Operations Research Analysts
Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.
At a Glance
Operations Research Analysts earns a median of $91,290/yr with +21.5% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Dependability, Getting Information, Working with Computers.
$91,290/yr
+21.5%
10
Bachelor's degree
Skills & Requirements
Skills (13)
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Knowledge (5)
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Abilities (15)
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Technology (45)
Category: Enterprise application integration software | Hot Technology
Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology
Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology
Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology
Work Activities (21)
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Work Styles (3)
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Careers with Overlapping Skills
These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.
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Computer Systems Analysts
Computer and Mathematical · 265 shared skills
Software Developers
Computer and Mathematical · 264 shared skills
Business Intelligence Analysts
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Database Administrators
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Information Technology Project Managers
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Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
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