Occupation Details
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.
Quick Navigation
Interests
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Enterprising
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$63,000.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$101,600.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$127,770.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
6,740
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
8,630
+189 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
689
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.3%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
More School - Graduate or advanced degree
Experience Requirements
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Training Details
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Systems Evaluation
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Engineering and Technology
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.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Innovation
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Mainframe computers
Technology
- A mathematical programming language AMPL
- Amazon Redshift
- Apache Pig
- Bash
- Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge
- Business Forecast Systems Forecast Pro
- C
- C++
- Cisco IOS
- Citrix cloud computing software
- Claritas PRIZM NE
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Database software
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Eko
- Extensible markup language XML
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- write technical specifications for computer systems, software or applications
- prepare reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- develop records management system
- prepare reports for management
- develop management control systems
- direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
- communicate technical information
- make presentations
- plan scientific research or investigative studies
- advise clients or customers
- provide expert testimony on research results
- recommend further study or action based on research data
- advise governmental or industrial personnel
- explain complex mathematical information
- write scholarly or technical research papers
- design computer programs or programming tools
- develop mathematical ideas or interpretations
- create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
- develop mathematical simulation models
- use cost benefit analysis techniques
- use interpersonal communication techniques
- use object-oriented computer programming techniques
- use scientific research methodology
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use long or short term production planning techniques
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use project management techniques
- use quantitative research methods
- use statistical cost estimation methods
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- follow statistical process control procedures
- confer with research personnel
- compile numerical or statistical data
- develop tables depicting data
- collect scientific or technical data
- assist with business or managerial research
- collect statistical data
- obtain information from individuals
- resolve engineering or science problems
- select business applications for computers
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- analyze operational or management reports or records
- perform statistical modeling
- evaluate management programs
- program computers for management analysis applications
- program computers using existing software
- use computer application flow charts
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- develop or maintain databases
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
- Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
- Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
- Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
- Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
- Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.
- Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.
- Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
- Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
- Observe the current system in operation, and gather and analyze information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources.
- Break systems into their components, assign numerical values to each component, and examine the mathematical relationships between them.
- Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data.
- Educate staff in the use of mathematical models.
- Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.
- Develop and apply time and cost networks to plan, control, and review large projects.
- Develop business methods and procedures, including accounting systems, file systems, office systems, logistics systems, and production schedules.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Analyze Math: Mathematics Tutorials and Problems
Free mathematics tutorials to help you explore and gain deep understanding of math topics. The site includes several java applets to investigate Graphs of Functions and Equations. Algebra,Trigonometry, Calculus, Geometry and Precalculus tutorials can be used either as complements to topics already studied or to learn a new topic through exploration.
Learn MoreCareers in Statistics: A World of Opportunity
Statisticians collect and analyze data, then calculate results using a specific design. They are able to draw conclusions and make decisions in the face of uncertainty. Statisticians provide crucial guidance in determining what information is reliable and which predictions can be trusted. Careers in Statistics informs the reader that mathematical and statistical knowledge is applied to social, economic, medical, political, and ecological problems in a variety of businesses and industries.
Learn MoreColumbia Education Center's Math Mini-Lessons (Elementary)
Youth Net is a server on the Internet that sponsors this group of lesson plans that came from the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshops. They were done by a consortium of teachers from 14 states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States.
Learn MoreColumbia Education Center's Math Mini-Lessons (High School)
Youth Net is a server on the Internet that sponsors this group of lesson plans that came from the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshops. They were done by a consortium of teachers from 14 states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States.
Learn MoreColumbia Education Center's Math Mini-Lessons (Intermediate)
Youth Net is a server on the Internet that sponsors this group of lesson plans that came from the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshops. They were done by a consortium of teachers from 14 states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States.
Learn MoreGoudreau Museum of Mathematics in Art and Science
The Goudreau Math Museum offers workshops for staff development. Workshops can be done either at the Goudreau Museum, located in New Hyde Park, NY, or at your school. The topics include using teddy bears, clowns and animals to help young children develop logical thinking to use as a problem-solving strategy, the concepts of shape, balance, symmetry, reflection, and 2-3 and 3-d space using geometric shapes to develop Art-Tessellations and a look at some surprising places to find math in and out of the classroom are available.
Learn MoreInformation for Undergraduate Students
Links to a variety of career descriptions, professional societies and publications.
Learn MoreInterMath
InterMath is a professional development effort designed to support teachers in becoming better mathematics educators. It focuses on building teachers' mathematical content knowledge through mathematical investigations that are supported by technology. Lesson plans include handouts.
Learn MoreJohnnie's Math Page
Johnnie's Math Page is a collection of K8 interactive math activities gathered by an elementary math teacher. This is great for individual practice or whole-group interactive whiteboard use. The activities include measurement, fractions, multiplication and more.
Learn MoreMath Dude: See How Cool Math Can Be Algebra Video Series
The Math Dude, a new video series helps middle and high school students improve their Algebra skills. These fast?paced programs are aimed at helping students with Algebra I and each five- to seven-minute episode may be viewed online through podcasts and iTunes.
Learn MoreMrs. Glosser's Math Goodies
Mrs. Glosser's Math Goodies' interactive math lessons, puzzles and worksheets are self-paced learning modules ideal for students of all ages and abilities and aspire to the NCTM Standards for Teaching mathematics. These interactive math lessons were created to help children develop problem-solving skills.
Learn MoreOperations research analysts
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MorePROMYS: Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists
PROMYS is a six week summer program at Boston University designed to encourage motivated high school students to explore the creative world of mathematics in a supportive community of peers, counselors, research mathematicians, and visiting scientists.
Learn MorePolytechnic University Mathematics Institute
The Mathematics Institute at Polytechnic University focuses on giving high school students real-world, problem-solving experience with an emphasis on pure and applied mathematics. Students will build their skills within areas such as Number Theory, Geometry, Combinatorics, and Elementary Analysis.
Learn MoreRader's NumberNut
NumberNut.com is a website that teaches the basics of math to all ages. It has sections on artithmetic which includes addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. More advanced ideas like fractions, decimals, and percentages have been added. Information on prealgebra topics is coming!
Learn MoreService Science, Management and Engineering (SSME)
Service Science, Management and Engineering (SSME) is a new multi-disciplinary research and academic effort that integrates aspects of established fields such as computer science, operations research, engineering, management sciences, business strategy, social and cognitive sciences, and legal sciences.
Learn MoreStudent Learning Assistance Center Math Tutorials
Looking to help your students get the most out of their math education? These math tutorials contain lessons for basic mathematics, algebra and geometry, precalculus and calculus. Interactive review exercises, powerpoint slides and easily printed text are included.
Learn MoreSuffolk County Community College Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)
The Science and Technology Entry Program develops the abilities and skills of students to prepare them for entry in careers in math, science, technology and the licensed professions. STEP serves underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students in selected school districts, grades 7 to 12.
Learn More