Who employs OR analysts?
A career in operational research (OR) within academia involves conducting advanced research to develop mathematical models and analytical methods that optimise decision-making and improve organisational efficiency.
Government
More than 25 government departments
and agencies rely on OR analysts to help them find solutions to complex
management problems: solutions vital to improving the quality of life
for millions of people across the UK. But what is it that government OR
analysts actually do? Simply put, operational research brings
intellectual rigour to the decision-making process. By looking closely
at complex systems, and developing models that predict the way they
behave, analysts can bring a new perspective to the way problems are
tackled. They’re also able to work with colleagues in areas such as
economics, statistics, social research and science.
Industry
OR professionals work across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing, to optimise resource allocation, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. Their role often involves data analysis, developing algorithms, and using software tools to simulate and predict outcomes. Industry OR practitioners must possess strong quantitative skills, practical problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to translate analytical insights into actionable strategies that drive organisational success.
Examples include NATS (National Air
Traffic Service), EY, British Airways, IBM, RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland)
to name just a few!
Academia
Academics in this field contribute to the body of knowledge through publishing in scholarly journals, presenting at conferences, and collaborating on interdisciplinary projects. They also play a crucial role in educating the next generation of OR professionals by teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, mentoring students, and guiding them in research endeavors.
This career path requires a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and computer science, combined with a passion for solving complex real-world problems.