experiments and questionnaires
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use statistical techniques and models to forecast results, trends and needs
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find factors that affect the results of research
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identify differences between groups of data
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identify relationships and trends in data
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use computers to make graphs, tables and charts of data
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present findings to clients
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write reports and prepare data for publication
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provide data to help policy-makers
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check data for inaccuracies
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supervise or manage specific projects
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analyse legal and social problems
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help businesses and industry to solve work-related problems
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assist with financial work
Skills & knowledge
Statisticians need to have:
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knowledge of maths and statistics
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understanding of different research methods, including which methods to use for particular types of statistical data
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the ability to design surveys
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skill in analysing and interpreting information from surveys
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planning and organisational skills
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decision-making and problem-solving ability
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the ability to communicate well with clients
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computer skills and knowledge of relevant software
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writing skills for presenting statistical data
Entry requirements
To become a statistician you need to have a Bachelor of Science in maths or statistics, or any degree that includes statistics papers, although a postgraduate degree in maths or statistics may be preferred. Papers in survey design are also useful.
Secondary education
A tertiary entrance qualification with good grades in maths with calculus and maths with statistics is required.
Training on the job
Statisticians gain skills on the job and may also attend training courses to upgrade their skills and knowledge.
Useful experience
Useful experience includes:
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any work using maths and statistics
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work with market research companies
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work with surveys, polls and data analysis
Related courses
Mathematics
Statistics
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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